Developed by the Army Physical training Corps, this is the first official guide to getting as fit as a recruit in the British Army and is based on the actual exercises and activities the Army uses to train its soldiers.

The Paras are Britain's elite strike force. Wearing their distinctive red beret, these toughened soldiers have the kind of winning attitude that is acquired only by hard physical training. As company commander, and the youngest ever major in the British Army since World War II, McGrath oversaw the rigorous selection program for any army personnel who wished to join this elite regiment. The selection course includes a 10 mile route march carrying a 35 pound backpack plus water and a weapon over rocky terrain, an aerial confidence course, and a team event where an 8-person team carry a 135 pound log for a 2 mile sprint race. In his new book, McGrath has redesigned the explosive fitness techniques of the Paras so that they can be used at home or at the gym. In Phase One, 'The Spartan,' a ten week no frills circuits program, all you will need is a pair of sneakers--and lots of gumption. Phase Two, 'The Emperor,' incorporates weight training, core stability exercises and cardio equipment. Self-tests at the end of each phase let you know if you're fit enough to be a Para. McGrath's diet plan together with his weight training, mental attunement, and cardio programs offer an intermediate to advanced fitness program that will give you Para confidence and the ability to tackle McGrath's Five Para Challenges, including a 10-mile run carrying a 35 lb backpack, a 16-mile hike carrying a 45 lb backpack in under 4 hours, and an assault course through icy waters and hilly, muddy terrain. From Harvey Walden to Mark de Lisle, military trainers are at the cutting edge of today's fitness revolution and Sam McGrath is set to take the world by storm.

The complete story of the evolution and organisational history of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps. Formed in 1860 as the Army Gymnastic Staff, the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC) has been keeping the British Army in shape for just over 150 years. Drawn from every regiment in the army, prospective candidates undergo 30 weeks of intensive training before qualifying as a Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructor. Based at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot, over the course of its history the RAPTC has trained countless instructors, including Olympic medallists Dame Kelly Holmes and Kriss Akabussi. This is a complete history of the RAPTC from its formation to the present day, illustrated with stunning images from the regimental collection, including historical photographs, commissioned pictures of objects and fine art, and facsimile reproductions of documents.

In The Para Fitness Guide, Major Sam McGrath of the legendary Parachute Regiment has collected together an inspirational series of exercises which are perfect for anyone. Every year getting fit and losing weight is at the top of the list of resolutions but few of us manage to stick to any kind of fitness regime. What you need is a military instructor watching over your exercise programme, helping you out and encouraging you along the way. Unfortunately, we can't supply you with your own personal fitness expert, but this book is the next best thing! Sam offers advice on how to choose a gym, eat well, prepare for exercise, warm up and how to warm down to reduce the impact of all of those aches and pains. The book also sets out six challenges for readers to aim for as they follow this programme, including a 10-mile race and the grueling Fan Dance around the Brecon Beacons. Recession proof your fitness programme with our accompanying iPhone app; have Major Sam McGrath as your own personal, portable trainer on your mobile device! The updated app now features the Emperor Training programme, pushing your quest for fitness further with weight training. With our help you can be fighting fit in time for your summer hols!

How will we defeat the Taleban and bring peace to Afghanistan? What will the British soldier of the late 21st century look like? When will the next World War break out? We're damned if we know, but if you want to find out what today's British Army is really like, then The Official Arrse Guide to the British Army is the book for you. Drawn from the wit and wisdom of the ARmy Rumour Service, Britain's biggest and most active military website, the Official Arrse Guide gives the inside track on all aspects of modern British military life. How do I join? Where will I be sent? What's the hardware like? What exactly is it that clerks put in staff officers' coffee? Why do the RAF wear uniforms? Where can I get a decent pair of boots? Is there any meat in an army sausage? All these crucial questions - and more - are answered in The Official Arrse Guide.

The physical training that all Royal Marines recruits undergo is challenging and demanding, yet also structured and achievable. Here, for the first time, is an official manual to show you in detail how they succeed and how you can mirror all relevant aspects in your own fitness training. Packed with facts and step-by-step instruction accompanied by hundreds of colour photographs, Royal Marines Fitness contains a wealth of guidance for anyone wanting to achieve a higher level of fitness, whether it's preparing for a marathon, losing weight or putting on muscle mass. This manual provides you with all the tools and information you need to put together a training programme specific to your own targets, and to adapt it as you surpass your expectations.

The Complete Guide series is designed for the fitness professional, coach, fitness enthusiast and student, packed with ready-made training programmes, tips and strategies. Outdoor exercise is not only a cheaper alternative to the gym but it also offers immense scope and variety in terms of the activities you can do. Within the tried and trusted Complete Guides format comes this definitive guide focusing on functional training exercises in the great outdoors. Covering physiology and core training principles as a starting point, this book includes different workouts for different environments - park, beach, back garden, and covers the use of a variety of popular equipment - from ViPRs to kettlebells. Packed with colour photography, clearly illustrated exercises and the latest training programmes tailored to different outdoor pursuits, The Complete Guide to Outdoor Workouts is the ultimate how-to guide for any fitness enthusiast who wants to get out there and make the most of the outdoors!

This indispensable guide for building management skills helps readers realise their full potential and improve their managerial performance.

The fitness plan used by the SAS - perfect for fans of British Miltary Fitness classes. Every year thousands of men and women discover new levels of fitness and inner strength as they are put through their paces to meet demanding standards required for new recruits in the British Army - this book will take you to the same level. Beyond that are the elite: the SAS, Paras and Commandos. Each unit has rigorous and searching requirements designed to select only the strongest, fittest and meanest for the world's toughest regiments. Recommended by a recent SAS squadron commander as 'an excellent guide', FIGHTING FIT's unique and proven training programmes have already helped many soldiers pass these most demanding tests. Now you can join them. Illustrated throughout and including inside information on the kit you'll need, the food you should eat and how to cope with injury, FIGHTING FIT is the comprehensive insider's guide to the fitness methods of the world's most professional army.

Military working dogs are silently winning the war against the world’s deadliest insurgents; day after day saving soldiers’ lives in the most dangerous countries on the planet. Many have been rescue animals, neglected or mistreated by their owners before being given a new lease of life on the front line. From the featureless plains of Helmand and Kandahar to military bases in Germany, army dog teams work day and night to keep us safe but, until recently, their courage and sacrifice has not been fully understood or appreciated. Award-winning journalist Stephen Paul Stewart employs in-depth interviews together with years of research and frontline reportage to tell their gripping and emotional stories for the first time. ‘A fascinating insight into a little-known subject, A Soldier’s Best Friend is a moving and engrossing read.’ — Niall Edworthy