SHTF: Preparedness work out and exercise

You can stock all the canned goods, ammo and water you want. But if you are in bad shape it won't do you a bit of good.

Being in good physical health is key to survival. Being in top physical shape will make the difference whether or not you survive and are able to prepare and provide for your loved ones.

Why should a work out plan and exercise be part of your preparedness plans?

- After the SHTF you will have to do more physical labor, i.e. gardening, home repair, moving, lifting, etc.
- If bugging out, you may have to travel on foot while carrying supplies, pulling or pushing a cart and possibly carrying a child or injured friend or family member.
- Your body will be under tremendous stress and mental strain. Heart conditions and weakened bodies will lead to early casualties.
- Regrettably, a survival situation may require you to defend your loved ones and friends. This may mean hand to hand fighting at worse or long hours on watch and patrol at best.

So how can you get started? Much in the same way you built your food supply. One step at a time in small increments.

- Make a doctor's appointment and get a full physical checkup. Make sure you are healthy enough for exercise and where you can safely start.
- Start walking. A brisk 30 minute walk three times a week will do wonders.
- Consider biking - you can save gasoline and get exercise at the same time.
- Get off the couch. Get outside and do regular activity.

A few years ago I was in terrible physical shape. I started off with a short jog around the block. I was so unhealthy, I could barely make it down the street and back without pausing to walk. So I would run for two minutes and walk for one.

Today I run two miles five days a week. I follow that with 30 minutes of weights working specific areas. I do all of this at home and do not have an expensive gym membership.

Eating is the largest part of my preparedness work out plan, but I will cover that in another post.

Get off the couch, turn off the tv and get start getting fit today. When the SHTF it will be too late to get in shape.