Thread: Training for the Army, Q about Protein before..

I posted this in another thread of mine, but thought I'd get a better response to this particular question in this section. I'm joining the Army, off to basic in 29 days. The food you get in basic training is mainly a high carb diet, with no where near as much protein as you'd get with protein shakes. Would using shakes for a month and then suddenly stopping be a shock to the system? Or at least would my muscles struggle to repair/recover at a good/normal rate once I stop using them? At the moment I'm using them 3 times a week, and only 1 serving before workout and 1 after, instead of the recommended 2 after.

Any info would be great as I'd not like to go in with dodgy muscles! :P

Ash

So you are taking 6 scoops per week in total, yes? If that's the case I seriously doubt you'll notice any difference due to that. I expect they'll be beasting you in basic training, so if your body starts changing it'll most likely be due to increased activity levels.

Any reason you couldn't take a tub of protein with you? (That might be a daft Q if you are in the forces, but I'm not, so excuse the ignorance...!)

That's alright then. Thought about it, wish I could! Unfortunately you're not allowed it in basic. After basic is fine, but I guess they don't want people to have the edge over others... and of course dodgy substances could be smuggled in the powder and given out... that's a nicht nicht!

Just concentrate on body weight exercises such as press ups, chin ups, dips and more press ups. You will be doing press ups until your arms fall off!! Running is the main training you want to be doing, and lots of it. You need to be running around 5 miles without any trouble aiming for the 8 min per mile mark as a basic level. AAny slower than this and you might find yourself at the back of the squad.

Dont worry about protein during basic training. You will get food and lots of it, just keep piling it down your neck as you will be burning it off faster than you can put it on. Main aim is to keep those carb levels stacked high as they will be pushing your body and mind to its limits.

Just class basic training as a free 10 week all over body conditioning programme. Once you move onto whatever phase 2 training you are earmarked for (didnt catch what cap badge you are going into) then you can worry about getting back in the gym and lifting weights.

Good luck.

Gaz

Sounds good! I'm going Household Cavalry.

Supplements are banned from all Training Stations after an Officer Cadet dieed on a CFT at Sandhurst in 2004 - there were suspcicions his heart attack was related to having consumed too much protein powder and redbull prior to the speed march.

However, I do know peopel goign through training at the moment who keep a whey powder in the car boot - so that it isnt officially in the dorms.

I would recommend getting a copy of MATT 2 - Physical Fittness. Identifying where your weak points lie on the PFT (1.5 Mile run, Pushups, Situps) and then think about the correct remediation process.

Eat what you want during absic - you'll be run so raggid you wont get fat - in fact, your going to lean.

I would consider looking at slow digesting protein meals to eat immediately before bed - Copttage Cheese etc, as this will help address the constant ache you will have after week 1.

Liek Gaz said, use the first 10 weeks to re-build a great foundation of fittness to build all future work on top of

yeah im in the same boat, im hoping to be in the marines by october ish. strictly no supplements during training, when do you think it would be a good time to stop taking then prior to this? asap to get my body use to it, or gradually cut them down until i start?

surely if u leave the tub in your car they arnt guna realise

In training for the PRMC and then likewise in your period upto going to Lymptsone I would continue to take Protein Powder up to the day you go. As a young Booty (or Nod) you will be on 4 square meals a day - food at CTCRM is alot better than at the equivilant Army Training centres.

If you are not using it already, Creatine would be a must in my nutritional plan. The increased water retention will help prevent damage to your knees and is proven to be a key ingredient in long distance endurance events. I would also embrace foods such as dried apricots opposed to tangfastic Haribo - they will release energy over a much slower period, and are better for your teeth.

Hope this helps.

thanks ctp, appreciate the input. im currently using pharma whey in my breakfast shake with oats,fruit and udo's (pre run) and again prior to my evening session, then i use phd recovery 2:1 post both workouts daily so have a little creatine in there. alongside that i take zma before bed and hmb. anything else you reckon would be particuarly beneficial?