Marine Corps Water Aerobics

I haven't had the opportunity to partake in this new USMC physical training (PT) program. It seems my Marine Corps has developed a "kick your butt" water aerobics program. Me, personally, when I think of the incredible pools at Camp Pendleton, why would I ever do anything but laps in an eight-lane, outdoor 50m pool? But here is a new way of doing things.

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2012/02/marine-water-workout-new-swimming-020612/

"Sanctioned water cadence workouts require Marines to wear foam flotation belts, keeping their bodies submerged only up to their collarbone. Your nose and mouth must be above water at all times, officials said.

After a brief warm-up, Marines alternate between short bursts of high-intensity running in place and low-intensity “rest” periods that still require some movement. A related exercise, known as shallow-water running, requires that Marines be submerged only up to their waist or torso and allows them to push off the bottom of the pool with each step. It can incorporate weights.

Though easier on your joints and bones, either workout can be more strenuous than traditional road running, said Sherry Powell, the aquatics director at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif."

I'll agree that you can get your heart rate up for a bit while running in water.

The Marine Corps played it well when asked about a Marine running underwater with ammo cans when the spokesMarine said "That could be deadly."  No kidding! But it's a funny sight to think of. I googled "Marine underwater with ammo cans" but didn't find the image they were talking about.

In any case, I'm going to stick with basic lap swimming even if the coach is onto me about swimming a USMC survival stroke for the breaststroke.