Combat Endurance Training

"The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought," renowned military strategist Sun Tzu postulated. To succeed in combat, soldiers prepare with rigorous training for battles in all terrains and temperatures. Combat endurance training helps fighters improve their stamina and strength while enduring treacherous conditions. There are a variety of training methods for combat endurance, depending on who is fighting and what their goals are.

Considerations

The intensity and specifics of combat endurance training programs vary by geographic location and organization. There are a variety of groups that practice such combat training, including the U.S. Army, Marines, the United Kingdom's Royal Marines, mixed martial arts fighters and soldiers from around the world. Most fighters follow a variety of workout routines to build their endurance, with interval training, long runs, swimming and running through obstacle courses being universally popular workouts.

Interval Training

Soldiers often practice interval training to build speed and endurance. Interval training can be in the form of swimming, running, biking or rowing, according to the "Marine Corps Times," and includes an intense set of exercise followed by a recovery set. Your specific speed and times may vary depending on your fitness level. A common running interval workout is to run at a fast pace for a specific distance, such as 800 meters, then jog half of that amount for a recovery and repeat.

Long-Distance Workouts

Another popular form of combat endurance training is to run, walk or swim for long distances. Soldiers are often required to train in their combat boots and uniforms, which adds intensity and difficulty to the workout. The distance for endurance exercises can vary from swimming less than a mile to running 10 miles, depending on the training instructor and program. To prepare for combat endurance workouts, you can do a long run or swim once a week and gradually add distance in increments of miles or meters each week.

Obstacle Courses

Soldiers learn to navigate war zones with endurance by practicing in the field. Training obstacle courses often include tunnels, water, barricades, walls and hills to test soldiers' strength and stamina. Obstacle courses can be a variety of distances and difficulty levels, depending on the specific unit and training program. For people who want to improve their fitness by training in a military style, there are recreational races and cross-training events that mimic the obstacle courses of combat programs.

Warning

Before beginning a combat endurance training program for fitness or fighting training, consult your doctor for approval and a clean bill of health. Combat endurance training can be demanding and grueling, and if you experience sharp or lasting pain, dizziness or extreme fatigue while training, stop and rest. If rest does not alleviate the problem, consult a doctor or physical trainer. If you are signed up to join a combat unit, it will help to begin endurance training ahead of time so your body will be prepared for the intensity of the program.