5 Ways in which Calisthenics is beneficial for Defence Physical Fitness

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FOJFIT
5 Ways in which Calisthenics is beneficial for
Defence Physical Fitness
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Indian defence forces are recognized for their
stringent fitness routines. The strength,
stamina, endurance, and other physical
capabilities of Indian soldiers are in an
extraordinary league, enabling them to safeguard
the motherland from the perpetrators of terrorism
and dangerous circumstances. Their ability to
successfully protect the borders even in
challenging geographic terrains, including
Siachen in the North and Thar in the West, is the
result of their meticulous physical training and
mental fortitude. The physical training in the
military is a combination of diverse time-tested
exercises that work on different aspects of
physiology and enhance the strength, stamina,
endurance, and balance in soldiers.
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One of the best examples is military calisthenics
workouts. Even when civilians like us think of
calisthenics, we imagine a soldier climbing a
rope or performing trunk twists in daily fitness
drills. And calisthenics is exactly that! It is
one of the most-followed army body weight
workouts incorporated into the fitness regimen of
defence candidates and soldiers. Moreover, it
requires no equipment and is one of the most
effective forms of exercise to build muscle
strength and endurance.
Benefits of Calisthenics for Defence Physical
Fitness
Calisthenics is a group of exercises that uses
body weight and leverages gravity to build and
strengthen diverse muscle groups.
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It is a full-body workout that consists of
compound movements that improve functional
strength, build lean muscle mass, and enhance
mobility to reduce the risk of injuries.
Calisthenics uses the body as a unit, puts your
small and muscle groups to work, and transforms
it into army material. This exercise puts
individuals body weight as resistance, enabling
the soldiers to adapt to any situation with
little amount of rest.
1. Enhanced Functional Strength
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Calisthenics does not require equipment and
includes workouts that mimic real-world physical
activities encountered in defence situations.
This group of exercises involves push-ups,
pull-ups, squats, jumps, lunges, etc., that help
in defence tasks, including lifting heavy
equipment or objects or climbing obstacles. It
also helps to maintain good posture, transfer
power between the upper and lower body, and
prevent injuries. Another quality that makes
Calisthenics stand out is the ease of
performance. This set of exercises can be
performed in any setting without the use of
equipment, hence making it easy for soldiers to
maintain their muscular strength no matter where
they are barracks, field camp, or remote
deployment.
2. Improved Mobility
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A significant percentage of defence physical
fitness focuses on improving the mobility of
soldiers because it provides them with a tactical
advantage to quickly maneuver the battlefield and
flank enemy positions. Calisthenics exercises,
including deep squats, lunges, and active leg
raises, improve flexibility and joint stability,
allowing military personnel to adapt to and
deliver maximum output in unexpected terrains.
This adaptability empowers them to extend their
reach and surveillance over a wide area. From
engaging in offensive operations and reaching
troops for support in a timely manner to adapting
to hybrid warfare, the improved mobility of
candidates allows them to maintain consistent
performance and operational effectiveness in
rugged and unexplored landscapes.
3. Optimum Muscles and Joint Health
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The utilization of weight in resistance training
can put stress on soft tissues, therefore causing
injuries in the body. Contrarily, calisthenics
only utilizes body weight and develops your
strength and size in proportion to your muscular
system through natural physical movements.
Through weight-bearing exercises, including
squats, push-ups, and pull-ups, it bears weight
through the bone, resulting in adequate bone
density. Exercises like deep squats and lunges
improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and allow
soldiers to move their joints in a full range of
motion. Good bone and joint health contribute to
the operational effectiveness of soldiers and
enhance their ability to execute challenging
missions by improving their resilience.
4. Better Core Strength
Calisthenics exercises, including planks and
hollow holds, improve core strength, kinesthesia,
and coordination, enhancing the ability of
defence personnel to perform assignments
requiring balance and stability under pressure.
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By activating the core, soldiers can achieve a
fitting body position and move more efficiently
and safely. Since military personnel engage in
strenuous physical activities, such as carrying
heavy loads and performing tactical maneuvers, it
is significant to develop a strong core. In case
of blunt attacks, a strong core can act as a
shield and protect the vital organs from
suffering damage. Even while preparing for a
defence physical fitness exam, such as NDA, it is
recommended to work on core strength by indulging
in exercises, such as Russian twists, mountain
climbers, flutter kicks, leg raises, and planks.
5. Mission Specific- skills
Since calisthenics mimic daily life movements,
they can be modified to enhance soldiers
preparedness and effectiveness across diverse
operational environments and mission locations.
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For instance, soldiers can enhance their
maneuvering skills in confined spaces through
bear crawls and bodyweight squats. So, how does
it work? Well, exercises like pistol squats, jump
squats, step-ups, and lunges strengthen the leg
muscles for crouching and moving in low-profile
stances and maintain stability and balance in
confined spaces. So, calisthenics can be
leveraged to enhance the physiological
capabilities to develop mission-specific skills
and deliver optimum performance for mission
success. Additionally, calisthenics training can
be utilized to stimulate real-world mission
scenarios and replicate physical stresses to
prepare the candidates for unexpected situations
by enhancing their strength, endurance, and
resilience.
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Takeaway
Calisthenics is a wholesome exercise that
benefits multiple areas of the body. It has been
incorporated into the fitness regimen of soldiers
to maximize their physical capabilities and
prowess to perform at maximum efficiency. In
addition to soldiers, civilians can also improve
their fitness by undergoing calisthenics
training. In recent times, there are multiple
physical fitness apps for personalized workouts
that help you tailor your fitness routine and
incorporate those exercises that align with your
fitness needs. While the intensity of
calisthenics performed by soldiers is higher,
people like us can start slowly and progress as
conveniently. In conclusion, calisthenics is a
beneficial group of exercises with immense
physiological benefits and is preferred by
soldiers and civilians alike.
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