Executive Protection - Agent Fitness Program

Executive Protection - Agent Fitness Program

To improve professional performance and appearance, the agents should keep fit. Staying physically fit gives you the energy to meet the demands of your EP job. Being in shape gives you confidence in your ability. Physical fitness sends a strong message; it says you're organized and disciplined.

Agents need to constantly be alert and analyze situations throughout an entire assignment. This takes mental endurance and the ability to raise the level of alertness in a split second. The ability to see a potential threat and react with appropriate response in a timely fashion takes high levels of mental concentration and physical fitness.

No matter how busy you are, make time for a workout. Staying in shape should be a top priority. If you're the detail leader (DL), staying fit sets a powerful example for your executive protection unit (EPU) members. Being in shape is good for business. Smart minds and strong bodies go hand-in-hand in this industry. I believe it's important to take care of your body because you take it everywhere you go. Without a strong body and a strong mind, you'll be out of a job quickly.

This could mean daily sessions on the weight pile, running, practicing or playing your favorite sport. You can do this fitness program on international assignments in the privacy of your own hotel room.

Hotel Room Workout
You don't need to go to the hotel gym or local health club. You can get all the exercise you need from your fitness program. What I like about these exercises is that I can do them anywhere - inside, outside, at home and in a hotel room. You don't need any special equipment.

Best of all, you can improve your strength, balance, flexibility and cardio and drop weight all at the same time. An exercise program is an important part of you job.. This fitness program incorporates loosening, stretching and firming exercises. It will give you the capability to meet the needs of your everyday EP life effortlessly with room left to spare in case of emergency.

The following exercises provide operationally related fitness standards for EPU personnel. Remember, always consult with your health care provider before embarking on any new physical activity or exercise program.

Bodyweight Squat. Stand upright, keep you head up, back straight, bend your knees and lower yourself so your thighs are parallel with the floor. Stand up to the starting position and repeat. 15 to 20 repetitions, 4 sets.

Bodyweight Lunge. Stand upright, step forward with one leg and lower your upper body down, bending your leg. Don't allow your knee to go forward beyond your toes as you come down, keeping your front shin perpendicular to the ground. Push up to the starting position, and repeat with the opposite leg. 15 to 20 repetitions, 4 sets.

Chair Push Ups. Place two plain chairs facing each other, front to front, about 18 inches apart. Place hands on the seat of each chair, starting with arms straight and your body extended in a leaning position. Come up slowly until your arms are straight. Bend the
elbows as you go down and bring the arms straight as you come up and repeat. 10 to15 repetitions, 4 sets, 3 times per week.

One-arm Pushups. Place one arm behind your back and lower yourself to the floor with the other arm. Once your chest touches the floor, push up to the starting position. Finish your repetitions, then repeat with the other arm. 10 to15 repetitions, 4 sets, 3 times per week.

Floor Dips. Place your hands on the floor width. Place your heels on an elevated surface. Bend your arms and lower your body to the floor. Push up to the starting position and repeat. 10 to 15 repetitions, 4 sets, 3 times per week.

Crunches. Lie on your back on the floor. Place your legs across a chair in front of you. Your hands should be at the sides of your head. Curl your trunk upward toward your knees. Hold and squeeze for a moment and repeat. 15 to 25 repetitions, 4 sets, 3 times per week.

Jump Rope or Run In Place. Jump roping or running in place is good cardiovascular conditioning. Jump or run at your own pace in line with your current fitness level. Jump roping or running can burn up to 1000 calories per hour, making it an efficient workout. 15 to 30 minutes, 3 times per week.

Keep in shape, keep safe and God speed.