The United States Marine Corps Workout

I got this book in the hopes of finding challenging but do-able workout. There are many books that capitalise on the idea of Marine Corps training, for good reason - Marines are tough! Fair warning -- this book is not by Marines. The author Andrew Flach is a fitness expert, joined by a well-known freelance photographer (Peter Field Peck). This book is part of the Five Star Fitness Series that looks at the kinds of workouts of all the branches of the military. My father was in the military, as are many close friends, and I have always admired their fitness achievements - thus it makes sense I might opt for a military-inspired fitness programme. This book is not simply a workout book. It is an introduction to the Marine Corps. There is more to Corps fitness than just doing push-ups and log drills. When you are in boot camp the mind is shaped as much as the body. To help with this history and mindset, the authors consulted (according to the credits) officers from the Pentagon, Parris Island, Quantico, and a corporal from San Diego. The reader is introduced to the Mission of the Marine Corps. In addition to the workouts listed here, there are pictures and essay snapshots of what recruits actually endure in training. This book also gives some basic history of the Marines, and also walks through arrival at boot camp, either Parris Island, South Carolina or San Diego, California, the two Marine Corps Recruit Depots (boot camps). Just like recruit training, the book starts with an Initial Strength Test: for men, Pull-ups - at least 2 ; Situps - at least 35 in two minutes; 1.5 mile run - in at least 13:30 minutes. For women, Flex-arm hang - at least 17 seconds; Situps - at least 35 in two minutes; 1 mile run - in at least 10:30 minutes. The book talks about basic Recruit Physical Training, detailing formation runs, squad ability runs, rifle PT, log drills and like activities. The Circuit Course is shown here including steps with boxes, ropes, chin-ups, weight training. It isn't until half-way through the book that the reader actually gets to some exercises you can do. This section begins with the Daily 16, a combination of stretches and exercises. These are organized by cards, that are actual laminated cards the Drill Instructors carry around for leading. There is one warmup card, two stretching cards, and three exercise cards. These should be rotated over time for use. The exercises on the cards are described in words and pictures for the next 40 pages, and then there is an additional section on rifle PT. Readers without a rifle can use any longish bar or object. One of the points of interest in this book are the highlights of individual Marines. Marines work as a team, but rarely shy from the limelight as individuals. Sergeants Joseph Simpson, Baldemar Benavidez, and Charles Rollins, Warrant Officer Andrew Burns of the British Royal Marines, Lieutenant Commander Dennis Rocheford of the US Navy (a Navy chaplain serving with the Marines), and Captain

If you are thinking about the Corps, going back into the Corps, or are in the Corps, this book is a good guide for the physical fitness that one must achieve and sustain. As a prior Marine attempting to get into the Officer Corps, I am finding this book indispensable in my daily routine of trying to get back into shape. I do however suggest that you photocopy the workout pages and laminate them for ease of reference and in the name of keeping the book together in one piece. Good luck in all your endeavors.

As a fromer Marine, I like to keep up with Marine Corps PT. This is a great book for anyone who wants to workout like a Marine or someone who is getting in shape for boot camp or OCS. These are the same workouts that Marines use daily and while on sea duty. The rifle PT section is excellent and you do not need an M16 to make full use of this workout. The book explains more than just workout routines. It does have other information that one may not use. Semper Fi

This book is just really the best I've ever seen of its kind. Workout books never really did much for me in the way of motivation, but this one truly did/does.The book is full of easy-to-follow writing that provides good information both for the workout and about our Marine Corps. With full and detailed walk-throughs of both enlisted and OCS physical training courses, the book covers just about anything that anyone considering the USMC would want to know.The workout itself is clearly laid out with pictures of each exercise being executed with proper form and with schedules that work for beginners and advanced alike.If you want a general information book about physical training in the USMC or if you just want a solid, easy, all-over body workout...you have GOT to look into this book.

If you've been out of shape for awhile or you have never been in shape then this is the book to get. The workouts start you off at a low pace that increases it's cadance as the months roll on. The "Daily 16," in itself, is a great workout that you can perfrom ANYWHERE. This, along with the rest of the PT ideas, will give you a great amount of variety in your workouts - hence - no boredom. No equipment needed! Just your desire to get in the best shape of your life!