Preparing physically for USAFA

PatriciaP2015

PatriciaP2015

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Apr 1, 2015
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I received & accepted an offer from the prep school and I want to ensure that I can head that way in the best possible physical shape as I can. I currently take kickboxing and do circuit workouts and run but I feel that just isn't enough. Will you guys share how you all prepared for the high altitude or how you currently are? No need to reiterate how I must train for push-ups, sit-ups, pull ups, so on and so forth. I know I must improve all of those, but I need more details or even workout plans on how to prepare. I am also a female who lives in down south Texas, practically sea level just to throw that out there.
 
3-5 mile runs help. Basically, the better you are at cardio, the easier the altitude transition is.
 
The appointee packet had a pretty good recommended workout. Did you get anything similar for Prep school?
 
My kids concentrated on running five miles a day, plus did their weightlifting daily. Cardio is key. Don't put it off. If you are running 7 miles a day at sea level, you'll be huffing & puffing at 4.5 at altitude.
 
Running is very important, but start doing flutter kicks, up-downs, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups until you can't do any more. Then do some more. Then do some more. Google workouts for Air Force Academy, you'll find every thing you need.
 
First off, no matter how well you prepare for the altitude change, you will feel it. How quickly you adapt will depend on your current fitness level as well as your own "physiological" make up. Strong cardio workouts do help. My son would run at least 3 miles a day up and down hills (we live in the foothills of a mountain range). We arrived about a week before basic in order to have a last family vacation. Everyday, he would run on the treadmill at the hotel. He tried going full out his first day and couldn't do it. By the time I-day came around, he could run the 3 miles but at a slower pace. Being there for a bit before I-day did help, but it isn't a magic bullet by any means. There really isn't any "solution" that will have you fully adjusted to the altitude before I-day unless you live there several weeks before hand.
 
I do believe one of my twins threw up, a lot, the first few MONTHS there, and once had to go to the hospital to get fluids as he was super dehydrated (and Moms and Dads, THEY DON'T TELL YOU YOUR KID IS IN THE HOSPITAL; THEY ARE OFFICIALLY ADULTS NOW AND WILL DO THE TELLING THEMSELVES.).

Mother Bragging: This particular twin has his name on the Field House wall since he got a 500 (all possible) points on the PFT, so it wasn't like he wasn't in (perfect) condition.
 
I just remembered. Be sure to stay hydrated! Even if you aren't particularly thirsty, drink water. I don't know why it helps, but drinking water assists with the altitude change.
 
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