With summer just around the corner, you’re most likely thinking about the warm sun and hanging out at the beach or pool. If you don’t think that your body is “swimsuit ready” and you don’t have enough time to exercise, don’t worry. Here are some effective, last minute home workouts you can do to get ready for swimsuit season: Continue reading “Last Minute Home Workouts for Swimsuit Season”
Category: Beginner Fitness Tips
Healthy Fitness Hacks for Stay-at-Home Dads
Being a stay-at-home dad can make it difficult to workout daily, but it isn’t impossible. You can get in some good exercises around the house and play with the kids at the same time with these fitness hacks: Continue reading “Healthy Fitness Hacks for Stay-at-Home Dads”
Everything You Need to Know About OPAT
In February 2016, it was announced that there would be new Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) required for incoming soldiers into the army. If you are going into the military or are planning on it, here’s what you need to know:
What is OPAT?
The OPAT is used to determine a soldier’s career path based on their individual fitness level. For 
example, if they want to serve in a specific branch, they will have to be able to meet the standard. If they cannot, then they are recommended to a branch that better fits their capabilities.
It is designed to be gender-neutral, allowing for women to occupy positions that were closed to them in the past. The OPAT is different from other tests in that it establishes a baseline fitness profile for recruits that doesn’t discriminate based on age or gender.
Finally, OPAT is used to predict a recruit’s physical capability to perform the tasks assigned to them like heavy lifting or hiking far distances. The physical capability of recruits and soldier to perform the tasks set to them affects the military at large. If they aren’t physically fit, then they cannot do their jobs or serve effectively, it can be lethal if they go overseas. The priority is to make sure that recruits and soldiers can do the job and be safe.
What Will OPAT Consist Of?
The new OPAT test will consist of four exercises designed to test upper and lower body strength in addition to a soldier’s aerobic fitness:
According to TRADOC, “think of the OPAT as the ASVAB for physical aptitude, predicting whether or not a recruit will be physically able to succeed in a combat arms occupation by the end of their training.”
How Can You Prepare?
You can prepare for the OPAT by working with a fitness trainer who can help you determine what areas you need to improve in and give you advice like:
With that in mind, it’s advised that you practice the above exercises so you will know how to perform them safely and to the best of your ability. It is also important to remember not to overtrain. Overtraining can be harmful and by doing the same exercises over and over again you will not be challenging your body.
Instead, train by doing a variety of exercises that will challenge your body and keep your workouts from getting boring. Keep a healthy balance of strength and cardio for a strong, balanced workout.
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4 Protein Myths Debunked
There’s no mistake: protein is good for us and we need it to function properly. However, there are some myths surrounding this necessary nutrient. Continue reading “4 Protein Myths Debunked”
3 “Eureka!” Moments to Feel Proud of Your Progress
Setting fitness goals for yourself and finding the motivation to regularly hit the gym is exciting. However, results will take a little time to start to show, so don’t let yourself become discouraged if you aren’t seeing them as quickly as you’d like. Instead of becoming discouraged and impatient, take a look these reassuring aspects that will restore your fitness motivation along the way: Continue reading “3 “Eureka!” Moments to Feel Proud of Your Progress”
Steer Clear of These 3 Fitness Marketing Schemes
The fitness industry has taken off at an incredible rate over the last few years. The rise in popularity has given many brands of products and services within the health and fitness industry the opportunity to follow suit. But how can you tell which products are legitimate and which ones are simply designed to dupe you? To make it a bit easier, check out these few fitness marketing schemes that don’t truly represent the results they are promising: Continue reading “Steer Clear of These 3 Fitness Marketing Schemes”
Everything You Need to Know About Weight Loss Supplements
Everyone wants to lose weight fast and what better and easier way to do that than taking a pill just a few times a day? Think again. Before you hop on board the weight loss supplement bandwagon, here is some important information you need to know. Continue reading “Everything You Need to Know About Weight Loss Supplements”
Top 10 Most Common Myths about Personal Trainers
With more people hiring personal trainers these days, there are quite a few myths floating around about their job and whether or not their services are worth it. Take a look at these 10 common myths about personal trainers and the truths that set them straight: Continue reading “Top 10 Most Common Myths about Personal Trainers”
How to Create a Fun Mother-Daughter Workout
There are lots of factors that can turn mother-daughter workout experiences into a less than enjoyable situation. There are generation gaps (both physical and mental) along with self-image and body consciousness.
Don’t let this natural void be intimidating! Working out can be a great opportunity to bond with your daughter when you follow these tips on how to make it an enjoyable experience. Continue reading “How to Create a Fun Mother-Daughter Workout”