Go the Distance: The British Paratrooper Fitness Guide

The Paras are Britain's elite strike force. Wearing their distinctive red beret, these toughened soldiers have the kind of winning attitude that is acquired only by hard physical training. As company commander, and the youngest ever major in the British Army since World War II, McGrath oversaw the rigorous selection program for any army personnel who wished to join this elite regiment. The selection course includes a 10 mile route march carrying a 35 pound backpack plus water and a weapon over rocky terrain, an aerial confidence course, and a team event where an 8-person team carry a 135 pound log for a 2 mile sprint race.

In his new book, McGrath has redesigned the explosive fitness techniques of the Paras so that they can be used at home or at the gym. In Phase One, 'The Spartan,' a ten week no frills circuits program, all you will need is a pair of sneakers--and lots of gumption. Phase Two, 'The Emperor,' incorporates weight training, core stability exercises and cardio equipment. Self-tests at the end of each phase let you know if you're fit enough to be a Para.

McGrath's diet plan together with his weight training, mental attunement, and cardio programs offer an intermediate to advanced fitness program that will give you Para confidence and the ability to tackle McGrath's Five Para Challenges, including a 10-mile run carrying a 35 lb backpack, a 16-mile hike carrying a 45 lb backpack in under 4 hours, and an assault course through icy waters and hilly, muddy terrain.

From Harvey Walden to Mark de Lisle, military trainers are at the cutting edge of today's fitness revolution and Sam McGrath is set to take the world by storm.

Sam McGrath was the youngest soldier to achieve the rank of major since the Second World War and has been running the selection course for the crack Parachute Regiment for the last three years. In his spare time he organizes the Para 10 - a 10-mile charity race which anyone can enter as long as they are prepared to run in combat boots while carrying a rucksack. This year he also completed the Bob Graham Round for Help for Heroes, an endurance challenge in which participants climb 42 peaks in the Lake District with a combined vertical ascent of 27,000ft over 72 miles in just 24 hours.