TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. 6/24/2013 – The High Intensity Tactical Training Program arrived at the Combat Center’s West Gym and Fitness Center more than a year ago. Since then, it has helped Marines increase their strength, speed, core stability and flexibility. Now a new workout program at the Combat Center Training Tank aims to do the same in the water.
The Aquatics Maximum Power-Intense Training Program is a new in-water training program offered at the Training Tank for individual and unit training purposes.
AMP-IT, as it is called, was spawned from the Army’s Wounded Warrior Aquatics Exercise Program and is considered the aquatic counterpart of HITT. It challenges the cardiovascular system as much as running on land and allows Marines to take a break from physical training in the desert while still allowing them the fitness workout they desire.
“It is a complement to HITT,” said Sherry Powell, aquatics director. “It’s a part of it. It’s designed to go Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and HITT goes Monday, Wednesday and Friday.”
The in-water physical training is a refreshing change in the regular workout regiment. As an added bonus, the program is non-weight bearing, which allows light or limited duty Marines to participate and remain physically active during recovery.
“This course is amazing because it’s that pivotal transition between a Marine coming off light or limited duty and the doctor saying he’s on full duty and that Marine actually being able to keep up with his fellow Marines,” said Gunnery Sgt. Stewart Brown, acting first sergeant, Headquarters Co., 7th Marine Regiment, after trying the program. “There was always a gap between there.”
The program conducts vertical exercises, as Opposed to swimming, and uses the pressure exerted by the water against the body for strength. This same hydrostatic pressure provides resistance against the chest walls, improving the efficiency of Marines in their ability to expand their chest and allow greater volumes of air to be inhaled.
“What you put into it is what you’re going to get out of it,” Brown said. “If you’re putting into it, you’re getting so much out of it.”
The program is offered at the Combat Center’s Training Tank Tuesdays and Thursdays. To schedule an appointment, call the the Training Tank at 830-6212.