Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/7/2008

Question
I've realized late in life that I want to be a marine. I am close to to being too old(7 more mouths short of needing a waiver); however, luckily, I have a captain on my side cheering for me to make it into ocs via the reserves (to get my pft up).

when I orginally went to to the ocs office captain told me to come back when I had lost 50 pounds; I came back 70 pounds lighter (190). the problem is that I've plateaued. im working through that but while I am id like toi prepare myself for basic & ocs. what do I need to do in order to prepare myself? I will already be much older than the average recruit & later canidate therefore I need to be as prepared as humanly possible. when I asked the ocs & enlistment recuiters and there reply was they are a alittle unfamiliar with the female form and how to help (outside from the 3 mile run, 2 min crunch & 12 sec flex hang).

Answer
Dear Donni --

I cannot give you much better advice, since I do not know your body type.  But at your age, I recommend cross training.  Swim, bike, run or do other aerobic training, but don't do any activity exclusively.  Lift weights or do kettlebell workouts for strength, joint flexibility and range of motion.  Do not use heavy weights, but get a trainer to work with you at least at first, so you understand good form.

Also work on giving and taking advice, working to overcome physical challenges in a team, and other mental preparedness challenges.  You could try a short Outward Bound leadership trip, or a Northwest Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) adventure.

Finally, hike on rugged (but not too tough) trails carrying a heavy stick (should weigh about 5 or six pounds) to simulate road marches carrying your weapon.

Don't worry about the weight plateau.  Once you start lifting weight, you will get heavier at first (from muscle) but then you will start to burn even more fat.  If that does not work, then you will have to look at the balance of foods in your diet and not just total calories.  You need to eat the right mix of fat, protein and carbohydrates to build muscle and burn fat most efficiently.

Congratulations on your success so far.  Good luck in making your goal.  I am sure you can do it.