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A look inside the US Army’s gruelling new fitness test

Published 13:13 7 Dec 2018 GMT

Alex Roberts
A look inside the US Army’s gruelling new fitness test

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The US Army have unveiled a new fitness test, and it looks pretty brutal

According to Army Times, the new test is set to replace the current version by 2020. As it stands, budding US army recruits must take on the age-old running, sit-ups and press-ups drill.

Experts have long believed the current test is out-dated, hence the refresh. The new Army Combat Fitness Test tackles all aspects of fitness and conditioning - incorporating power, strength and endurance.

How would you fare when taking the test? These are the six drills it entails:

Deadlift

  • Recruits must deadlift a weight between 54 and 190 kilograms, depending on individual strength.
  • 3 reps in 5 minutes.
[Rest for two minutes]

Standing Power Throw

  • Throw a 4.5 kilogram medicine ball overhead and backwards.
  • The first 3 minutes of the drill are for practice throws, with the final 2 minutes left for recorded throws.
  • The longest distance you can manage is recorded.
[Rest for two minutes]

Hand-Release Press-Ups

  • Lower your chest to the floor. When it brushes the ground, lift your hands off the floor between each rep.
  • Aim to perform the most possible reps in three minutes.
[Rest for two minutes]

Sprint-Drag-Carry

  • You've got 4 minutes. In this time, you must make a 25 metre dash forwards and then a 25 metre dash back a total of 5 times.
  • But each time will be different.
  • On the first dash you must sprint, on the second drag a sled, on the third run a lateral shuffle, fourth carry two 18 kilogram kettlebells, then on the fifth sprint again to complete the set.

Leg Tucks

  • Hang from a pull-up bar. Bring your knees to your elbows and aim for as many reps as possible (AMRAP) in 2 minutes.
[Rest for five minutes]

Two-Mile Run

  • Run on a track or a level, paved road for a 20-minute maximum.
JOE recently spent time in Oman with the Royal Marines, where they are stationed in Oman for a joint training exercise called Saif Sareea 3. The Marines' daily fitness routine is another gruelling workout worthy of inclusion in any workout programme. Read more:

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A look inside the US Army's gruelling new fitness test