Military Training
I have been fortunate to have trained members from almost every branch of the military; special operations, navy seals, marines and the army. While Crossfit has caught on among various military bases it has no scientific application to what soldiers are actually asked to do in the field other than pushing physical intensity to a higher level. The methods used have a very high risk of injury.
The approach used by SSL is simple. All soldiers are asked to carry a pack of some sort sometimes weighing as much as 100 lbs. Therefore it is imperative to immediately improve core strength or injury is inevitable. The strength of the muscles of the spine, abdominal cavity, obliques, and hips all have to be increased in order to withstand the increased load on the core. The Ballwork program and customized Glut Ham machines are the best methods I know of to improve these areas.
The next priority is improving the strength of the feet. The feet are a suspension system, so when the weight suspended on them is increased their strength also needs to be increased or the likelihood of injury is very high. Custom devices are used to improve foot/ankle strength and mobility. The footwork program is unique in the training world in it's ability to provide the proper foundation in the feet for all physical movement.
The muscular endurance required of any soldier is excessive. Now that core strength has been improved as well as foot strength, the endurance abilities of the legs can be addressed. Accelerating Isokinetic machines are used to achieve this and have no equal in the marketplace in my opinion. They not only provide the fastest strength gains but do so with no risk of injury or DOMS(Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). The duration of physical activity for military personnel makes training muscular endurance and not maximal power the priority. Therefore high repetitions on the Accelerating Isokinetic machines are the right prescription.
The cardiovascular abilities of every soldier cannot be underestimated in it's importance. SSL uses a variety of tools to properly prepare the energy systems for the rigors of military life. Concept 11 Rowers are used routinely to provide a full body cardiovascular workout. It is invaluable in tracking the progress of the conditioning levels of those using it. Specific running programs that address both the anaerobic and aerobic capacities of each individual are implemented. The biomechanics of running is also analyzed and addressed when necessary. Lastly, The Big Rope is used and is the single best conditioning tool available for military physical conditioning. Designed by Mike Mattox who originally designed The Heavy Rope, this weighted jump rope improves cardiovascular abilities, core strength, hand and forearm strength, muscular endurance of the legs, and prepares the ligaments and tendons for rigorous physical activity. This rope was used 20 years ago by famous athletes such as Walter Payton, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and many others. The Big Rope is the new and improved heavy rope.
Only through the proper physical training program can the mental and physical abilities of each soldier be improved. The SSL program systematically and scientifically prepares the human body for the excessive physical demands of military life.
