The Official British Army Fitness Guide Paperback – 8 Jan. 2009

Great simple exercises, well worth the money.

I am ex regular Army and former reservist. The fitness at the time I think was out of date, a little dangerous and strove too much, too fast. A look at this book shows that the army has indeed evolved. A basic programme to get moving is provided along with the tests for your fitness. There are similar too muscle building. I haven't read the book cover-to-cover, but instead dipped into the sections I wanted. Thus far, I have taken the advice to get moving/running again, and will stick to that programme with my own variations until I get fitter - better. After that, I will return to the pages to increase the challenges. A great layout, simple to follow. Nicely illustrated with not quite a paper feel, but soft cover, making ideal to throw in the gym bag for quick reference. A great little book and one that will probably replace others at home.

Lots of good advice

I must say ... I love it!It is so down to the point and straight forward that anyone can just get stuck in.No false hopes and promises that will tell you will look like Van Damme in 1 month time or something silly like that you see in so many work out guides, nor endless long introductions with big fancy science words that make the writer look so much more intelligent. I guess since it caries the army label it does not need all the above as army fitness speaks for itself.I like the real life photo graphs showing how to the exercises ... so much better than abstract drawings.The 3 programs I like as well and if you are so terribly fit already that the 1st program is to easy then just move on to the next.So yes like some here in these reviews .... if you are some incredibly healthy super human athlete then this will be too easy and light for you ... but for most of us ordinary humans spending all day sitting at a desk staring at a computer screen this book is a welcome tool that will let you get fit without paying 500 Euro for some silly gym membership. Because let's face it after 2 sessions looking at skinny people in pink lycra listing to dance/techno music blasting till you're deaf you are gonna give up going anyway :)

My grandson loved it

In honesty this book does say that to get the most out of its programs you'll need a bit of resilience in regard to any change of lifestyle to accommodate the routines. Its also a bit optimistic on the equipment needed for the strength section (I'm quite inventive but have still to find an easy household alternative to parallel bars). However that aside the book is really easy to understand; makes sense of the calorie/exercise ratio's and will give a great platform to increase strength, stamina and suppleness. I've just started program 1 and am finding it reasonably easy.

This book is just brilliant. You don't need to pay for the gym - just use this book! I get more out of a workout now than I ever did at the gym! And, I'm enjoying the programmes in the book and have the motivation to follow it. It guides you through everything with clear instructions, and ensures you always warm up/cool down as well. I'm sooo pleased I bought it.

The army train some of the finest work forces so this is for more than just budding soldiers. It focus on all round fitness is great and include flexibility, cardio and strength. Great advantage is that it does not need masses of kit (space and trainers) and it allows for exercise variety and alternatives with ideas for varying your routine to target different goals.