I have read a lot of discussions on weight and health, and I would like to throw my two cents worth in. If you are going to join up, if you have time before ,start walking and running to get your wind, so you won't suffer so much when you have PT. Cut out the junk and eat healthier, and splurge a little every once in a while to reward yourself. Don't take supplements or diet pills because when you get into Basic they will not let you have anything but approvred or prescribed medication.When you get out of Basic you will be in pretty good shape. It depends on the AFSC or Tech School, you need to take time to workout and continue to eat good. When you are assigned to a base, your job may be lax or stationary, so it will be hard to keep up your routine, but fight it out. The Air Force has somewhat curtailed alcohol during functions on base. When I was in, After a Commander's Call (Info Briefing) there were two kegs of beer in the rear, then finish off drinking somewhere else. NCO/Officer's club's have great food and plenty to drink handy, don't fall into the trap... Lethargy, laziness, bad attitude, poor job performance, not worth the risk. Work out regular and eat right. I presently work for a private nuclear security contractor and work with retired soldiers from all branches of service and some retired after 30 years and still work out regularly and are as fit or in better shape than when they were younger. Keep up the fight, Good Luck!

I agree 110% I would like to share my story as well. Growing up hated gym class because I had to run and do alot of work I didn't feel like doing. I also am not good at sports and never was. I'm more of a computer nerd fixing computers most of the day for my job..Anyway I wasn't fat growing up was always skinny but in high school we had to do a physical fitness test basically PT test to see how we are compaired to people in the rest of the country.

I ran one mile in 10 minutes and 57 seconds my best time ever. Almost threw up and passed out after. Now I run 5K three times a week for fun. I do have to fight myself so I will go to the gym and work on muscle strength so I can do plenty of push-ups and sit-ups when it comes for my test.

I have seen people that get out of tech school doing great run the mile and a half in 10 minutes whatever seconds. Then about a couple months later they can bairly run the mile and a half in 13 minutes and not be pushing theirselves as much as they can.

I always tell the people I train this "It's easier to stay in shape than to get into shape." Once you have reached the level of fitness you want to be at and are comfortable why let yourself slip away? Just keep up the habit and make it easier for yourself.

Also get a friend or a couple to run with, it works best if you get 3 or more people to run but run together. I hate running by myself or without music. I need something to keep my mind busy or I wouldn't be able to run 5k 3 times a week.

Another problem with running and staying in shape is the carrer field you go into. I went into Security Forces and trained and ran to "get to the fight", or "be able to do something when you get there". The PT and runs were timed and for qualifications and I forgot to run to enjoy it and relieve stress. I would start out like I had to beat the best time, or look at my watch and figure out how far I've gone and get frustrated because I was not on time. Remember to train and bust your tail for the mission, but run to relax and stay fit without injuries.