Combat-based physical fitness training can be a part of your martial arts or mixed martial arts class at the gym or more serious in nature, such as the training a soldier goes through to prepare and protect his life and others during combat situations. Regardless of the reason, you'll learn a variety of self-defense and offensive moves, as well as engaging in exercises that get you in the best shape for strength, speed and endurance.
Endurance
Endurance training will prepare you for a wide range of combat-based scenarios. Increase your endurance and stamina by engaging in exercises that force you to push your body to the limit. For example, the basics for military boot camp, regardless of branch, measure your aptitude in basic calisthenics-type and cardiovascular exercises. Pushups, sit-ups, pull-ups and running are typical of such fitness tests and enhance the physical and mental strength and discipline of recruits.
Strength
The Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test prepares soldiers for battle conditions in a number of environments. Marines are required to train and prepare to sprint over 800 yards, continuously lift up to 30 pounds of ammunition over head for a certain number of minutes and perform obstacle-course runs that simulate live action fire conditions. These exercises strengthen muscles, improve reaction time and require mental and physical stamina and power.
Combat Readiness Fitness
Army recruits and solders must be able to function in stressful physical conditions and train to prepare through physical testing and exercise on a daily basis. Soldiers take part in daily physical training that includes running 2 to 5 miles every morning, and engaging in basic pushups, sit-ups and pull-ups. The Army physical fitness training manual FM 21-20 includes exercises such as road marches, with and without packs, muscular fitness, stretching and obstacle course and aquatic exercise routines.
Stretching
Stretching is not often considered essential to combat training, but your joints are connected by muscles, tendons and fibers that need to be flexible and stable in order to endure the training exercises you'll experience in many combat-style fitness-training workouts. Stretch at least 20 minutes a day, before and after a workout, and throughout the day to keep your muscles warm and your joints limber.
Training Programs
Military-based combat training directed by the Army requires soldiers to engage in muscular endurance and strength training at least three times a week, and cardiovascular and respiratory exercise at between three to five times a week. Activities such as swimming, running, jumping rope and stair climbing can get your body prepared for such combat-readiness training programs.
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