3 Tips for Effective Muscular Endurance Training for Military Fitness


Introduction

Muscular endurance is the ability of your muscles (or group of muscles) to continually exert force against resistance or a given movement. In a military setting, developing muscular endurance is crucial for the activities you will undertake during your military service. These activities may include carrying heavy loads and moving them through long, rough terrains without the luxury of resting or changing position.

By building muscular endurance, you can enhance your overall military fitness and reduce your risk of injury. Below, we will briefly explore the top three tips for effective muscular endurance training that can help enhance your military fitness.

Photo by Kevin Tosh
Capt. Brian Collins, 62nd Operations Support Squadron at McChord Air Force, Wash., knocks out 75 push-ups at the Fit-To-Fight portion of the Rodeo competition right after opening ceremonies June 19. Competitors represent the best of the best active duty, guard and Reserve members of U.S. and allied forces.

Assess Your Endurance

Your success in muscular endurance training should start with assessing your current level. Generally accepted assessment methods for evaluating your current muscle endurance include the upper-body push test, the lower-body squat test, and the low plank hold.

These three tests are crucial for gauging your workout effectiveness and offering clues about your overall physical fitness. Assessing your endurance helps you understand how well you can perform your daily activities, especially in a military training environment. Once you understand your training and endurance limits, you can choose a fitness programme to help you become the best version of yourself.

Try Different Types of Endurance Training

Your body can react differently to different endurance training modalities, so it is recommended to find the one that works for you, before even coming up with a training plan. Some common types of endurance training you can try include:

  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT): This involves high-intensity activities like sprinting or walking for 30 seconds, then repeating consistently for a period of time. HIIT is geared towards improving your endurance ratio and increasing your muscular endurance.
  • Fartlek training (speed play): This fun, unstructured form of endurance exercise often includes activities such as steady jogging, sprinting, slowing down, and repeating them at random. It is geared towards improving both speed and stamina.
  • Circuit training: It is one of the most versatile types of endurance training, often including push-ups (press-ups), squats, jumping jacks, and sit-ups. You can use a wide variety of equipment, such as prison gym equipment, to achieve more optimal results, depending on where you are training.

Gear Up Appropriately

Whether you are already in the military or are training at home, gearing up for the training is crucial for your safety and performance. Invest in quality gear, such as:

  • Hydration system: You need a hydration pack or water bottle to keep you hydrated and comfortable during your exercise.
  • Supportive shoes: Buy the right cross-trainers or running shoes with reasonable cushioning and arch support.
  • Breathable clothing or fabric: When choosing your training clothes, opt for moisture-wicking materials that draw sweat away from your skin to keep you cool and comfortable.
  • Some weight or backpack: Carrying some weight or a backpack on your back during endurance training will further enhance your training for optimal results.

Summary

Observing these three quick tips for muscular endurance training will help you get started with your military fitness goals, whether you are training in a military camp or at home. With consistency, endurance, and mental resilience, you will build a mind and body that are ready for anything.

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