The current testing ( two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups- don't get me started- and a 2-mile run) has obvious shortcomings. Those shortcomings are addressed with the new testing, which better reflects the physical abilities required during combat.
Let's not try to figure out how we can reconcile the new testing with the deplorable fitness levels of the young people who want to enlist. More business for good personal trainers! Yippee!
The new testing consists of : 60-yard shuttle run, rowing exercise, standing broad jump, 1 minute of push-ups, 1.5 mile run. And for "combat readiness": 400 meter run with weapon, Parkour-like vaulting, hurdling, crawling and balance movements, 180-lb. sled drag-yay!- agility cone sprints, and a balance beam traverse while carrying 30-lb. ammo canisters!
At the Fitness Asylum, once a baseline of fitness is attained, we embark on programming that incorporates agility drills, Parkour moves, "the Punisher" sled drags and pulls, sledgehammer drills,balance drills, mobility drills- you get the picture. We also work on stabilizing and mobilizing exercises. The accessory exercises are performed as active recovery in between sets of compound movements. One of the Asylum programs that very closely mimics the Army's programming is Sgt. Six-Pack Bootcamp.
Training this way is fun, challenging, and very effective. I'm glad to see that the Army is matching it's fitness testing to the real requirements of combat.
Enlist in the Sgt. Six-Pack Bootcamp today!
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