Is Your "Tactical" Training a Waste of Time?
“Tactical fitness” is a term that can mean everything or nothing, depending on who you ask. I use the term all the time, and here’s what I mean by it: physical training that will enhance job performance in a public safety or military context. Tactical fitness is the group of physical qualities you’ll need to save your own life, or the lives of others. And tactical fitness needs vary wildly across individual jobs and roles.
The problem with labels is that you can slap them on anything. I’ve seen all kinds of training labeled as “tactical,” but sometimes it leaves a lot to be desired. Here are three training methods I’ve seen labeled “tactical,” their shortcomings, and what to do instead.
Problem #1 – “WODs”
Crossfit made these popular, but I’ve seen lots of organizations besides Crossfit adopt the term and training philosophy. A “workout of the day” is just that, a workout of the day. It’s a “workout,” not a “training session.” The goal is for the day, not for the week, month, or year. It’s going to make you tired and “feel” like you did something, but will it really lead to much improvement in specific fitness qualities you need for your job?
Doing a WOD is certainly better than doing nothing. And if they’re structured and sequenced correctly over time (which they probably aren’t), they’ll develop the qualities you need. But if they’re just random and don’t progressively take you toward a larger goal, there are better ways to train.
Problem #2 – “Functional Training”
This was a fad back in the 2000’s and utilized lots of unstable surface training, bizarre cable exercises, stability balls, and other weirdness. I think it was pushback against supposedly “non-functional” bodybuilding workouts that dominated the fitness industry through the 90’s.
Thankfully, I think the industry is moving away from that sense of “functional fitness,” but its been replaced with something only slightly more useful.
When I search “functional workout,” I see lots of circuits, sledgehammer strikes, odd object training, etc. These things are great. But we have to keep in mind what “function” we’re training for in the first place. All workouts are functional in that the make us better at whatever task or “function” we’re training. But are we training the right function in the first place?
I use these exercises and methods all the time. But we come back to the same issue I had with WODs: progression and specificity. If you don’t train to improve, and you don’t train for your specific job demands, you could do better.
Use so-called “functional” exercises as a tool to build specific fitness qualities, not just a way to wreck yourself in the gym.
Problem #3 – Excessive Running and Calisthenics
The US Army is finally moving on from its outdated PT test to one that’s more job-specific. Thank god, it was about time. Most fire departments use some form of the CPAT to assess candidates, which is extremely job-specific. But many police departments still use high rep push-ups, sit-ups, and long distance running to assess fitness.
If you have to chase someone for 2 miles on foot, you probably should’ve just taken the car. And I don’t know how push-ups and sit-ups have ever helped me in a fight.
If you’re going into an organization that uses high-rep calisthenics for the bulk of its training, you have to prepare accordingly. While you’re in the academy, this type of training is specific.
But once you’re on the streets, your training should change to reflect your new job demands. Train to be strong, explosive, and well-conditioned for your new challenges. High repetitions and distance running may be a small part of that, but broaden your horizons and think critically about your training.
If you’re looking for a fitness trainer in the Mt Juliet/Hermitage/Nashville TN area, online fitness training, or just need some advice to get your fitness program started, contact me