Military Fitness Training: How Hard is it?

Military fitness training is often perceived as too hard and for fit people only. This isn't actually the case as in the military not everyone needs to be super fit. Therefore, in order to maintain the appropriate level of fitness, military training needs to suit everyone. Armed Forces PTI's (physical training instructor) need to keep fitness varied and interesting. Designed well, military fitness training will keep troops motivated.

Military fitness training progressively develops recruits from civilian to soldier. It can be challenging and push people to their limit but this is all part of the training itself. As a result, this fosters teamwork and camaraderie which is essential to military life.

Recruits have certain standards required to pass a military fitness test. Males and females have different levels to achieve. Officers also need to pass different tests than soldiers. Therefore, we will look at both British Army military fitness training standards in more detail below.

Soldier Fitness Standards

Everyone who joins the Army is required to pass a fitness test. There are a range of strength and stamina tests for soldiers. There is also a running test. Soldiers will be tested on the following:

• Static lift: Involves lifting a power-bag between 20kg and 40kg to a height of 1.45m. The weight varies depending on which role you select in the Army

• Jerry can carry: You need to carry two full jerry cans a certain distance. This ranges between 30m and 120m based on your role

• 1.5 mile run: You need to run 1.5 miles as fast as you can. The time required is mostly between 12m45s and 14m30s based on job role. However, The Parachute Regiment requires you to complete the run in under 10 minutes.

Officer Fitness Standards

Officers need to take 4 specific tests to pass entry level tests. These include:

• Bleep test: You need to run continuously between two points which are 20m apart. You run in time with a beep which is progressively quicker over time. You achieve a score based on the 'level of beeps' you reach 

• Sit-ups: All potential officers must complete 50 sit-ups in two minutes

• Press-ups: Males need to complete 44 press-ups in two minutes and females need to complete 21 press-ups in two minutes

• 1.5 mile run: Females need to complete a 1.5 mile run in 12m45s and males need to complete the run in 10m30s

You can see that military fitness training is challenging, however it is achievable. There are many reasons the military select this type of training. Above all, it is designed to ensure troops are prepared for the demands they may face in the military.

Military Fitness Training with Battle Bootcamp

At Battle Bootcamp we have a strong military ethos throughout our company. Civilians can get a flavour of military fitness training with our alternative training methods.

We provide various ability levels, which is similar to military fitness training. Participants can choose from two fitness level groups as we deliver uppers and lowers.

If you're in our lowers group, you will focus on technique, basic exercises and we will ensure each workout is fun and enjoyable. This group is ideal if you're new to fitness or perhaps recovering from an injury. You will find our lowers group perfect for weight loss and improving your general fitness levels.

In our uppers group, you will be pushed to your limits with a high intensity workout. It will challenge you but also foster a sense of teamwork and belonging. Anyone can participate in an upper sessions, although it's not for the faint hearted.

The same level of instructional skill is delivered regardless of which ability group you choose. You will also experience the same level of banter and teamwork. However, there is a distinct difference in the intensity applied.

You can progress and regress between the ability groups at your own choice. But be prepared for the banter that comes with this :)

If you're a first timer, you should try our lowers class. As a result, you will be able to perfect your technique on various exercises and improve your general fitness around other like-minded beginners.

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