The sqwimming pool test in the marines was tough, I just hoped that all the kettlebell swings at Cardiff Kettlebell Bootcamp and all the Personal Training performed in Newport, with my personal trainer had paid off.
So to the swimming pool for the swimming test. Something that I thought I would be able to do with my eyes closed, as I would class myself as a strong swimmer. We got changed and were taken to the pool. It was at this point I found out we were jumping in from 3m, then had to swim 25m breast stroke. I decided to get near the front to get it over with. I am not terrified of heights, as such but being 'high' and then jumping off does get the nerves going. I approached the edge looked down once to check no-one was there and then jumped in. Unfortunately I made the mistake of opening my arms before I entered the water so had a slight slap on my arms. I came to surface and swam to the end. Easy I though until one of the PTI came up to me to tell me my stroke was rubbish and that I would fail the Basic swimming test. Basically when I swim I have lazy legs, when you do the battle swimming test you need to use your legs, as your arms holding your kit.
Many waves are there agitated by the wind, keeping nature fresh, the spray blowing in your face, reeds and rushes waving; ducks by the hundred, all uneasy in the surf, in the raw wind, just ready to rise, and now going off with a clatter and a whistling like riggers straight for Labrador, flying against the stiff gale with reefed wings, or else circling round first, with all their paddles briskly moving, just over the surf, to reconnoitre you before they leave these parts; gulls wheeling overhead, muskrats swimming for dear life, wet and cold, with no fire to warm them by that you know of, their labored homes rising here and there like haystacks; and countless mice and moles and winged titmice along the sunny, windy shore; cranberries tossed on the waves and heaving up on the beach, their little red skiffs beating among the alders;Msuch healthy natural tumult as proves the last day is not yet at hand.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
In preparation for all the stests I searced high and low for my ideal training environment. I needed somethng hard, very hard and yet enjoyable and mentally stimulating. I found just the ticket!!!
I went to several gyms in Cardiff, tried the Hybrid Bootcamp Cardiff, British Millitary Fitness training in Cardiff local parks and used Kettlebells in Cardiff Gyms. The Cardiff Kettlebell Bootcamp was by far the most challenging and the most fun. I got stronger, more muscular and leaner and my body fat reduced drastically. Th Kettlebell Bootcamp was my saving grace and I now attend every week.
When as the rye reach to the chin,
And chopcherry, chopcherry ripe within,
Strawberries swimming in the cream,
And school-boys playing in the stream;
—George Peele (1559–1596)
Sam O'Sullivan is the owner of British Millitary Fitness Cardiff. His knowledge and experience has changed many clients lives.
He runs successful Newport Personal Training, getting the residents of South Wales in tip top shape.