When you have decided to join the US Army, there are several things you can do to make the transition easier.

The first step is to begin a physical training program. Life will be much less painful if you are already in some sort of condition. An exercise program that works the whole body is best, and it is probably best to emphasize endurance over raw strength. The simplest method is to practice push-ups, sit-ups, run for two to five miles and perhaps practice some marches while carrying about a third of your body weight. Care must be taken to practice safety. If possible, consult with a physician or an expert who can help

you achieve best results without injuring yourself, and life will be much simpler if you can practice the standards the Army will demand. The more time this has to work before you join, the more effective this will be. Standards vary due to age and sex, but plan on reaching fifty push-ups and sit-ups and a two-mile run in less than fourteen minutes. You’ll do better than that by the time you complete basic.

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What would be one “brain dead simple” and easy way to lose weight fast ? Would you have stay on the treadmill for a dozen hours a day for a whole year ? Would you have to starve yourself until your stomach can take it no more ? Would an army of surgeons have to make huge incisions in your abdomen and suck all the fat out ? Would you have to pump weights and build rock hard muscles in the hopes that they would eat away all the fat by increasing your metabolism ?

What if you could lose several pounds and get healthier in the process, while doing none of the above ?

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WHAT THE BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM IS NOT.

The best weight loss program is NOT about diets, diet pills, fad diets, or even dieting. While it involves physical activity…we’re all adults here, I’ll use the word..exercise…it is NOT about pushing your physical limits, embarrassing yourself in front of the neighbors, joining an expensive gym, or hiring a personal trainer. It is NOT about joining a cult, avoiding friends, alienating your family, eating only disgusting, uappealing and unappetizing foods or feeling guilty and depressed. Most of all, it should NEVER be about BEING ALONE in your struggle.

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Anything that I write on the subject of weight loss has GOT to include facts. Not supposition. Not opinion. Not argument. Not pie-in-the sky. None of that. I said “facts”, and I am talking about proven facts on the subject of diets and weight loss.

Fact #1: Diets are not a permanent weight loss solution.

Fact #2: Even a “good” diet is usually mis-handled. (Okay, one opinion.)

Fact #3: You won’t get there without exercise.

Fact #4: In place of a “diet” you need to substitute good nutrition.

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Why question anyone’s “reason” or “purpose” for losing weight?

Well, I am not trying to “question” anyone’s goals and dreams. However, I have had opportunities to observe the setting of these goals and the motivations behind them in many people, including myself, over the last half century, and I do have a few thoughts on the subject of the proper purposes, or reasons, for weight loss. Partly, these conclusions are based on the many failures and few successes I have seen.

While I am happy to learn of anyone who is concerned about their health and happiness and is willing to do something about it, I am concerned that many people fail to achieve their health, fitness,

or weight loss goals because of a lack of knowledge or because of an undefined sense of purpose.

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