Fitness & Operational Readiness | Mick Coup

When it comes to assessing your level of fitness, what benchmarks are you using? As protectors, where the expectations upon us can vary to such an extent, how do we know if we’re fit for purpose? Are we measuring by past experience or worst case scenario?It's also important to know the limitations on your body and to understand that you still have to be fit enough to cross the line. It's no good thrashing yourself every day in training to then get to the start line and find out you're broken to such a degree that you can't actually perform. Operational readiness and fitness - we're talking to Mick Coup, founder of C2 Core Combatives and a long-established fitness specialist within EP.“I know that I can't survive being hit by a car. So, I take a lot of care when I crossed the road. Knowing your limitations reveals your actual capabilities far more than wishful thinking does”Traditionally, It's that time of the year where we get a bit introspective and start setting ambitious goals for the year ahead. So, in this podcast, we're taking a long look in the mirror and asking some tough questions.In this episode, Mick shares the benefit of his many years of experience in training and coaching, including: How can protectors benchmark their fitness, what metrics should you use?if you're not physically able to protect somebody, should you really be saying that you are in the close detection industry as a protector?Training and equipment recommendations for protectors when deployed on operationsFitness, recovery and wellbeing tips for maximising training benefits as we age.More about Mick:Mick provides consultation and bespoke training covering a broad spectrum of both kinetic and non-kinetic subject matter - ranging from last resort armed/unarmed combatives to conflict/threat management methods, and from methods of restraining and controlling of violent subjects, to close protection and special-project operational tactics.Mick has also designed and developed the highly acclaimed ‘C2: Core Combatives’ system, adopted by various operational groups internationally to enhance the personal survivability of personnel in various conflict scenarios.LinkedInC2: Core CombativesMore about the Circuit:The Circuit Magazine is written and produced by volunteers, most of who are operationally active, working full time in the security industry. The magazine is a product of their combined passion and desire to give something back to the industry. By subscribing to the magazine you are helping to keep it going into the future. Find out more >If you liked this podcast, we have an accompanying weekly newsletter called 'On the Circuit' where we take a deeper dive into the wider industry. Opt in here >The Circuit team is:Elijah ShawJon MossShaun WestPhelim RoweConnect with Us: Circuit MagazineBBA ConnectNABA ProtectorBritish Bodyguard Association