JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
In Air Force Instruction 36-2618, Enlisted Force Structure, physical fitness and conditioning is listed under general responsibilities throughout the Air Force's three-tier enlisted rank structure. It is no secret that physical fitness is important but is there more to physical fitness than just having squadron physical training three to five days a week?
The answer is yes
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What we put in to our bodies is really more important than how many miles we run, how many pushups we can do, or how many sit-ups we can knock out.
Good nutrition is key
In an article titled Nutrition vs. Exercise - What is more important?, Meghan Callaway wrote, "Working out and nutrition go hand in hand. In fact, nutrition is just as important as exercise. In my opinion, nutrition is 80 percent of the overall equation. Failing to be educated and up to date on the importance of nutrition and failing to incorporate it into your everyday life will put you at a greater risk of disease and the decomposition of the body, mind and spirit."
Now, since you are aware that physical fitness not only includes PT but also includes nutrition, let's break down nutrition to highlight one of its essential and key elements; water intake. Water is essential for life and the more physically active you are, the more you need. Water intake can also be a very good aid in weight loss. How is this so?
First, water serves as a hunger suppressant. You will not be as hungry if you drink water throughout the day. Also, when your body realizes it has had enough water, previously retained water will flow through the digestive process. A former U.S. Navy Seal, Stew Smith, wrote that he had a trainee lose 20 pounds in one week's time after adding only water to his diet.
So, how much water should you drink per day? It varies depending on your weight and activity level. You can access calculators for this through the internet but here are some good general rules to ensure you are getting enough.
1. Start early: Have one cup of water ready on your nightstand. Drink it first thing upon waking up in the morning.
2. Drink two cups with each meal: Two cups at lunch, two at dinner and two with your snacks. Eat first, drink later. Otherwise you'll struggle with your food.
3. Sip water during your workout: Take a bottle of water to the gym and sip water during your workout. Sipping will prevent an upset stomach.
The added benefit of drinking enough water and eating healthy is you will look and feel better. The squadron PT sessions and your own personal physical exercise plans will actually become easier. This will lead to increased performance and better PT scores, but most of all, a healthier you and that's what it's all about.