Military fitness training isn’t just for active service members. / Wikimedia Commons
So, you’ve been wondering how to shake up your life, gain mental and physical strength, and toughen up a bit? Let’s talk about military fitness training.
We’re not talking about enlisting to be a service member (though, kudos to you if that’s your goal). No, we’re talking about incorporating the principles and the intensity of military training into your everyday fitness routine.
This is about more than just doing 50 push-ups without breaking a sweat. This is about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and so much more.
Military fitness training is not just a physical test. It’s a whole-life philosophy. It’s a mindset. It’s about facing challenges head-on, pushing your limits, and learning that you’re stronger than you ever thought you could be.
And the best part? This approach to fitness can totally change your life.
What to Expect in Military Fitness Training
Simply put, it’s a fitness program inspired by the rigorous training of military personnel. It’s all about intensity, discipline, and resilience. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
Intensity: If you’re tired of the same old treadmill jog or arm curl routine, then military fitness training will feel like a breath of fresh air… or maybe more like a gust of gale-force wind. You’ll engage in high-intensity workouts that push your limits and get your heart rate soaring. Think sprints, push-ups, pull-ups, and many other exercises that’ll make you sweat bullets.
Full Body Workouts: Say goodbye to “leg day” and “arm day.” In military fitness, every day is a “full-body day.” The workouts are designed to hit every major muscle group, leaving no stone unturned, or in this case, no muscle unworked. This ensures balanced strength and fitness.
Functional Fitness: This isn’t about getting a six-pack for the beach. It’s about functional fitness – strength and endurance useful in real-life situations. Can you lift heavy objects without straining? Can you run to catch a bus without getting winded? Military fitness is all about practical, usable fitness.
Discipline and Consistency: The biggest takeaway from military fitness training is discipline. It’s about something other than how hard you can go in one session. It’s about showing up consistently and giving your all every time. The goal is to make fitness a lifestyle, not just a phase.
Teamwork and Camaraderie: In the military, you’re part of a unit, a team that relies on each other. Military fitness training often involves group workouts that foster community and teamwork. You’ll find yourself pushing harder, motivated by the energy and support of your workout buddies.
Military Fitness Training Workouts You Can Try
Now that we’ve talked the talk, it’s time to walk the walk. Or, in this case, run the run, push the push, and squat the squat. Here are a few examples of what military fitness training could look like:
So, you’ve been wondering how to shake up your life, gain mental and physical strength, and toughen up a bit? Let’s talk about military fitness training.
We’re not talking about enlisting to be a service member (though, kudos to you if that’s your goal). No, we’re talking about incorporating the principles and the intensity of military training into your everyday fitness routine.
This is about more than just doing 50 push-ups without breaking a sweat. This is about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and so much more.
Military fitness training is not just a physical test. It’s a whole-life philosophy. It’s a mindset. It’s about facing challenges head-on, pushing your limits, and learning that you’re stronger than you ever thought you could be.
And the best part? This approach to fitness can totally change your life.
What to Expect in Military Fitness Training
Simply put, it’s a fitness program inspired by the rigorous training of military personnel. It’s all about intensity, discipline, and resilience. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
Intensity: If you’re tired of the same old treadmill jog or arm curl routine, then military fitness training will feel like a breath of fresh air… or maybe more like a gust of gale-force wind. You’ll engage in high-intensity workouts that push your limits and get your heart rate soaring. Think sprints, push-ups, pull-ups, and many other exercises that’ll make you sweat bullets.
Full Body Workouts: Say goodbye to “leg day” and “arm day.” In military fitness, every day is a “full-body day.” The workouts are designed to hit every major muscle group, leaving no stone unturned, or in this case, no muscle unworked. This ensures balanced strength and fitness.
Functional Fitness: This isn’t about getting a six-pack for the beach. It’s about functional fitness – strength and endurance useful in real-life situations. Can you lift heavy objects without straining? Can you run to catch a bus without getting winded? Military fitness is all about practical, usable fitness.
Discipline and Consistency: The biggest takeaway from military fitness training is discipline. It’s about something other than how hard you can go in one session. It’s about showing up consistently and giving your all every time. The goal is to make fitness a lifestyle, not just a phase.
Teamwork and Camaraderie: In the military, you’re part of a unit, a team that relies on each other. Military fitness training often involves group workouts that foster community and teamwork. You’ll find yourself pushing harder, motivated by the energy and support of your workout buddies.
Military Fitness Training Workouts You Can Try
Now that we’ve talked the talk, it’s time to walk the walk. Or, in this case, run the run, push the push, and squat the squat. Here are a few examples of what military fitness training could look like:
Basic Training
No fancy equipment is needed for this one, just your own body weight. Start with a five-minute warm-up jog; then, it’s down to business. Try to do three sets of push-ups (as many as you can), three sets of bodyweight squats (around 20), and three sets of lunges (10 each leg).
Now we’re slightly turning up the heat. Start with a five-minute warm-up run, followed by four sets of 15 burpees, four sets of 15 mountain climbers, and four sets of 15 jump squats.
Take a quick breather (you’ll need it), then hit four sets of 15 high knees and four sets of plank (hold for as long as you can). Finish with a five-minute cooldown jog.
The Soldier’s Circuit
This is for those days when you feel extra energetic. After your warm-up jog, perform the following circuit: 10 push-ups, 15 squats, 20 jumping jacks, ten burpees, and a 30-second plank hold.
The twist? Do the whole thing as many times as you can in 30 minutes. Then, cool down with a nice jog or walk. This one’s a killer, but you’ll feel unstoppable after.
The Commando Challenge
Looking for a real test? Try this. After your warm-up, perform 10 push-ups, 15 sit-ups, and 20 squats, then take a one-minute rest. Sounds easy? Well, every round, you will add 5 extra reps to each exercise.
So, round two would be 15 push-ups, 20 sit-ups, 25 squats, and so on. Keep going until you can’t complete the total number of reps. If you can make it to round five, you’re doing great.
Remember, it’s not about how many reps you do or how fast you do them. It’s about pushing yourself, staying consistent, and having a bit of fun (yes, it can be fun).
Don’t worry if you can’t complete all the reps or sets at first. If you’re trying, you will improve quicker than you think.
How Military Fitness Training Can Improve Your Life
Military fitness training isn’t just a physical workout. It’s a mental one, too. You’re not just building muscles as you power through those demanding circuits. You’re also building mental grit and resilience. You’re learning to face challenges and push through even when everything in you is screaming to stop.
That can be a game-changer in everyday life. Be it at work, in personal relationships, or facing life’s ups and downs; you’ll have an edge. You’ll be that person who keeps going when others give up.
On top of that, the discipline and consistency you learn from military fitness training can permeate other areas of your life. You’ll become better at setting goals and following through with them related to your career, personal life, or even hobbies.
It’s about forming a habit of commitment and consistency – two qualities that can take you far in life.
Military fitness training is about far more than getting in shape. It’s about building a stronger, more resilient you, ready to face whatever life throws your way. And that is a kind of life change that’s worth sweating for.
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