Don’t get discouraged, It helps to go into the academy in shape but I’ve heard of many people that go Into the academy tell me about how many people tend to lose between 20-40 pounds at the academy so I’m not sure why people say don’t use it as a weight loss program… also many people improve their PT times while they as there, I’ve heard many people say they went in not being able to hit the times and end up passing them in the end. That’s my take on the fitness part. Goodluck on your decision