Exercise can be such a bore, can’t it? We know. But there’s no getting away from the fact that if you want to stay in shape then you’ve got to “just do it” to quote the celebrated Nike slogan. The problem is generally one of motivation, isn’t it? Either you can’t get going in the first place or you can’t keep going once you’ve started. What you need is training inspiration and variety, both of which we will now seek to provide with a little assistance from two US institutions renowned for their particularly “manly” approach to physical fitness.
The NFL
When you’re flicking through the NFL live scores this season and snacking away on junk, remember that football can be a great source of guidance for your training, regardless of your level and experience. This is because it focuses on all-round physical development. It’s true that some of those heavy defensive tackles probably aren’t what most people have in mind when they think of fitness, but putting those highly specialized players aside, football training is about producing a complete athlete.
Techniques such as Olympic style lifting are used to develop explosive power and are mixed in with middle distance running to ensure that players have enough endurance to last a whole game. Practical movements such as weighted sledge pushes and pulls are combined with track style drills for precise footwork and then a range of exercises involving plenty of abrupt stopping and starting motions develop agility.
So next time you’re browsing results online, use that enthusiasm and channel it for you own training. It doesn’t have to be too technical, just remember to mix it up – bring in a wide variety of exercises to your workout and make sure you’re changing the location – head to a park, not just the gym or get to a track sometimes if you can.
United States Navy SEALs
If you think NFL is tough, think again as it’s got nothing on SEAL training. Since this elite unit was formed back in WW2 there have been various books, shows and movies made about these guys, so the chances are you probably already know a little something about them. Perhaps the best known is GI Jane, the movie that saw Demi Moore shave her head to play Jordan O’Neil, the feisty lieutenant determined to triumph in the macho world of SEAL training. Very inspiring stuff!
The essence of this fitness training is practical strength and endurance. Lots of traditional calisthenics are used such as push-ups and sit-ups to build a solid base of fitness. This is paired with a huge amount of endurance training with added resistance. It could be a run with the addition that it’s done on sand, making every step that much harder, or with a loaded pack, or even carrying a boat as a team! Of course there’s lots of swimming involved as well, again with added resistance through being in the sea and usually with kit.
Again, when you’re trying to bring in SEAL stuff for your own motivation and training, you don’t need to go too crazy. Don’t go thinking it’s not for you as it’s just ridiculously hard-core. The principles are what to focus on. Ditch the machines and go back to basics every few sessions. Use calisthenics, adding resistance with a loaded backpack or doing squats with a buddy on your back. Do practical movements such as rope climbs, and try to cultivate that celebrated SEAL determination. Remember that however hard it gets, after your little hour of pain, you get to go home, shower and relax and don’t have to get shouted at by an angry instructor!
