Why Does The Military Use Calisthenics

If you step into the world of military training, you’ll quickly notice a tried-and-true practice that is followed almost everywhere – calisthenics.

But have you ever wondered why the military swears by these bodyweight exercises? Well, that’s just what this article is all about. Forget fancy gym equipment; calisthenics is the name of the game. We’re talking push-ups, squats, and all those no-equipment moves for strength training. 

That said, using calisthenics is not just an arbitrary decision – there’s a valid justification behind it. From boosting functional strength to building unbreakable discipline, calisthenics has it all. So, join us as we uncover the reason why the military just can’t get enough of those calisthenics workouts.

Why Does The Military Use Calisthenics And Not Weights?

The biggest reason why the military opts for calisthenics over weights is pretty simple – convenience. Calisthenics is cost-effective and requires minimal equipment, making it ideal for basic training and for soldiers in the field. 

What this means is that unlike weightlifting and other weight training exercises, it’s adaptable and can be done anywhere, even during rest days. Furthermore, calisthenics fosters mental fortitude and aligns with the army’s focus on overall fitness. That is why it is a staple in military fitness routines.

Why Does The Military Only Use Calisthenics?

1. Functional Fitness

Military calisthenics primarily focuses on using one’s own body weight to perform exercises. This approach enhances functional strength, which is crucial for soldiers to carry out various tasks in combat situations. What’s more, bodyweight training like push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups develop functional strength while burning fat.

2. Full Body Engagement

Calisthenics targets multiple muscle groups at once, building muscle strength and overall fitness. It’s a full-body workout that enhances endurance and cardiovascular health, which is essential for soldiers in combat situations. 

3. Versatility

Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, chin-ups, and dips can be modified to suit different fitness levels. This adaptability allows military personnel at various fitness stages to participate in the same workout routine.

4. Cardiovascular Endurance

Calisthenics often incorporate dynamic movements like jumping jacks and shadow boxing, improving cardiovascular endurance. This is vital for soldiers who require stamina for prolonged physical activities.

5. Practicality

Military calisthenics can be performed anywhere without the need for specialised equipment, making them perfect for boot camps, field training, and situations where gym facilities are unavailable.

6. Injury Prevention

Using body weight reduces the risk of injury compared to other types of workouts, as it encourages natural and controlled movements. This is particularly crucial for soldiers who need to remain in top physical condition without unnecessary setbacks.

7. Efficiency

Since calisthenics can help burn fat and build lean muscle mass simultaneously, it aids army soldiers in maintaining healthy body composition. This is especially important for endurance and agility in the field.

8. Combat Readiness

Military calisthenics mirrors the physical demands soldiers encounter in real-world scenarios. As such, it prepares them for the challenges of their roles more effectively than traditional weightlifting or other workout routines.

9. Mental Toughness

The discipline required for consistent calisthenics training fosters mental fortitude, which is extremely crucial for military personnel in the field. Therefore, it aligns with the armed forces’ emphasis on resilience and adaptability.

10. Inclusivity

Bodyweight exercises cater to a wider range of fitness levels, genders, and body types. This basically means that these exercises can be performed both by all the men and women enlisted in the military. As such, it ensures that all soldiers can engage in training that suits their individual capabilities.

11. Cost-Effectiveness

Military calisthenics eliminates the need for expensive equipment and gym memberships, making them a cost-effective solution for maintaining the physical fitness of a large force.

Do Navy SEALs Only Do Calisthenics?

While Navy SEALs incorporate a variety of training methods, calisthenics play a crucial role in their regimen. A typical Navy SEAL soldier utilises calisthenics to enhance functional strength, endurance, and flexibility, aligning with the demands of their missions. 

However, the Navy SEAL training goes beyond calisthenics and encompasses a comprehensive approach that includes swimming, running, martial arts, and tactical drills. This diverse training methodology ensures the SEALs are prepared for a wide range of challenges they might face in combat and special operations.

What Are The Different Calisthenics Exercises Performed By Soldiers?

In military training, a spectrum of calisthenics exercises is harnessed to fortify soldiers’ fitness levels and operational prowess. By leveraging one’s body weight, these exercises foster strength, endurance, and peak physical condition. 

Push-up exercises sculpt upper body muscles and core stability, while squats enhance lower body strength. Pull-ups and chin-ups target the back, shoulders, and arms, adapting to various fitness levels. At the same time, dips amplify upper body power, and sit-ups bolster the core. 

On the other hand, jumping jacks provide cardio benefits while training both the pepper and lower body muscles. Likewise, specific lower body exercises like bodyweight squats refine leg strength. Other calisthenics workouts like burpees offer full-body intensity, while planks focus on developing core strength. 

All of these exercises are meticulously woven into training routines, including boot camps and regular workouts. They nurture superior strength, cardiovascular robustness, and holistic fitness, equipping soldiers for multifaceted operational landscapes. The amalgamation of these exercises, alongside proper nutrition and rest days, forms the bedrock of soldiers’ physical preparedness.

Does Calisthenics Make You A Better Fighter?

Calisthenics can significantly enhance one’s abilities as a fighter. These exercises are highly adaptable, and they mirror the movements needed in combat, fostering functional fitness. Regular calisthenics training improves balance, agility, and form – all of which are key attributes in fighting. 

While calisthenics alone won’t substitute specific hand-to-hand combat training routines like martial arts, they provide a solid foundation. They complement a balanced diet and sufficient rest days to prevent overtraining. Overall, using calisthenics to train soldiers can improve their fitness level, build muscle, and refine their physical abilities as a fighter.

Conclusion

In essence, calisthenics stands as a cornerstone in military fitness, offering a powerful combination of strength, endurance, and adaptability. Its integration into military training, including among elite units like Navy SEALs, underscores the effectiveness in preparing soldiers for the diverse physical demands of their roles. 

Calisthenics’ emphasis on functional fitness and full-body engagement aligns seamlessly with the needs of military personnel. Whether it’s enhancing muscle strength, fostering mental toughness, or building cardiovascular endurance, calisthenics reinforces the symbiotic relationship between physical readiness and operational excellence within the armed forces.