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Post by Bowhunter on Mar 30, 2009 20:26:08 GMT -5
Starting Out Many people spend scads of time, money, and effort on acquiring the "right" rifle, optics, ammo, and related accessories.
Some of those folks even take the time and make the effort to develop competence in their use.
But how many people actually bother to do any maintenance, repairs, or upgrades on the single most important element in their weapons systems?
I am speaking, of course, about your body.
Think about the last time you were at the range.
How many folks there could finish a brisk two-mile walk over level terrain, carrying only a hydration bag or canteen?
Could you?
Let's be blunt: all of the cool gear in the world - and all of the skills needed to use it well - are not worth a tinker's damn if you are lying dead in a heap from a coronary.
So let's get going.
Step one - assessing the current situation. Please do the following in the next two weeks, if you'd care to take this journey:
1) Get a complete physical examination, including a cardiac stress test and any needed update to your immunizations;
2) Also get a complete eye exam, with freshly-corrected lenses for those of us lucky enough to wear glasses;
3) Finally, go to the dentist, get the check-up, and start any work indicated;
4) If your physician approves a fitness program, lay out a two-mile road course, with some variations (small inclines), in an area convenient for you.
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Post by aronatbc on Mar 30, 2009 20:33:09 GMT -5
I'm pushing 40. I work out 3 times a week. I even go for a run every now and then.
Getting in shape and at least keeping yourself in "good" condition is important for a number of reasons. You don't need to be a marathon runner, Mr. Olympia, or Lance Burton.
The hardest part is getting up off the couch and just doing SOMETHING. Everything else is icing...
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boblamar
Full Member
The Experts Agree, Gun Controll Works
Posts: 66
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Post by boblamar on Mar 31, 2009 17:05:56 GMT -5
I'm pushing 30 and need to improve my "equipment" considerably. Thanks for the reminder.
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Post by Gun Totin American on Mar 31, 2009 18:53:24 GMT -5
I am pushing 30 myself. My father always told me that after you turn 40, every day you wake up without some sort of pain is a blessing. I say to hell with that. Every day I wake up now without pain is a blessing. Luckily my employment keeps my equipment in good (not great, but good) condition. One of my hobbies is hiking with a frame pack into wooded/mountainous areas and camping. I find it helps you realize how bad of shape you are in.
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Post by mmszbi on Apr 1, 2009 2:07:48 GMT -5
I am 46, not fat, not fit either. I am fairly active at work, and the wife and I walk on a fairly regular basis, but something always hurts, not bad but enough for a constant reminder that i am not young in body, only in spirit.........so bring it on!
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Post by kiawahman on Apr 1, 2009 6:19:01 GMT -5
Excellent post. Formation, everybody ouside, PT!
I quit smoking and the wife & I started martial arts training two years ago at age 55. Best thing we ever did. Sure, we had to work hard to get up to speed with bicycling and hiking, and we never will be as good at head-high spinning back kicks or other 'areobatics' as the younger students are capable of, but we now have the physical conditioning and confidence to go anywhere and do anything. It's never too late to improve. Do not let your mind overlook your body.
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Post by tomfernandez on Apr 2, 2009 17:22:07 GMT -5
Thank you for posting this Dennis! I of all people should know better. I have started my journey 7-months ago and am on my way.
Will be contacting you this weekend.
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gnl
Full Member
FL State POC
Posts: 73
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Post by gnl on Apr 3, 2009 1:47:58 GMT -5
<--- eating bonbons and frowning at Bowhunter. I had to give up coffee. Are you suggesting I have to give up bonbons too???!!! I quit!!!
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Post by Gun Totin American on Apr 3, 2009 10:57:11 GMT -5
<--- eating bonbons and frowning at Bowhunter. I had to give up coffee. Are you suggesting I have to give up bonbons too???!!! I quit!!! As long as you can hike a couple of miles with the bonbons you're cool.
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boblamar
Full Member
The Experts Agree, Gun Controll Works
Posts: 66
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Post by boblamar on Apr 3, 2009 14:21:04 GMT -5
Just make sure the bobbons won't melt in your pack. I hear the british sas (special air service) uses boiled sweets (hard candy) to maintain quick energy levels.
At least that's MY excuse. I'm not siting on the couch eating a doughnut, I'm TRAINING! ;D
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Post by Desert Lion on Apr 4, 2009 20:45:10 GMT -5
I'm in shape.
Round is a shape.
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Post by cshoff on Apr 4, 2009 21:31:18 GMT -5
Being how I spend a lot of time hiking and hunting here in Central Missouri, I am pretty accustomed to moving across fairly rugged terrain. That said, I could certainly stand to lose a dozen pounds or so. If/when the time comes that you must vacate for your own safety, remember that you will have to not only be able to navigate the terrain, but you will have to do it with all the supplies you will need, at least for the short term, in order to survive. I suggest a sturdy, external frame back pack that you can grab at a moments notice and hit the road. You can also incorporate this into your routine training once you have doctor's approval to start your exercise regimine.
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Post by mrmorden on Apr 9, 2009 13:58:02 GMT -5
Fitness is imperative. I started on this a few years ago. Last month I finished my first half marathon in 1:47. I'm 42 years old.
Get on this, it will be important one day.
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gnl
Full Member
FL State POC
Posts: 73
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Post by gnl on Apr 9, 2009 23:28:44 GMT -5
<--- eating bonbons and frowning at Bowhunter. I had to give up coffee. Are you suggesting I have to give up bonbons too???!!! I quit!!! As long as you can hike a couple of miles with the bonbons you're cool. As long as you're dangling them in front of me, we're all set.
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Post by therev on Jun 9, 2009 14:44:37 GMT -5
One word of advice: If anyone's going to use martial arts as a form of excercise, or even as a supplement, please find a place that teaches mixed martial arts (MMA). If you don't know what I'm talking about, just look up UFC or MMA on YouTube and you'll find plenty of examples.
No, we're not trying to train and go pro, but MMA training is the closest to a street fight you're ever going to get without it being REAL. (And don't worry, kiawahman, fancy stuff is just fancy, and usually not very effective.).
For people in the Dayton, OH area, check out Midwest Martial Arts Academy. They have facilities in Fairborn and Springfield, and are VERY good.
In addition, Google "Rich Grannon" or "Street Fight Secrets". His instructional videos are excellent and his "system" is very much real-world effective.
Just my thoughts, folks.
The Rev
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Post by tomfernandez on Jun 9, 2009 19:06:14 GMT -5
Glad this thread has been resurrected. Since March 30th, I'm down 65 lbs. and still going. Heading to the pool right now as a matter of fact to go do some laps (do this 5 times a week) before our Regional POC Conference Call. See you guys in an hour. ;D
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Post by lighteye on Jun 10, 2009 13:50:31 GMT -5
:::sigh:::... I posted up on another forum inviting folks to get out in the backcountry with me on weekends for day hikes. I detected a lot of keyboard commandos who would be unable to answer any call if it's past their keyboard.
The shortest I'll go is 3 miles, but 7-10 is easily do-able, and I have done up to 20+ in a day.
I'm in my 40's, overweight, but have enough mental power to push my body where it needs to go. The aches definitely start adding up in the 4th decade, though.
I know I can disappear for a week and a half or so with what's on my back and no re-provisioning. If only I could hunt, I'd extend my range greatly.
Keeping the body somewhat prepared is important, and I have roughly 40# to shed to ease the strain on my back, hips, and knees.
I can still do 10 miles/day cross country with a full pack and hope others are readying themselves for the same. Your home may not always be the best place to be, and it would behoove you to be able to set up shop elsewhere in a hurry if necessary.
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sarge
Junior Member
Posts: 13
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Post by sarge on Jun 10, 2009 23:01:41 GMT -5
At 41 I hunt, hike, do cardio and weight training. I wrestled and trained in mauy thai in school and just a couple years ago I incorporated boxing into my regime.
Dump those extra pounds, it's hard on the knees and if you can't go mobile you aren't much good to anyone or yourself.
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Post by fireresque51 on Jun 14, 2009 22:04:49 GMT -5
one thing to look into is preasure point controle and knock out,,,, i am a black belt in kempo and have a brown belt in subok... i also learned the preasure point knock outs and let me tell you 3-4 taps on the right points will knock you out cold in less than 20 seconds and does not require alot of strength....George Dilman and Wally J teach these classes.... look for DKI Dilman Karate Institute for locations, there are also alot of under instructors around the country that teach through them.
BTW ive been prepairing for several years now and i have enough energy supplies for at least 3 week and I don't even need to take my back pach with me.....lol
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Post by avordvet on Jun 15, 2009 5:16:16 GMT -5
Excellent post. Formation, everybody outside, PT! Just had an old mental flash, of our NCO walking into the 30 man tent after some night ops and saying such none sense... and 30 middle fingers greeting him on his retreat...
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Post by tomfernandez on Jun 15, 2009 14:55:04 GMT -5
70 lbs down now. =)
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Post by hefferman1 on Jun 16, 2009 2:52:19 GMT -5
Getting in shape is a top priority for me. I've always kept myself in shape, but was injured. This limited my ability to be in shape. I'm working my way back now. When I can once again score a 300 on a Marine Corps PFT, I will be starting to get back in shape. As far as Martial Arts goes, there is a Krava Maga School in Lexington, KY. Krava Maga is the best combat Martial Arts. IMHO They train for real world armed and unarmed combat. I plan on studying there when physically able to withstand major impact again.
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Post by IA_PoC on Jun 16, 2009 22:44:25 GMT -5
Not only is being physically fit and having your gear mastered important, I believe that the most important element that puts it all together is your MENTAL TOUGHNESS.
Throw your emotions out the window, because they may compromise the safety of you and/or your team at some point or another. Get your mind ready to handle insanity...the best that you can anyway. And just when you think that things can't get any crazier, they do.
Better know how to handle it.
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