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Fight the flab with military precision - Get into shape for 2010 with the RAF

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 08 January 2010

Issued be the News Distribution Service on behalf of the Royal Air Force Careers.

Broken your New Year fitness regime already? New trainers made their way to the back of the cupboard? Then why not take a few tips from those in the know at the RAF. This week, their top fitness experts have launched a fitness guide to help you get 'fit for life' in 2010.

The exclusive guide is based on training techniques used by RAF personnel, and is designed to be a long-term solution to fitness and wellbeing, rather than a quick-fix or fad.

Corporal Simon Wray, a former Gladiator winner and Personal Training Instructor at RAF Cranwell explains: "There are hundreds of 'experts' this new year giving advice on how to get your body looking its best. The RAF ‘Fit for Life’ cuts through this confusing minefield and provides a no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to getting your exercise regime right. It can be tailored to your ability and can be followed anywhere, with no need for expensive gym memberships or costly new equipment."

Follow the RAF’s simple exercise tips to get in shape in no time:

Exercise tips:

1. 30 minutes of exercise, three to five times a week is a good amount of exercise to undertake, and realistic too. Break this down into manageable 10 minute slots.

2. Combine a full range of stomach exercises with aerobic exercise to help build up that six-pack or washboard stomach.

3. Don’t just focus on one area. Do a range of exercises to tone your whole body.

4. Warm up – avoid static stretching, perform dynamic stretching to warm up specific muscles for the exercise you’re about to undertake.

5. Cool down - perform static stretching. Hold the stretch for at least 20 seconds.

‘Fit for Life, which is downloadable from the RAF website, has been supplemented by a range of fitness information, including a short video with two of the RAF’s Physical Training Instructors.

A good level of basic fitness is essential for RAF personnel. The RAF Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) undergo an intensive nine month training scheme. They play a key role in ensuring members of the RAF reach and maintain a level of fitness that will enable them to meet the many physical challenges their role will entail. At the same time they promote a common ethos to be ‘fit for life’, embracing physical activity as an integral part of daily life.

Visit www.raf.mod.uk/careers for more information about fitness and to download your own exercise guide.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact the RAF Careers press office:

Emily Wheldon
emily.wheldon@coi.gsi.gov.uk
020 7261 8682

Claire Hendry
claire.hendry@coi.gsi.gov.uk
020 7921 2747

Contacts:

NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the above department
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk