I need to get fit FAST - help!

[ChirpyKez]

I'm applying for the army and have my first appoinment coming up. I've been told I need to do 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes - as well as running 1 and a half miles in 13 minutes. I'm not worried about the running but I find sit-ups really hard and can not do hardly do any. What is the best way to improve?

[Lonnie]

Hi ChirpyKez,
A long time since I joined up, 1966, but I was given a full medical, to make sure I was fit enough, no exercises, that came in Basic Training, where you could still be disqualified if at the end, or during, for whatever reason, you didn't make the grade.

I would doubt very much if you would be expected to do the exercises you describe, but if johnlambert, (4GS) is around, he's more recent than me, i'd be interested to know myself.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[Bewlay Bros]

I thought sit up were banned as they cause too many back problems.

But if they still remain, don't over do them as it will put too much strain on your lower back. Practice leg raises instead which will tighten your obilexis (sp?)

As for the run, my father can do that and he is nearly 60!!!!! No problem at all.

However, unless things have changed when or if you do you sit ups you will be paired with an oppo. Choose the fattest one you can find who looks out of shape and when you count for each other just add a few more on if fallen short.

Good luck, but remember the real fittness starts once you are in.

[ChirpyKez]

Thanks both of you. To be honest I thought it was a case of getting fit when you're 'in' so to speak - I'm worried about these damn sit-ups, just been trying now and 50 seems a hell of a lot! I'm not too sure what to expect at my appointment, I guess it's just the first stage of many but I really want to do this, my current job {retail} is sooooo boring and I'm going nowhere fast.

[joannie10]

chanters - for the leg extensions can I ask are you bringing one leg in at a time or doing both at once? thanks

[ChirpyKez]

Thanks ever so much for the advice, I'll give it a go! I'm still not sure about the sit-ups - some people are saying that they think it'll be ones where you don't come up the whole way but I can't see it? I hope they are right!