Bodybuilding program leading to armed forces

[Lou1607]

Hello,

I'm currently a 19 year old student and am looking at a career in the armed forces (RAF Regiment specifically) once I leave university in 2 years.

I'm 6ft and fairly skinny and I weigh 70kg. I've never done any weight training before, but have been doing a circuit including pressups, crunches, tricep dips, leg raises and hyperextensions for 3 days a week, over the last month.
I have also been trying to increase my calorie and protein intake, and am currently on 4 meals a day totalling around 3400 calories and 180g of protein.

I've read the Rippetoe FAQ and BRIT_BEEF's split programs and I suppose I plan to use one of these plans to build up some solid muscle and get "bigger" generally, before focusing on the cardio side.

My question is, is bodybuilding the best first step, followed up by cardio to maximise my overall fitness with the goal of joining the armed forces?

Also, are there certain programs/methods of training which are better suited for pretty skinny guys who have trouble getting bigger?

Thank you very much
Lou

[Solidshot]

Originally Posted by Lou1607

Hello,

I'm currently a 19 year old student and am looking at a career in the armed forces (RAF Regiment specifically) once I leave university in 2 years.

I'm 6ft and fairly skinny and I weigh 70kg. I've never done any weight training before, but have been doing a circuit including pressups, crunches, tricep dips, leg raises and hyperextensions for 3 days a week, over the last month.
I have also been trying to increase my calorie and protein intake, and am currently on 4 meals a day totalling around 3400 calories and 180g of protein.

I've read the Rippetoe FAQ and BRIT_BEEF's split programs and I suppose I plan to use one of these plans to build up some solid muscle and get "bigger" generally, before focusing on the cardio side.

My question is, is bodybuilding the best first step, followed up by cardio to maximise my overall fitness with the goal of joining the armed forces?

Also, are there certain programs/methods of training which are better suited for pretty skinny guys who have trouble getting bigger?

Thank you very much
Lou

In some of the careers offices they will give u a workout plan for what every regiment you are wishing to go in to, but i do know that to get in the RAF reg. u need to get 10.2 or higher on the 20m bleep test

[piszczel]

My advice would be to focus on calisthenics and fitness rather than building muscle... If you look at training done by any military units, most of the time they run/swim/cycle.

[Lou1607]

Ok, thanks.

I've been running 30mins, three times a week but it's just so dull. I've also started doing 1 session of interval training focusing on sprinting.

If I do focus more on the running side of things, is it still helpful to put in some basic weights to increase my strength? Or would the 4 days of cardio destroy any progress made with weights?

Thanks again
Lou

[piszczel]

Make it interesting then. Play a sport instead of just running, or do free running or whatever.
Make sure you eat a lot if you want to do weight training and cardio. You will make gains as long as you eat enough.