I'm trying to get fit so that I can enlist in the Army and hopefully work my way into Special Forces but I've had a history of injuries in my knee and calf and I've been looking for a way to make sure I get stronger but not risk getting injured again. Do you know how I can do this?
Search
William,
That's a great question! As we prepare to meet physical standards in a minimum amount of time, we often see quick gains in fast twitch/slow twitch muscle performance, but our joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscle tissue can pay the price for it.
As far as your calf, can you please elaborate on this issue, the symptoms, and the outcome you've faced in the past?
Regarding Knees: Please elaborate as we've asked regarding your calves. Is your patella tendon an issue?
Off the top of my head, I can recommend two fixes for you knees.
1: Take tri joint support: Glucosamine, Chrondroitin, and MSM.
Be advised that glucosamine has a 2-3 month saturation period before it starts to take effect, so start NOW.
2. Do your best to exercise (ESPECIALLY running) on soft ground. Run on grass only if you must. If you have the option to run on pavement or gravel, run on the gravel. Newton's 3rd Law ensures that asphalt is going to apply an exponentially greater force on your body with each stride due to its increased mass vs. grass or gravel. Eliminate that excess force from your body, and you will see long-term relief.
Please remember to elaborate on your injuries for us.