Most people who email me are pretty motivated but need guidance on how to get to a new level of fitness and health. From the unfit seeking to getting healthy and lose weight to the athlete seeking to change from a sport workout routine to a military workout routine to better prepare for the different challenges that the military provides, I am honored to help.
However, every now and then I receive emails from those who say they want to be in the military but have been unmotivated for a year or more to physically prepare for a profession in the military or law enforcement. This is a problem. With the present recession of the economy and many job losses, recruiter's offices are full of young and older recruits looking for a job.
Here is an email from a young man seeking to join either the military or police force:
Hello - I am a recent college graduate and used to be an athlete in high school, but have not worked out in more than two years with any consistency. I know I need to lose weight for my health but I also want to get a job in the military or police. I am not sure which one and I just cannot get motivated to go and workout. Any suggestions?
The good news is that you are young enough to get in shape relatively quickly. Four to six months of daily fitness at your age will help your ability to survive whatever training you are seeking. However, ask yourself is this an attempt at "job hunting" or are you really motivated to serve your country in the military or police force. These are honorable professions that require personal drive, commitment, and motivation to succeed not just a place to pick up a check every two weeks.
One day while performing your duties, your fitness may mean the difference of life and death of yourself or your buddy. If that does not motivate you to workout then I am not going to be able to do it by holding your hand and telling you that you can do it if you try. You have to ask yourself, do you really want to serve your country enough that you are willing to suck up the pain of preparation in order to achieve the goal of proudly wearing that uniform?
Another thing you will develop when you start to train hard is the confidence in yourself. You will sharpen your mental toughness by pushing your fitness levels each week.
One thing I have learned by being in the military / law enforcement fitness and fitness writing business for the past ten years is you can set the example for people to follow but you cannot make them follow. I do not motivate people to workout - YOU have to do that and when you are motivated to workout - let me know and I can help you get the the level of fitness you need.
When you are truly motivated to serve, you will do whatever in your power to prepare yourself. You have to understand that we are at war with people who want to shoot you for your ideals and beliefs. Whether it is your belief of freedom for all or justice to those who break the law, you will one day embody that belief in the uniform you choose to wear. It is not just a job - it is a noble profession that you will always treasure having served in and you will never forget those who served and the new generation that still serves after you.
Here is a related email from someone who is overweight but wants to be in the military. MY ANSWERS IN CAPS.
You think it's possible to overcome being *that* out of shape? YES - ABSOLUTELY - IN FACT - ABOUT 60% OF THE PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME HAVE TO LOSE WEIGHT TO MEET MILITARY HT/WT STANDARDS. IT IS JUST A COMMON ISSUE NOW DAYS. SO YOU ARE NOT ALONE - THAT SHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL A BIT BETTER. SEE FREE WORKOUTS BELOW FOR TIPS.
How do you keep yourself from losing motivation when trying to work out and lose weight? BY REMINDING MYSELF WHAT I AM WORKING OUT FOR - A PROFESSION THAT IS HONORABLE AND REQUIRES FITNESS TO PERHAPS SAVE YOUR LIFE, YOUR BUDDIES LIFE, OR SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE...YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL BE CALLED TO HAVE TO PHYSICALLY PERFORM AND IT BE A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH.
Or is this dream just one of those things that I should probably let go of? NO - NEVER LET GO OF A DREAM. NOT ALL PEOPLE CAN SERVE DUE TO MEDICAL OR LEGAL REASONS - BUT BEING OVERWEIGHT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WILL DISQUALIFY YOU FROM SERVICE. YOU JUST HAVE TO WANT TO SERVE BAD ENOUGH TO WORK OUT AND EAT RIGHT ON A DAILY BASIS. IF YOU LOOK AT IT - IT IS THE LEAST YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU TO BE FIT...
Now get to work! It is not my job to motivate you to serve your country! It is YOURS. It will be YOU who gets through the training and it is you who will have to prepare properly to succeed.
