Military Fitness For Beginners: How To Get Started

If you’ve never done any kind of military fitness training before, there are a few factors to consider that will help you get stuck in without injuring or overworking yourself.

Make A Commitment To Yourself

Military fitness can be challenging and there may be times when you’re tempted to stop. In order to keep yourself motivated throughout a training program, make a commitment to yourself at the very beginning of the process. Think about why you want to get fit and what you hope to gain from military fitness. Having these answers in the back of your mind will help get you through the days when the workout feels particularly gruelling. 

Be Honest About Your Starting Fitness Level

It’s important to set realistic training goals based on your current fitness level to ensure they are achievable and to prevent injury. Whilst you'll want to push yourself, the last thing you want to do is push too hard at the beginning and ruin your chances for the rest of the training plan. Assess your current fitness level realistically and be honest about it. Remember, the whole point is to get fitter, not to start out fit. 

Do Your Research

Look at the different exercises that can be involved in military fitness to see the different workout options and training plans you might like to do. Alongside this do a little research into the kind of equipment you may need such as weights, skipping rope etc. and look at the nutrition you should be eating alongside your workouts. Fuelling your body with the right food is crucial to supporting the exercise you are putting in and so it’s worth being clued up on the best meals to eat alongside your workouts.  

Make A Training Plan

With the right research, you may want to create your own training plan tailored to your fitness levels and goals. Map out a plan (usually between 5-8 weeks) that is realistic and that you can schedule around your other commitments.  Start slowly and gradually increase the endurance and intensity of your exercises week on week.  If you don’t want to commit to an intense training plan, you could incorporate a couple of military workouts into your weekly routine or choose an activity such as tabbing and do this once or twice a week. Any kind of military fitness that you do will have a positive impact on your cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength.

Join A Group

Alternatively, a great way to get involved in military fitness as a beginner is to join a local group. There are plenty of exercise groups offering military fitness training or ‘military boot camps’. Training alongside others like this makes it easier to stay motivated and ensures that you’re exercising in a safe way. ‘Be Military Fit with Bear Grylls’ is a great group to check out as it offers training across the country as well as military fitness advice for people of all abilities. 

Get The Right Kit

Before you start your training make sure that you have the right gear. With any kind of military fitness you’re going to be sweating a lot so make sure to wear breathable, moisture-wicking sports kit that will help you keep as comfortable as possible throughout your workout. In terms of footwear, you’ll need a shoe that is supportive, durable and breathable. LOWA military boots are designed for military fitness and training exercises and so are guaranteed to support your performance. Browse our full range of LOWA boots to find the best fit for you as an individual.

For quick & easy military workout ideas to help you get started, check out the 7 quick and easy military workouts for beginners.