Life After The Military: Exercise Strategy

By now if you are like most of the clients I have worked with, you are starting to lose sight of who you once were.

Your mind is still there, but you know you need to do better with your physical prowess. 

After all, you were once in peak condition.

But “civi” life takes its toll on you.  

With all the added responsibility and time constraints, it can be hard to put yourself first.

So here are 3 key “Actions On” to help change your approach and get you fighting fit again. 

Establish a Routine

One of the key elements of military life is a structured routine.

 As you transition to civilian life, creating a new routine that incorporates exercise is vital.

Plan your week in advance, setting aside dedicated time for physical activity. 

Something I do with my clients is, treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself, just like any other important commitment.

The key to this is being realistic. Don’t plan for a 2 hour gym session, when you know that’s not going to happen.

Points to note, any movement is a win when time is up against you. 

You don’t have to do a 5k minimum to reap the rewards!

A 15 min walk is  better than fuck all!

Choose Activities You Enjoy:

Something that boggles me, when people say “I know I  should run because it’s really good for you, but I just hate it” 

I think you can hear my eyes rolling up as we speak. 

Just because you had to do something in the military, doesn’t mean you should do it now!

I have been running since 2015!

Engaging in activities you genuinely enjoy increases the likelihood of sticking to an exercise routine. 

Whether it's weightlifting, running, swimming, martial arts, or team sports, find an activity that sparks your interest and gives you a sense of fulfillment. 

Experiment with different forms of exercise until you discover the ones that resonate with you the most.

Whatever you choose, make sure it has some resistance training in there, it will pay dividends when you are older.

Start Small and Progress Gradually:

It's essential to ease into an exercise routine to prevent injuries and burnout.

It makes me laugh the amount of people who have been out of action for 2 years, suddenly decide to go on a 5 miler and it fucks them for a week.

You wouldn’t go straight into a 200kg deadlift after taking 2 years off! 

Begin with shorter workout sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity over time. 

Finding your baseline level activity is paramount, this should be something you know you can commit too, even if the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse come over the hill! 

You can push from there when time allows and then revert back to baseline when life gets in the way!

Remember, progress is a journey, not an overnight achievement. Consistency is key, and even small steps in the right direction can lead to significant improvements.

As ex-military men, we have experienced the physical demands and benefits of regular exercise. 

While transitioning to civilian life brings its own set of challenges, incorporating exercise into your routine remains vital for your well-being.

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If you are ready to step out of the pit of despair and push forward in your assault on your fitness goal.

If you want to find a strategy that is manageable, mouldable to your individual lifestyle.

That focuses on exercise, nutrition and mindset.

Click the link below and book a FREE DISCOVERY CALL.

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Let’s see what it would look like to work together!