Good points. I'm in decent shape (I think), but I've always used the excuse to go to games to get physical excersie. "Honey, I have to go this weekend because of this big game, its fun and a lot of running, its good for me...".
Now though my gf stopped buying it and I had to join the gym (she is all about "staying fit" thing).

It all comes down to how serious are you about airsoft AND your health. While buying all the cool guns and gear, dont you want to look "good" with all those goodies? Get in shape! Its good for the game and most importantly its good for YOU!

Well, my 2 cents, I had been interested in airsoft for quite a while. Finally decided to get off my ass and do it. I am not tip top shape, big hills will kill me a bit, I recover fairly fast. That all being said, I got off my ass into airsoft to get out of the house, into the air to get some exercise.

Found out the difference between a good pair of "combat" boots and a huge pair of work boots to make a huge difference in the above mentioned hills, when you lose about eight pounds of weight per foot you are surprised how much easier moving is lol.

Not the best shape, but getting there because of airsoft. I know milsims require some ability to move fast, in extreme terrain and requires abilities such as hitting the dirt and the like. It's not for those who get winded after a flight of stairs, but for those who do, do not let it stop you, get out and do something start slow, let the enthusiasm of the game motivate you.

My first milsim I know I slowed my squad down, I told them to leave me behind and I would catch up. I knew my limitations. I did not expect them to hold up for my tired ass. I did catch up and did contribute. Great bunch of guys.

Again, I ramble. Yes, you need to be in some shape, but on the other side, playing milsims will help you get in that shape.

It is not all that important, because very very few airsoft players actually give anywhere near 100%.

My story
 

Hey,

Just wanted to contribute my story.

I am a dad of 2 pre-schollers and before getting into airsoft my physical activity was null. Getting into airsoft got me motivated to run 2-3 times a week (15-20 min) and bike once a week (1 hour).

It's not much yet, but I sure will be in shape for next summer!

Just

it was great reading your posts.. I was worried my fitness level would slow my team mates down. I figured if it got bad enough I could always camp for awhile until I got my wind back. Since a job loss back in December I moved back home from Alberta and have gained some weight since then... I also started smoking again after I had found work. The fear of letting my team mates down has motivated me to be more active. Well that and the fact I'm turning 30 in September. ( still have a long ways to go) at least im not sitting on my ass all day.
My plan was to take it slow. I never counted on how hot all other the gear was as well... I know I was sweating like a pig when i first tried on my vest, BDU goggles and mask. I plan on getting a hydration carrier to make sure I'm well hydrated.
Anyways, I don't expect airsoft to get me in shape but do hope it provides the extra motivation I need to get there.

Thats the way brother! Even if your just doing a 2k run or even a jog, if you keep it up you'll be doubling even tripling your distance in no time. Keep it up;)

Upgrading your physical fitness is the same as upgrading your gun. Mandatory: sometimes, optional: most of the time. Once your physicality is upgraded most times (as is with gun upgrades) you feel you could not do without it.

Just my two cents

I am working through a back injury during which time I put on about 40lbs, laid me up for almost a year very limited activity. Since I started feeling up to it I decided that I would play airsoft as a way to get myself back in shape. Since starting I have lost 20lbs and my ability to keep up and run with my team has improved greatly. I still suffer back pain and sometimes I just need to pace myself, kind of tough when I feel personal responsibility to each member of my team. I make it a point when just playing skirmishes I play every other game, just to make sure my back holds out. Now I find I can push that a bit and it gets better every day.

I'm definitely fat and out of shape even though I do believe round is a shape. But I still have a tendency to out last young skinnier kids playing. It's not about being in shape it's about knowing your limits and using them to an advantage. I may not be able to run an hump the hills but put me in the bush and I'm quiet and deadly. Do not know how many times I've heard " fuck how do you move so quiet for a fat bastard" after I've killed or mercied someone.

It's a game play to have fun, if someone is lagging ether help them or move on, they will eventually catch up or provide you with that much need evac support.

Well said!!!

Exactly the same situation for me. every little bit helps.

+1

Is it good to get in shape? Certainly, however I wouldn't avoid Milsim games because one is a fat bastard. I partook in them before my sabattical from airsoft and I certianly am a fatty. The key is to a) recognize it, b) address it and c) when in game, play within your limits.

I know i'm not a cardio god, so I don't run up the middle as a gut buster. Find a different way to contribute and go from there.

Back injuries are tough. I good friend of mine has more or less permanent siatic nerve damage from too many shit landings during his Airborn days. He started to gain weight too, but eventually got his back back into relative shape from steady workouts.
As for me, I've thrown out my back too many times to count, mostly from trying to lift heavier loads than I should have been, and I think because of that if I don't get to the gym or work out in some manner for any length of time, my back issues flair up again.

All that to say, I personally feel that "proper" exercise is the best way to get over a back injury, but I guess you now that already:p

Lets not confuse "not" being fat with being in shape. For that matter we could also not confuse being fat or over weight with being "Out Of Shape" even though in most cases this would be the case.

With that in mind...I've seen guys who could easily be considered over weight, that humped there asses up hills and through the bush with the rest of us, carried their own ruck and were still charging hard when the time came. A lot of the time its a mental game for these guys, but it is what it is. Mind over matter is just as much a part of being in shape than lifting weights or running millions of K's "Free your mind and your ass will follow";)

There are tons of skinny or non-fat dudes out there that are in horrible shape as well.

Let's just remind people that overworking out too fast is also harmfull. I bought a brand new quality threadmill 3 weeks ago, in a systema ptw price range. I have been making 40 minutes programms each day everyday without a break. My programm consist of 1 minute walking/1 minute sprint. Always alternating like this. For the past 3 days my shins are burning when i work (i work construction) so i had to stop. I was badly out of shape, the programm was a great starter programm, just over did it. 3-4 times a week should be a start for the new ones like me out there.