Getting in shape for basic training.

Getting in shape for basic training

I'm often asked for the best method of getting in shape for military basic training.

For those who have spent their teenage years in front of the TV, here is a little secret for building arm and shoulder muscles.

Three days a week works well.

Begin by standing outside behind the house, and with a 5-LB. potato sack in each hand ... extend your arms straight out to your sides and hold them there as long as you can.

After a few weeks, move up to 10-LB. potato sacks and then 50-LB potato sacks, and finally get to where you can lift a 100 lb. potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.

Next...start putting a few potatoes in the sacks, but be careful not to overdo it.