MatthewVanitas
Member
[phonological note: yes, I realize it's previously referred to as "gunercise" on THR, but I feel that "gunnercise" would be a better spelling, as "gunercise" could be prounouced /gooner-size/. But it's been many a year since LING401]
While reading some M1 threads on THR, I came across the classic thread on Gun[n]ercise, and some good followups:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=32879&highlight=gunercise
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=123568&highlight=gunercise
For the past couple weeks, the following has been the gun-specific part of my workout:
1) Stretch out (standard boot-camp stretches)
2) Hold M1 horizontal against chest, lift above head to full extension, repeat many times
3) Do set of crunches
4) Hold M1 horizontal, at waist, palms-out, lock elbows against side and rotate from elbow until rifle is at chest, repeat.
Each time I pick up the rifle, I clear it, then dry fire at a playing card (Ace of Spades) taped to the wall at the other side of the room. I'm certainly not in the shape I was in OCS, but a good set of the above routine is 65 lifts, 75 crunches, 75 curls. I do at least three sets a day, with a day off for stretch/swim every three days or so. Bear in mind I'm a pretty small guy (5'6", 145), so don't be too harsh on a man.
My ease in handling the M1 has increased greatly, sight picture/trigger pressure come easier from the clear/dryfire step before each set.
I realize that lifting a 10lb weight surely won't add bulk, but I figure that doing 70-100 reps (and increasing the reps as it gets easier over weeks) has got to have some positive toning effect, as well as increase ease of rifle handling.
I'll agree with Mr Vaughn in his previous comment
"The biggest exercise for me is cardio. Simply put, any fight is going to require that you have some wind so you can keep up the fighting or running, as the situ requires."
So, I've been getting my run in as well, and doing some biking too.
Between the running, stretching, and rifle exercises, I'm feeling far better than I felt when I was "too busy" with work to keep up a routine.
Anyway, enough background. Anyone have any good reccomendations or critiques on this (very basic) plan I have going?
1) As the current M1 routine gets easier and easier, at what point should I add a couple pounds to the rifle as opposed to just doing more reps? Is there any safe way to add weight to the rifle (strap weights), or is the risk of bending stock/receiver just excessive?
2) If I end up doing huge numbers (150-200) of reps at a stretch with a ten pound rifle, is that going to cause damaging friction on my joints, or repetitive stress injuries?
3) Would I be much better off just going from low-alert to ready numerous times with the M1, or doing port/order/shoulder a hundred times in a row? I realize that just lifting the rifle as a weight doesn't help technique, it just makes the rifle feel lighter.
I'm sure there must be some folks on the board with a knowledge of training, sports med, etc. So, as always I appreciate the collective opinions of THR. Take care all, -MV
While reading some M1 threads on THR, I came across the classic thread on Gun[n]ercise, and some good followups:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=32879&highlight=gunercise
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=123568&highlight=gunercise
For the past couple weeks, the following has been the gun-specific part of my workout:
1) Stretch out (standard boot-camp stretches)
2) Hold M1 horizontal against chest, lift above head to full extension, repeat many times
3) Do set of crunches
4) Hold M1 horizontal, at waist, palms-out, lock elbows against side and rotate from elbow until rifle is at chest, repeat.
Each time I pick up the rifle, I clear it, then dry fire at a playing card (Ace of Spades) taped to the wall at the other side of the room. I'm certainly not in the shape I was in OCS, but a good set of the above routine is 65 lifts, 75 crunches, 75 curls. I do at least three sets a day, with a day off for stretch/swim every three days or so. Bear in mind I'm a pretty small guy (5'6", 145), so don't be too harsh on a man.
My ease in handling the M1 has increased greatly, sight picture/trigger pressure come easier from the clear/dryfire step before each set.
I realize that lifting a 10lb weight surely won't add bulk, but I figure that doing 70-100 reps (and increasing the reps as it gets easier over weeks) has got to have some positive toning effect, as well as increase ease of rifle handling.
I'll agree with Mr Vaughn in his previous comment
"The biggest exercise for me is cardio. Simply put, any fight is going to require that you have some wind so you can keep up the fighting or running, as the situ requires."
So, I've been getting my run in as well, and doing some biking too.
Between the running, stretching, and rifle exercises, I'm feeling far better than I felt when I was "too busy" with work to keep up a routine.
Anyway, enough background. Anyone have any good reccomendations or critiques on this (very basic) plan I have going?
1) As the current M1 routine gets easier and easier, at what point should I add a couple pounds to the rifle as opposed to just doing more reps? Is there any safe way to add weight to the rifle (strap weights), or is the risk of bending stock/receiver just excessive?
2) If I end up doing huge numbers (150-200) of reps at a stretch with a ten pound rifle, is that going to cause damaging friction on my joints, or repetitive stress injuries?
3) Would I be much better off just going from low-alert to ready numerous times with the M1, or doing port/order/shoulder a hundred times in a row? I realize that just lifting the rifle as a weight doesn't help technique, it just makes the rifle feel lighter.
I'm sure there must be some folks on the board with a knowledge of training, sports med, etc. So, as always I appreciate the collective opinions of THR. Take care all, -MV
