People's Liberation Army Generals have shed more than five kg on average as they get into training for the Sept 3 military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

More than 50 generals, with an average age of 53, will lead parade units involving 12,000 people. The oldest general is 58, more than 30 years older than other soldiers.

They have sought no privileges and trained as strictly as all ranks although they are behind younger recruits in terms of reflexes, agility and physical strength.

Lieutenant General Deng Zhiping, 52, said he had shed more than 7 kg to less than 80 kg since training began. "My waistline was trimmed down by 12 cm," said Deng.

Many generals have overcome injuries and illness in training but insist on practicing overtime, said Feng Kaichun, who is in charge of training them.

To increase stamina, they practice marching more than 200 meters at a time, far more than the 96 meters their coach requires, and they practice several times a day.

"Generals are the first class soldiers," said Feng.

bbabo.Net