Soldiers in Training

By Jack Welch, Volunteer Press Officer

10 June 2014

The WITS team were thinking about healthy living today, as we made a trip to the STEPS Youth Club in Weymouth for an accredited course in considering their lifestyles and experiencing first-hand the physical training of a World War II soldiers. Despite the fact our project focuses on the previous War, research found that fitness courses for volunteer soldiers for this era, and previously, was rather inconsistent for using Swiss techniques, which for many who went on the frontline, were greatly unprepared for what confronted them. It wasn't until the introduction of the Parkour training discipline, and the methods of how American G.I.'s were trained, that a change came about.

The group first underwent a circuit course, which encompassed exercises including press-ups and sit-ups, as well as jump squats and shuttle runs. Like any good fitness fanatic, we had a good warm-up first to ensure our joints and muscles would be flexible as possible for the training ahead and we'd be ready for whatever was thrown at us. In small teams, the groups went through each discipline for a maximum of two minutes (a blessing, probably for some) and began to feel the burn as a soldier might have done on a regular basis. For many in the group though, they made the most of the physical challenges and only wished they could go outdoors in the brilliant sunshine outside.

Following that, the group made their way to the meeting room, where greeted with a healthy selection of snack-bars and an assortment of fruit, we now went into what makes a good healthy diet for most people. Looking at topics on the recommended food varieties we should eat, such as vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates and fibre sourced products, as well as recommended sleep amounts in the evening, the group were surprised just to see the number of dangerous foods that  caused issues as diabetes, insomnia and obesity. However, it's not just the food we eat which can be trusted for a healthy body alone - without actual exercise, any of the natural fats and sugars we consume would become food waste inside our bodies. It looks like that having the healthy mindset is equally as important to get out and about.

With this weekend's camping in the New Forset, we'll be sure our bodies will be in tip-top condition for the coming activity!