What Is Tactical Fitness?
Is it a fad? Is it the next big thing? Truth be told, tactical fitness has been around for a long time and it’s not going away. It’s used by our military branches, law enforcement, firefighters and whoever else that needs to be in peak performance to be able to do their job at the highest level and in the worst conditions. It starts as a basic physical fitness test to see if candidates are even able to begin a career in the field, but it goes far beyond that. Training never stops.
T.F. is used to train for real life scenarios that our nation’s bravest might encounter on any given day. Military might not train the same as the fire department would but the concepts are the same and the scenarios are just as life threatening. They can’t just be good at one area of fitness like strength (which can be broken down within itself), instead they need to be efficient in all aspects of fitness. No one wants to lose in a fitness competition but the stakes are a lot higher if a tactical athlete loses in their field of work.
One of the differences in T.F. compared to other versions such as bodybuilding or crossfit is the purpose they are training for. Competitions are popping up everywhere to find the strongest, fastest, or who can endure the most. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Exercise is a vital part of everyday living and people use different ways of motivating themselves.
Why would I train like this if I don’t do those jobs? Just because someone isn’t in law enforcement or special operations in the military doesn’t mean similar real life scenarios won’t find their way to your doorstep one day. Complacency is the enemy of all and it’s our job to consistently train for unexpected situations. A few examples include:
House catches fire, I need to pick up my kid(s) and run out of the house to safety
Natural disasters (earthquake, flood, tornado), an adult male has been knocked unconscious and needs to be dragged quickly to a safe area
A car went off the road and into a lake. They got out of the car but guess what, they can't swim
Do you have the strength, speed and composure to get it done? Do you even swim bro? Some of the similar circumstances of these scenarios would include moving fast with added weight and making good decisions when it matters most. These bullet points would be considered extreme and unlikely for most people but that’s why people train to become as well rounded as possible. To be in peak performance under the worst circumstances.
This is what tactical fitness prepares you for. One main concept is to train under stress, pushing yourself and getting out of a normal comfortable routine. Shock the body! Instead of your normal 3 mile run in the morning, try putting on a weighted vest or kit and do the same run. See how your times compare and how your muscles react. If that isn’t challenging enough then throw in 15 burpees each mile. Once that’s done, see how your mind reacts as well. Can you think straight, a little dizzy maybe? The tactical careers I mentioned earlier train for these scenarios regularly. For example, sprinting with added weight to either get to their destination or to apprehend the suspect. Then once they’re there, they have to be able to make the right decisions or it could be life or death for someone.
There’s a reason first responders train to become tactical athletes, some examples include:
Military training with 60 lb rucksacks for miles on end in full gear in the elements
Firefighters running up flights of stairs with a minimum 45 lbs of gear on
Law enforcement training with their vests, stiff gun belts and whatever else they may need can get up to 30 lbs of added weight
I’m not saying to throw on 50 lbs in chains and start sprinting till you pass out, start small and gradually increase your challenges. If you workout now that’s great, there’s always room for improvement and T.F. can be incorporated into routines. The goal is to build a well rounded foundation so you can be as prepared as possible for any situation life throws at you. This includes strength, speed, agility, aerobic endurance, muscle endurance, flexibility and mental toughness. And now apply that to every part of your body.
If you wanted to become a tactical athlete, here a few basic steps you can take
Train with added weight (vests, kits, ankle weights etc.)
Train outside, get out into the elements while dressing appropriately for conditions, not everything happens indoors
Add a little stress to your workouts. I don’t mean tell your spouse their cooking could be better and then start running away, but train with a partner and compete. Nothing gets the blood pumping like competition
Can you incorporate mental toughness and composure during and after an exercise?
Don’t forget to take care of your body. Tactical athletes are still athletes and are no good to anyone if they are injured and out of training for extended periods of time
You don’t have to give up your favorite workouts or competitions you might compete in. Incorporate these categories into your workouts and watch your overall improvements in fitness and in confidence. The results will be incredible and you’ll know you’re a well rounded athlete. Anyone can train with a purpose, tactical fitness helps you train for the ultimate purpose of the unexpected.
I’ve seen a lot of different definitions of what tactical fitness is, including “functional fitness on steroids”. They may all be right, but we hope after reading this you have a better understanding of the fitness genre and the motivation to get after it!
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