Are you battle ready?
By Anthony Cettina
“Let’s go…we gotta keep moving. Come on!!”
“I can’t…(gasping for breath)…I’m tired. I can’t go any further…you go on without me…”
“There’s no way I’m leaving you behind! Now pick it up…”
Although this real world dialogue may have only been two people trying to catch an interstate flight out of Los Angeles (actual scenario with my wife and I), it could have been any number of things, up to and including a desperate escape from a disastrous situation.
When most people think of preparedness, they think of their emergency gear or their mental state of mind…but what about our bodies? All the gear and tactical training in the world can’t help you if you’re running for safety but must stop short because you’re out of breath! Nonetheless, your physical limitations can be improved by simply focusing on a few key factors:
1. Find a sport or organized activity that you enjoy and participate regularly. This is something we've all done as children but tend to disengage from as adults. It’s also part of the reason why kids are hard-wired with, what sometimes seems to be, unlimited energy! You may want to consider softball, paintball, soccer, martial arts, football, ultimate Frisbee, running, track and field, boxing, basketball, weight-lifting, circuit training, cross-fit, etc.
2. If a recreational softball league is simply not in the cards for you, take up an outdoor hobby that you can grow to love. This might include swimming, gardening, taking regular walks, hiking/backpacking, cycling, rollerblading, kayaking, hunting, geo-caching, adventure racing, and the list goes on…
3. If the thought of being outdoors haunts you altogether, don’t give up…there’s still hope for you! Within the home there are plenty of things you can do to increase your physical readiness. My wife and I like to do a routine we’ve nicknamed the 5x5x5.
Here’s how it works:
5 Exercises
Push-ups (x 20 reps)
Lunges (x 20 reps)
Squats (x 20 reps)
Sit-ups (x 20 reps)
Plank (20 seconds)
x 5 Sets
x 5 Days a Week
If this seems too tough, modify it to fit your needs. Maybe try 3x3x3 to start and build from there. Nonetheless, whatever exercise program you decide to do, always ensure you’re doing the exercises correctly and please consult with your doctor before starting a workout regiment of any kind, especially if have pre-existing health conditions or past injuries. Be smart and stay safe.
In addition to preparing our bodies for what life may throw our way, getting involved in a hobby, sport, or other physical activity will also sharpen the mind, provide an outlet for stress, and give meaning and purpose to life outside of work. You can also find great satisfaction in the above-mentioned activities when shared with friends and loved ones! So, whether you’re preparing for doomsday or simply looking to improve your life and overall health, get off your couch, turn off the television, and make the most of this one shot at life you are granted!
Anthony Cettina is a avid outdoors man, prepper and loving husband out of California. A former police officer and personal trainer, he gives the Anvil Blog vital insight in to health, wellness and tactical advantages.
“Let’s go…we gotta keep moving. Come on!!”
“I can’t…(gasping for breath)…I’m tired. I can’t go any further…you go on without me…”
“There’s no way I’m leaving you behind! Now pick it up…”
Although this real world dialogue may have only been two people trying to catch an interstate flight out of Los Angeles (actual scenario with my wife and I), it could have been any number of things, up to and including a desperate escape from a disastrous situation.
When most people think of preparedness, they think of their emergency gear or their mental state of mind…but what about our bodies? All the gear and tactical training in the world can’t help you if you’re running for safety but must stop short because you’re out of breath! Nonetheless, your physical limitations can be improved by simply focusing on a few key factors:
1. Find a sport or organized activity that you enjoy and participate regularly. This is something we've all done as children but tend to disengage from as adults. It’s also part of the reason why kids are hard-wired with, what sometimes seems to be, unlimited energy! You may want to consider softball, paintball, soccer, martial arts, football, ultimate Frisbee, running, track and field, boxing, basketball, weight-lifting, circuit training, cross-fit, etc.
 |
| If you are enjoying it and you are sweating then its yielding results. |
2. If a recreational softball league is simply not in the cards for you, take up an outdoor hobby that you can grow to love. This might include swimming, gardening, taking regular walks, hiking/backpacking, cycling, rollerblading, kayaking, hunting, geo-caching, adventure racing, and the list goes on…
 |
| Hiking with friends not only sharpens your physical abilities, but you social dynamics as well, both are key to survival. |
3. If the thought of being outdoors haunts you altogether, don’t give up…there’s still hope for you! Within the home there are plenty of things you can do to increase your physical readiness. My wife and I like to do a routine we’ve nicknamed the 5x5x5.
 |
| Indoor or outdoor, It does not matter, just start to care for your most important tool, your body. |
Here’s how it works:
5 Exercises
Push-ups (x 20 reps)
Lunges (x 20 reps)
Squats (x 20 reps)
Sit-ups (x 20 reps)
Plank (20 seconds)
x 5 Sets
x 5 Days a Week
If this seems too tough, modify it to fit your needs. Maybe try 3x3x3 to start and build from there. Nonetheless, whatever exercise program you decide to do, always ensure you’re doing the exercises correctly and please consult with your doctor before starting a workout regiment of any kind, especially if have pre-existing health conditions or past injuries. Be smart and stay safe.
In addition to preparing our bodies for what life may throw our way, getting involved in a hobby, sport, or other physical activity will also sharpen the mind, provide an outlet for stress, and give meaning and purpose to life outside of work. You can also find great satisfaction in the above-mentioned activities when shared with friends and loved ones! So, whether you’re preparing for doomsday or simply looking to improve your life and overall health, get off your couch, turn off the television, and make the most of this one shot at life you are granted!
Anthony Cettina is a avid outdoors man, prepper and loving husband out of California. A former police officer and personal trainer, he gives the Anvil Blog vital insight in to health, wellness and tactical advantages.
Comments
Post a Comment