As a rule we should all do our best to keep in shape by staying fit and healthy. In the Armed Forces this is essential!
All officers and other ranks need to be fit for task and to ensure this is so we have Physical Training Instructors (PTI’s). Each of the Arms have their own Schools of Physical Training. Here potential instructors are put through physical and mental fitness programs to prove that they have what it takes to motivate and provide a military fitness programme for the men and women of their units.
Members of the forces need to have strength to carry kit around and stamina for long patrols in hostile areas. With this in mind the PTIs use kit in PT sessions such as Bergens (back packs) for tabbing (forced marches in full kit), medicine balls, ash poles and other various weighted equipment. However the majority of exercise classes performed are using body weight during circuit sessions and unit PT.
Teamwork is promoted during ‘Phyz’ and the majority of units try to compete with other units at outdoor training events such as rugby, football, tug-of-war, hockey, cricket and other team sports. Units have great pride in their teams and place great emphasis on winning and a lot of military sports personnel have gone on to represent team GB at Winter and Summer Olympic events. Both Chris Akabusi and Dame Kelly Holmes were Army PTI’s.
All personnel are tested regularly and must pass these strength and endurance fitness programs to continue in the services! Most consider these assessments as a challenge to be the best in their units and do keep a personal record to try and beat previous times!
So if you fancy testing yourself, why not take part in the next fitness assessment at your BMF venue. Ask you Park Manager for more details.