Hey, I was wondering what I could do to raise my endurance. I already run for 20 minutes each morning on weekdays before school and I do pushups and sit ups every night before bed. I was wondering what I can do to raise my endurance because it doesn't feel like i'm progressing. Any information would help, thanks.

Do more than just the basic exercises. Try new ones out, that way you increase your range of motion, overall endurance/stamina....and don't forget to vary them. After a while of doing the same exercises over and over again, progress sometimes slows down.

By varying your exercises and including muscles you haven't focused on before, it's like you're constantly challenging your body.

try wind sprints. short bursts rather than sustained runs. stopping and going are great. one of my favorite are called super chiefs. i use them on the freshmen football team all the time. you sprint 5yds then back. then 5yds back, 10yds and back. then 5, 10, 15 back. the total distance you go depends on your current level of endurance.

wind sprints are the key. variation as well. change up your routine, because when your body gets used to what its doing, it wont gain as fast.

I agree with the others - some variation would help.

When I was still seriously involved in distance running, one recommended training regime was something like:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Distance running.
Weekend: Sprint work in the style behemoth79 mentioned earlier.
Tuesdays, Thursdays: Stretching, arm and abdomen exercises.

Also you didn't mention your distance or type of terrain you were covering with your runs. The ideal terrain would be a mixture of hills and straights. If you are unsure of the distance you are currently covering, I'd suggest investing in a pedometer. They can keep track of how much you are actually running, and you can gradually increase both your distance and your speed.

Speaking of which, I ought to drag my lazy ass off the computer and towards my running shoes.

-Ramjet

Thanks for the advice. I live in arizona so i mostly run in flat areas. I usually run about 2+ miles, not sure exactly how much though. Thanks again for the advice.

Having been a former commander of a BT unit, I will have to tell you.. run, run, run Forest run. Variation is good because you need to stress certan muscles and doing the same workout just gets boring.

When you first get to do PT at basic, you will do 20 minutes of running for the first week or so, then it is increased throughout the trianing cycle.

Just try and be in good shape prior to coming to BT.

swim
its great for increasing lung capacity

Originally Posted by EuropeanAmerican

Thanks for the advice. I live in arizona so i mostly run in flat areas. I usually run about 2+ miles, not sure exactly how much though. Thanks again for the advice.

If the terrain is flat, you might want to try stairwork.

Also, I agree with Locke - swimming is a great form of exercise.

Im 17 and not in shape, can anyone give me a basic workout that i could do with out going to the gym to get ready for USMC BT?

Originally Posted by FULLMETALJACKET

Im 17 and not in shape, can anyone give me a basic workout that i could do with out going to the gym to get ready for USMC BT?

These are some things I do sometimes.

1. Run on the treadmill for 30 minutes

2. 3 sets of 30 pushups

3. 3 sets of 30 v-ups

4. 3 sets of v-holds for 1 minute

And besides those, I just stay active. Don't just sit at the computer all day. Go out and play football with your friends, ride your bike. Do some exercise. For me, doing those things keeps me in shape. Also another thing, don't drink soda. (too much calories and sugar :/) Don't eat a lot of candy. I know both of those are really, really hard to do, but they help a lot.