The above image is from an app for plus sized people but I’m using it to illustrate something that is not going to be very “body positive” I say this, by the way, as guy who’s carrying some extra weight.
I want you to either remember a list of gear someone said they put in a bug out bag, or just go to r/Preppers on Reddit and read their posts about their bug out plans, their micro-farms, the fact they “don’t need a gun” because they have a sword, etc. And while reading that or reminiscing about previous posts I want you to picture the guy above furiously typing it out.
Because statistically speaking 40% of the people writing those posts are about his size. But obesity isn’t the only problem. Even non-obese people tend to be out of shape in our society. Very few Americans can hike ten miles, much less with all the gear they think they’re going to carry on a bug out. Male testosterone has fallen every year since the 80s and that for men is the hormone that makes it possible for us to build muscle. Low test is also associated with an increased risk of cancer in men by the way.
One study I read found a correlation between decreasing testosterone in young men and obesity. Lack of exercise also plays a factor. But I digress.
For preppers of both sexes general physical fitness is a neglected topic and often taken for granted. The prepping world is full of people with very little physical capability waxing fantastical about all the armor, ammunition and food they’re going to hump around the woods, or my favorite armchair warriors who tell you their going to fight off large numbers of people with their favorite katana or whatever.
These sorts of people never actually train to do these things or even test themselves to see where they are physically. That’s what we’re going to do together.
I’m 50. I have arthritis in my joints and am about 30 pounds overweight right now. Some storms that passed through played havoc on my knees – to the point where the pain wakes me up at night. So let’s just say I’m not the man I used to be. But I don’t let that stop me.
I hike with my wife at least once a week at least ten miles or so. I work out at home with dumbells and body weight exercises at least four times a week. And though I have skipped it for quite awhile I did DDP Yoga which gave good results.
Much of my training is aimed at being able to function in the high stress, heavy workload environment of a collapse. Carrying a pack full of weight long distances, lifting heavy objects, repetitive light labor (like tilling soil for a garden or fixing barricades) and self-defense all require training.
So let’s get started. First let’s see where we are in terms of fitness. Can you easily get up and down of the ground? If not we need to work on flexibility. Can you do a push-up? If so how many? Can you walk to somewhere you go to everyday and back? How heavy a backpack can you comfortable carry around for hours? I found this out by packing one and wearing it while doing house work.
Of course you should consult your doctor before beginning any program but start setting goals based on both your health level and what you think you’ll need to do. If self-defense is your main concern taking up boxing, doing cardio and maybe buying a punching bag for the house can be good first steps. If you plan on bugging out to the woods it’s time to start wearing the pack you’re taking around the house and while running errands.
If like me you want to lose a little weight then set a realistic goal of 1-2 pounds a week. Doesn’t sound like much but if you stick to it that’s 50-100 pounds in a year.
I don’t give specific advice because working out is individual. I don’t know your needs but I do know most of us could be in a lot better shape. Gear and even training don’t trump fitness.
Let me know where you’re at and what you’re goals are. Let’s work on them together.
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Author Rob Taylor
