Sit-ups for the Army

[ChirpyKez]

Hiya! I'm in training to join the army and want something clarified if possible please! I've been told the requirement is 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes which to me seems a bloomin' big ask! A lot of people I've spoken to think it is not a full sit-up they mean - I have been doing proper ones, going all the way up and down but most people reckon they'll only be 'mini' ones. Can anyone tell me which sort I need to be doing? Thanks

[Lonnie]

I would suggest, that if these answers didn't help,

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/H ealth-and-Fitness/Question522740.html

Go down to you local recruiting office and ask.

[Panic Button]

Come on 4GS, this is right up your street.
Answer it please John.

[delboy3]

The sit-ups I do at bootcamp are what you might call "mini" ones, i.e. just lifting shoulders off the ground. Also known as "crunches". 50 of these in 2 minutes doesn't seem too much. "Full" sit-ups would be a strain on the lower back.

[Ice.Maiden]

Huh! I can do 50 sit ups in an hour. What's up with you wimps!!

[ChirpyKez]

Thanks folks, I had a look around and it seems that they are what I call 'proper' one - but instead of your hands on your hear or stomach they are on the floor either side of you which is a bit odd!

[Bigeye74]

Train for them progressively.
Start by doing 2 sets of five then build this up to sets of ten.
Then keep adding sets. Do this twice a day every day.
Once a week max out the set to se if you can reach 50.

50 in 2 minutes is easy and achieving this will make your life easier during training and put you ahead of some of your peers as they won't be able to achieve it.

Don't forgt the press ups and run. If you turn up unfit your first few weeks will be a lot harder.

[beanebabe]

My OH is in the TA and can do 100 in 2 Mins (and he's nearly 50)!
He says - The sit ups are normally done with a partner sat on your feet, to stop them moving. It is a full sit up. Practise with your feet under something heavy to get the routine correct.