coolrunnings
Level 4 Valued Member
Hi all
I am training to join the military in two years, so have plenty of time. I was planning to focus on KBs, calisthenics and easy runs / rucks (similar to what Victor recommends in Easy Strength and what Pavel has said he did with John Faas). I was also planning to add some deadlifts and weighted pulls.
I read an interesting study, however, that has me doubting my approach. The Canadian special forces tested a group of soldiers before selection to determine what physical traits were correlated with passing selection. One of the main predictors was a squat over 315lbs. Soldiers with a squat over 315lbs were 5x more likely to pass selection than those with a squat under 315lbs! They didn't test deadlift unfortunately.
More details here: The development of a preselection physical fitness training program for Canadian Special Operations Regiment applicants. - PubMed - NCBI
I know this is a correlation rather than necessarily causation, but still seems pretty convincing given the size of the effect.
So this makes me think I should focus on the basic barbell lifts for a while first (starting strength or 5/3/1 style) to attain a strength base before focusing on KBs later. Is this a sensible approach, or misguided? Would the deadlift or some kind of heavy swing test yield similar / better results than a 1RM squat? There's also the fact that heavy barbell lifts seem to invite injuries which is the main thing I'm trying to avoid (although some claim that attaining a high level of strength enhances 'durability').
Would love to hear all thoughts and perspectives.
I am 6'2, 200lb, squat 240, dead 300, bench 185.
Thanks !
I am training to join the military in two years, so have plenty of time. I was planning to focus on KBs, calisthenics and easy runs / rucks (similar to what Victor recommends in Easy Strength and what Pavel has said he did with John Faas). I was also planning to add some deadlifts and weighted pulls.
I read an interesting study, however, that has me doubting my approach. The Canadian special forces tested a group of soldiers before selection to determine what physical traits were correlated with passing selection. One of the main predictors was a squat over 315lbs. Soldiers with a squat over 315lbs were 5x more likely to pass selection than those with a squat under 315lbs! They didn't test deadlift unfortunately.
More details here: The development of a preselection physical fitness training program for Canadian Special Operations Regiment applicants. - PubMed - NCBI
I know this is a correlation rather than necessarily causation, but still seems pretty convincing given the size of the effect.
So this makes me think I should focus on the basic barbell lifts for a while first (starting strength or 5/3/1 style) to attain a strength base before focusing on KBs later. Is this a sensible approach, or misguided? Would the deadlift or some kind of heavy swing test yield similar / better results than a 1RM squat? There's also the fact that heavy barbell lifts seem to invite injuries which is the main thing I'm trying to avoid (although some claim that attaining a high level of strength enhances 'durability').
Would love to hear all thoughts and perspectives.
I am 6'2, 200lb, squat 240, dead 300, bench 185.
Thanks !