Fitness & Training to Join the British Army or Army Reserves – Get Fighting Fit

August 25, 2025

STRYK Operator Training Series
Mission 006: Get Fighting Fit – Preparing for the British Army or Army Reserves

Introduction – Earn the Right to Wear the Uniform

Army life is not for everyone. The training is hard, the expectations higher, and the margin for weakness is zero. If you want to join the British Army or Army Reserves, your fitness must prove you’re serious.

At STRYK, we’ve lived it. We know what it takes to pass selection and thrive in uniform. This isn’t about “getting in shape.” It’s about forging the endurance, strength, and resilience of a soldier.

1. The Army Fitness Standards

Before you even touch a uniform, you’ll face a series of fitness tests. Core elements include:

2km run – under time, pushing lungs and legs to the limit.
Press-ups – chest, shoulders, and triceps under strict form.
Sit-ups / core tests – durability for load-bearing.
Loaded marches – carrying weight over distance, simulating operations.

👉 Passing isn’t enough. You want to crush it. That’s how you stand out.

2. The STRYK Soldier Training Framework

We break Army prep into 3 pillars:

Pillar 1: Endurance

Runs: 2–5km runs, focusing on pace consistency.
Intervals: Sprint intervals to push VO₂ max.
Hill sessions: Build grit for battlefield terrain.

Pillar 2: Strength

Bodyweight foundation: Press-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges.
Loaded carries: Farmer’s walks, ruck marches with increasing weight.
Full-body conditioning: Deadlifts, kettlebells, sled pushes (if gym access).

Pillar 3: Mental Resilience

Train in the rain, cold, or heat. Don’t wait for perfect conditions.
Push past comfort zones – when it burns, you’re building grit.
Discipline: show up even when you don’t feel like it.

3. STRYK’s 6-Week Fighting Fit Program (Sample)

Weeks 1–2:

3 runs (2 short, 1 long).
3 strength sessions (push, pull, core).
1 march with light load.

Weeks 3–4:

Increase long run distance by 20%.
Add weighted pull-ups and press-ups.
March with 10–12kg pack, 8–10km.

Weeks 5–6:

Test run: aim to beat Army 2km time by 10–15 seconds.
4 strength sessions – mix bodyweight and loaded.
12–15km march with 15kg pack.

👉 End of Week 6 = Combat Ready Foundation.

4. Kit, Fuel, Recovery

Soldiers don’t just train hard. They recover harder.

Nutrition: Prioritise protein, carbs for fuel, and hydration.
Recovery: Sleep is your biggest weapon. Minimum 7–8 hours.
Kit: Reliable trainers for runs, sturdy boots for marches. STRYK kit for training durability.

5. The STRYK Mindset – Why You Train

This isn’t vanity gym work. This is about becoming the one who others can rely on. Your squad, your section, your mates — they depend on your strength and endurance.

When you train for the Army, you’re not just building fitness. You’re proving you have the grit to serve.

Final Orders

Joining the Army or Reserves is a privilege. Earn it. Train hard, build discipline, and step into uniform knowing you’re ready.

STRYK kit is designed for operators — built to survive sweat, strain, and selection. Wear it as you prepare, and carry the mindset into everything you do.

STRYK: No Excuses. No Weakness. Only Operators.

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