The Best Fitness Goal You Can Set For Yourself

It's that time of year when people start thinking about getting in shape and exercising. I'm one of them too. If you're looking for a fun and cool way to do this, this just might be the answer you're looking for.

I came across someone the other day who had pinned their physical fitness goals to the physical fitness standards for the U.S. military. I can't remember who it was, or what their chosen career path was, but I though this was a brilliant idea. It gives you something to shoot for, it's attainable, and it's a really good standard for physical fitness.

It's generally accepted that our military are some of the most in-shape people in our country. No doubt they need to be due to the demands of their jobs. But, if you're like me, you may not have a physically demanding job, and we all need to be in good shape. I've got a family to take care of and I want to be able to be adventurous and keep up with my daughter.

I have to get up and get active. As a web designer I spend far too much time in front of my computer and I have to get in shape.

Even better, since there are 5 different branches of military service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) there are different standards for each one.

The Army's test consists of push-ups, pull-ups, and a two-mile run. For the Navy it's a 1.5 mile run, crunches and push-ups. The Air Force also has a 1.5 mile run, sit-ups, pull -ups and push ups which is similar to the Marine Corps test which also includes push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups along with a 3 mile run. The Coast Guard Test also includes a swimming test in addtion to the standard exercises.

You can score yourself on charts readily available to chart your progress according to your age. You can also chart your progress over time and measure your body composition against their standards.

With any kind of program, you have to start somewhere. You may start with a low score. It may be that you can't complete the exercises in the alloted time. But just get started. Why not peg yourself to known standards and get to work?

Sure, it's challenging, especially if you spend as many hours in front of a computer as I do, but that's part of the fun isn't it? 

image by WarriorForge