Military Muscle: Prepare for deployment with fitness gear at home - Military Health, military health and wellness, military physical fitness - Military Times

Military Muscle: Prepare for deployment with fitness gear at home

In a recent column, I talked about making your workouts reflect real life. Now, let’s talk about two pieces of fitness equipment service members can use when they deploy or train for deployment. Because a weight room or gym might not be available every day, these tools will help build a stronger body while mimicking real-life movements and weight loads.

Stateside-base fitness trainers and command fitness leaders, by whatever service title, should have an understanding of this equipment and how it can be utilized in a fitness program, so if you have questions, ask one of them. You should look for a fitness program that’s seamless — one that can go anywhere you might go — to get the most out of it.

Here are some key items that can be used on the war front or home front and can help build strength for your everyday life:

TRX

Commonly known as “suspension trainers,” TRX and similar gear are portable, body-weight-based equipment. Essentially, TRX uses parachute rigging that can be adjusted for length via quick-release buckles. Two foam-covered handles with straps can hold either your foot or your heel to allow for multiple workouts. A carabiner or door stop allows this equipment to be anchored almost anywhere.

Because TRX is a suspension trainer, your core and its associated stabilizing muscles — specifically your obliques — are always targeted to varying degrees regardless of the exercise.

I have used it for almost three years, and whenever I put someone on it, they always come away amazed. Fitness leaders aboard the bigger Navy ships utilize TRX, and some warships even have a custom-built bar where you can anchor several of them in line. Soldiers and Marines have deployed with them in their duffle bags. Solid, light and adaptable to any scenario, TRX has all the bases covered.

For details on a 20 percent military discount, head to an exercise equipment store or visit www.fitnessanywhere.com.

V-Max weight vest

If you want to acclimate your body to the demands of a combat equipment load — and reap the associated muscle and cardio benefits — strap on one of these adjustable weight vests for a real workout booster.

Made of tough, Cordura ballistic material, the V-Max includes a removable — and washable — liner. The vests come in weights from 25 to 100 pounds for men and 15 to 75 pounds for women. The weights are removable, allowing you to adjust the overall weight. The adjustable straps make them one size fits all. Visit www.weightvest.com for details.

About the author

Bob Thomas, a fitness trainer and retired naval flight officer, is director of the Navy Wellness Center in Pensacola, Fla. E-mail him at jomof14@cox.net.