What can I do physically to peepare myself for marine corp training?

[Dena K]

Since you haven't joined yet, you have time to get in better shape. Since you do not know what to eat, and you want to eat for specific goal (ie get to a healthier weight and build muscle) I would suggest going to a sports nutritionist. Sometimes your health insurance will pay for it. If you are still on your parents' insurance, call the insurance company to find out. That will help with the nutritional aspect of it all and you will get solid information not a bunch of faddish crap that is found in a lot of "diet" books.

Secondly, you have to start running. If you haven't ran for awhile. Start slow with half a mile or even just walking half a mile. When you can do that without breathing hard, increase it to a mile. When you can run a mile without breathing hard (in through your nose, out your mouth), increase in half mile increments until you can run 3 miles. Then just work on speed. Remember to warm up. You do not want to pull a muscle or get shin splints.

Swimming, is in my opinion, the best all around exercises to get in shape. It works your cardio plus it uses almost every major muscle group. If you don't swim well, or don't know different strokes, take a a few lessons. It is important to swim using different strokes because different strokes work different muscles. The backstroke is good for your triceps and that is a muscle that people usually neglect but that one needs for pull-ups or timed hangs. Try to improve or develop your breast stroke because it will really help with your core muscles.

And speaking of core muscles, you should try to take a Pilates or body sculpting class. You really need to get your core in shape. Your core is what is going to help you bust out your sit-ups plus if you have a strong core it helps with carrying your pack during humps. Also, body sculpting/Pilates helps you get more limber which will help decrease injuries plus it will help you get into different firing positions better.

Lastly, don't let your size discourage you. I have a really good buddy in the Marines(we still chat on Facebook) that is 5'2. I don't think she ever weighed more than 110 or 120 and she was able to keep up. I'm not telling you it will be easy. It is harder to keep up when you are running next to a guy who is 6'2 but its not impossible. You just have to have the mental toughness...the tenacity..to just keep going no matter what and if you start preparing now, you will have the physical toughness also.

If you have anymore questions about what it is like to be a Marine, and specifically a Woman Marine, feel free to contact me.

Good Luck