Military service comes to an end for all Army veterans. Whether you loved serving or hated it, there’s a good chance you gained weight after your time in the service. It’s rather common for those leaving the Army to gain weight.
A year ago, the U.S. Army released a report showing that about half of the Army retirees were obese. The report showed the obesity rate for these retirees as much higher than the general population when compared to civilians of the same age.
Many believe there really isn’t a good reason for the climb in military retiree obesity rates. The military puts strict fitness and weight standards on members to keep them in shape. They go through rigorous physical training and gain an understanding of how to stay in shape.
What Happens After the Army?
Part of the reason Army retirees end up overweight has to do with the change in lifestyle. After the military, many don’t want to get up early anymore and they don’t want to do the work they used to do. It’s common for military retirees to stop working out and stop following the routine. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Changing the mindset from fitness equals pain to simply getting good exercise is a great way to get back in shape or stay in shame after the military. About 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week is enough and this can include brisk walking. Everybody can find this much time to take care of their body, especially with the training you received in the military.
You don’t need a commercial gym or a personal training to stay in shape. Walking, running, swimming, playing tennis, playing golf, basketball and many other activities can be done without the need for a gym membership. The key is just to find what you enjoy so that it doesn’t feel as much like exercise. Then, go get your 150 minutes per week and make sure you eat healthy. If you do this, you don’t have to become obese after your time in the military.