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Essential Tips to Get Military Fit and Combat Ready

You don’t have to be an athlete to prepare for the military. Some people believe you need athletic experience. But anyone can get fit for service. Staying consistent with daily training is vital. To become a ‘tactical athlete,’ mix different fitness elements. You can work out in the gym, train outside, or take breaks on sites like cookiecasino.com. Balance and dedication are key!

A question from a fitness beginner who’s excited about joining the Army:

For someone starting from scratch and aiming for the Army Rangers, focus on these areas first:

  • Running Endurance: Start with a mix of short and long runs. Gradually increase your distance. Aim for consistent training so your body gets used to running longer.
  • Upper Body Strength: Do exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and dips. Start with bodyweight exercises, then add weights as you get stronger.
  • Cross-Training: Incorporate activities like swimming or cycling. These will help with fitness and prevent burnout.
  • Rest and Recovery: Make sure to rest. Recovery is essential—your body needs rest to repair and grow stronger.

Concentrating on these areas will build a solid foundation for the challenges ahead.

Which should I focus on: running or weight training? Thanks, Lane.

To prepare for military physical challenges, begin by finding your weaknesses. Also, work on your strengths. The tests mentioned in the following paragraph will guide you. This self-assessment is crucial. You may lean more toward endurance or strength training. Focusing on either area can lead to noticeable improvements quickly. This is called the beginner effect. You often see better results in the first few months of a new fitness program. Try progressing through the following steps:

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1. Understand the Army’s Fitness Test Requirements

Try push-ups, sit-ups, and two-mile runs to prepare for the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). They use these to assess your abilities at first. Include pull-ups. They will help you navigate obstacle courses, climb ropes, jump walls, and more.

2. Prepare for the Army’s Official Fitness Test

The Army evaluates performance through the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). It includes more than running and calisthenics. You’ll perform various exercises. Begin your weight training with the hex-bar deadlift. Then, throw medicine balls and carry kettlebells. Next, drag sleds for 50 meters. Follow up with hand-release push-ups and a plank hold. Finally, run two miles.

3. Become a Tactical Athlete

Remember that anyone can become a top tactical athlete without a sports background. It’s more about being good at many fitness areas than being great at one. Training for the ACFT will help you develop key fitness abilities needed for military success. You’ll gain strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, core stability, and stamina. These skills are hard to develop without proper training. You can adjust this fitness journey to match your strengths and areas to improve.

4. Wear a Backpack and Start Walking

The fitness test did not include load-bearing. This involves using a backpack. Training to carry a weighted backpack for long distances should be done gradually. This is key for Army basic training and will be more intense for Army Ranger prep. Begin with a backpack weighing 10-15 pounds for the first five walks, which should be 2-3 miles each. Do this over two to three weeks. After that, add 10 pounds every 2-3 weeks. Keep going until you can carry 50 pounds in the backpack. Then, add 1-2 miles per week. You only need to ruck twice a week. It’s an excellent finisher for leg day, so consider making it your post-leg-day cardio routine.

Anyone can train and build the fitness needed to become a tactical athlete. Whether you’re a natural athlete or have never competed doesn’t matter. Athletes begin this transition with weaknesses they tend to ignore. They prioritize developing the specific physical abilities required for their role or mission.

The journey is the same. Look at your skills. Then, work on your weaknesses. This way, they won’t hold you back. Keep your strengths as you work on other physical areas.

Aim to enhance:

  • Strength
  • Power
  • Speed
  • Agility
  • Endurance
  • Muscular endurance
  • Flexibility
  • Mobility
  • Grip strength

This way, you can improve.

George N.
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