To meet the lowest entry standard for the British army in terms of fitness, it is considered that a young adult soldier should be capable of a 2 km (1.24 mile) run, after a warm-up jog of between 6.5 and 7 minutes. The 2 km (1.24 mile) run must be achieved in 11 mins and 15 seconds or less.

After this, and assuming the potential recruit is within the normal height and weight range, and capable of passing the diagnostic Army Physical Fitness Test, Basic Combat training will then prepare them for full army service.

Before, during, and after combat training, it is necessary for a soldier to maintain their fitness levels with regular and effective exercises, involving warm-ups and the right kinds of movements. It is essential to build up both strength and stamina as a soldier.

It is important to work on all the areas of the body in equal measure, combining cardio-vascular activities with toning the different areas of the body, so that will be stretched in preparation for the most rigorous of activities.

These exercises will include push ups for military training, along with other excises involving the upper and lower body.

So, for 3 ways to get fit for military service, we should focus on 3 areas of the body:

Upper Body

This incorporates the arms, chest, and shoulders. Useful exercises include pull-ups, push-ups (or press-ups), and ball grips.

Lower Body

To attend to the lower sections, that is calves, legs, and glutes, exercises should include calf raises, squats in variation, and glute marches. Glute marches are end-range hip extension exercises.

Abdominals

Attention should be paid to the core muscles here. The exercises that will help included crunches and reverse crunches. These are classic core exercises that will specifically train the abdominal muscles.

These exercises will extend to oblique muscles on the sides of the trunk, and muscles in the lower back, pelvis, and hips. These muscles together help with stabilizing the body.

For further information on the types of all-round exercises that can be helpful in training your body, you can visit the online page on military-style fitness.

So, army physical training first begins with the basic combat training at “boot camp,” where a soldier’s fitness will be tested, and tactics, methods and traditions learned.

A soldier will also learn tough discipline and the standards required in respect of proper dress, grooming oneself, and marching. Then, after achieving the basic fitness levels and competences, it will get tougher for recruits contemplating the Marine Corps.

Here, recruits will experience the hardest military fitness test of all. In addition to the 2 km (1.24 mile) run, Marines are required to run an extra mile and do pull-ups. Their USMC Physical Fitness Test (PFT) requirements will include crushes for two minutes, pull-ups to a maximum of repetitions, and a three-mile run to boot. It is for this type of activity that sustained training in relation to push ups, for example, is necessary.

There is no point becoming a solider in the first place if there is no desire to stay fit. Not only are advanced fitness levels a necessity for a regular soldier they also allow entry into the more demanding corps within the army.