A military conditioning class is a coached group session built on basic conditioning: running, bodyweight strength, carries and crawls, finished with stretching. Beginners can join. A good coach scales every exercise to the person doing it, so the newest and the fittest person in the room train side by side at different intensities.
This blog post covers what happens in the first session, what to wear, how sore you will be and how often a beginner should train.
What is a military conditioning class?
It is group conditioning that borrows its movements from military basic training. Think press-ups, squats, lunges, bear crawls, shuttle runs and loaded carries. The point is general fitness and the habit of turning up, not performance on the day.
At the Commando Temple in Deptford, Ash coaches the Military Conditioning Class. In the sessions you will hear Ash talking about “Advanced Basics” and “Serious Play” – the concept that fundamental movements, done properly and repeated, build more than anything fancy.
Do I need to be fit to start a military conditioning class?
No. You will be out of breath in the first session, and that is expected. The coach’s job is to set the work at your level.
Tell the coach about injuries or health conditions before you start. If you are unsure whether you are fit to exercise, ask your GP first.
What happens in a beginner military fitness session?
Most sessions have three parts.
1. Warm-up. Mobility and light movement to get joints and muscles ready.
Conditioning.
2. The main block. Exercises are usually done in rounds or circuits, with a coach calling the work and correcting form.
3. Cool-down. Slower movement and stretching.
You will not be asked to do everything at full speed. You will be asked to keep moving and to keep your form.
Is this class for people preparing to join the Armed Forces?
It is a good start, though people training to join the forces are encouraged to take our one-to-one military fitness program.
What should I wear and bring to a military conditioning class?
Wear trainers with decent grip and clothes you can crawl and stretch in. Layers help, because you will be cold at the start and hot by the middle. Bring water and a small towel.
Eat something light one to two hours before an evening class. Training on a full stomach is miserable and training on empty is not much better.
How sore will I be after my first military conditioning class?
Expect some stiffness. Delayed onset muscle soreness usually shows up a day after the session and tends to be worst around the second day. Walking and gentle stretching help more than resting completely.
The second week is usually easier than the first, because your body has seen the movements once already.
How often should a beginner train?
The NHS guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, plus strengthening work on at least two days. One or two classes a week is a sensible start. Add a third when recovery allows.
Where can I try a military conditioning class in London?
The Commando Temple runs small-group classes in Deptford, led by Ash and capped at 16 people. Times, prices and booking are on the military conditioning classes page. You can read more about the coach on Ash’s profile.
If you would rather train outdoors, the Commando Temple also runs outdoor group days.
