The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a vital part of training and conditioning for all who embark on a career in the military. It's an important test and is a fantastic representation of a soldier's physical, mental, and endurance strength. However, you'll need the right equipment to prepare for it. What is the best equipment for this? Read below to discover how our StrongBox prepares you for the Army Combat Fitness Test.
What is the Army Combat Fitness Test?
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) came about as part of the United States Army's efforts to modernize its fitness assessment and ensure that soldiers are physically prepared for the rigors of combat. The ACFT replaces the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which had been in use for over three decades. Here are the six events that make up the test.
Army ACFT Exercises
Three Repetition Max Deadlift: Deadlift the maximum amount you can in three deadlifts repetitions.
Standing Power Throw: Throwing a 10-pound medicine ball backward and over your head as far as it will go.
Hand-Release Push-ups: Complete as many hand-release push-ups in two minutes.
Sprint-Drag-Carry: Conduct 5 x 50-meter shuttles for time - sprint, drag, lateral, carry, and sprint.
Plank: Maintain a proper plank position until failure.
Two-Mile-Run: Run two miles on a flat outdoor course as fast as you can.
History of Fitness Lockers in the Military
As warfare evolved and became more mechanized, the need for physically fit soldiers who could endure the demands of modern combat became evident. Fitness lockers established themselves to provide military personnel with access to exercise equipment and facilities to improve their physical readiness.
During World War I, several countries, including the United States, recognized the importance of physical fitness for military readiness. The military established training camps where soldiers underwent physical training programs, including exercises, drills, and physical fitness tests. These camps often had basic fitness facilities, such as outdoor exercise equipment, makeshift gymnasiums, and open-air training areas where soldiers could engage in physical training.
In the years following World War I, physical fitness continued as a critical aspect of military training. During World War II, many military bases and installations were equipped with fitness lockers or gymnasiums to provide soldiers with indoor exercise facilities. These facilities typically included basic exercise equipment such as weights, calisthenics equipment, and sometimes even indoor tracks.
Fitness lockers continue to play a significant role in military training and readiness, helping to ensure that soldiers are physically prepared for the demands of their military duties.
In the post-World War II era, physical fitness remained a priority in the military, and fitness lockers stayed prevalent on military bases worldwide. Over time, these facilities evolved and expanded, incorporating more advanced exercise equipment, fitness classes, and other amenities to support the physical fitness needs of military personnel.
Today, fitness lockers in the military often include state-of-the-art exercise equipment, indoor tracks, swimming pools, and other facilities to promote physical fitness and overall wellness among military personnel.
Fitness lockers in the military serve multiple purposes, including improving physical readiness, promoting health and wellness, enhancing morale, and providing opportunities for recreation and stress relief.
They are typically managed and maintained by the military's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs, dedicated to supporting the well-being of military personnel and their families. Fitness lockers continue to play a significant role in military training and readiness, helping to ensure that soldiers are physically prepared for the demands of their military duties.
The StrongBox
With the legacy of fitness lockers at our back, we designed the StrongBox for military personnel to improve and thrive with their physical fitness goals. We designed the StrongBox Ruggedized Strength Training System to stand up to the rigors of repeated reps and deployments.
The shipping container gym is ready for action in even the toughest terrain and comes complete with everything needed to get your fitness operation going. We offer two sizes of the StrongBox, but the real advantage of working with us is the ability to customize the fitness locker exactly how you need it to be.
Did you know that you can receive hands-on training with the StrongBox? You can learn more about what a visit to Western Shelter HQ is like here.
Turnkey
The StrongBox sets up in minutes and is ready to accomplish your fitness operation. With customizable options, the StrongBox deploys and operates for any workout you need related to Army ACFT exercises or just maintaining personal fitness while on duty. With pull-up bars, squat racks, wall-ball targets, box jump platforms, and much more, it's a turnkey fitness solution that can deploy practically anywhere. Setup is easy, requiring minimal personnel to set up in 30 minutes to an hour.
Transportable
Our StrongBoxes come from ISO-standardized shipping containers, so they transport effectively. Whether by land, sea, or air, we will transport the StrongBox to wherever you are. Since only the container itself requires stability (rather than the container and arms), deployment time goes down - this means more time for maxing out and improving how you can prepare for the Army Combat Fitness Test.
Secure
When not in use, all of the equipment and accessories for your StrongBox stores inside the container, making it safe and secure from the elements or outside influences. The container's interior maximizes storage space with the addition of a barbell and storage racks. Simply lock the container and walk away. There's no need to worry about theft or damage to your equipment. The StrongBox is your reliable security partner.
Configurable
Everyone will have different needs for what a fitness locker can do for them. Some will want to be prepared for the Army Combat Fitness Test, while others simply need access to reliable, transportable equipment. Either way, you will receive military-grade equipment suitable for any fitness operation.
LeviTech vs. Terra System
We provide two different types of stability applications for our StrongBox designs. Our patented LeviTech design utilizes the container’s core stability to support the attached racks without requiring the legs to touch the ground. LeviTech allows the container to be placed on an uneven substrate, creating a better, sturdier solution in the field.
Another option we provide is our patented Terra System. For this version, the legs touch the ground for added stability. Whatever terrain you are working with, we can customize your StrongBox to be the perfect fit.
ACCESSORIES:
Here is a list of the gym equipment and weights that can come with your custom StrongBox.
Kettlebell Set
Olympic Lifting Bar
Olympic Bumper Plate Set
Collar Sets
Mobility Bands
Utility Bench
Gymnastic Ring Set
Sand Bags
Foam Roller
Lacrosse Ball
Jump Rope
ATTACHMENTS:
Here is a list of the exterior add-ons that you can implement into your custom StrongBox.
Pullup Station
Climbing Wing
Climbing Tower
Dip Bar
Jump Platform
Grappler Attachment
Wall Ball Target
Safety Squat Arm Set
J-Cup Set
Squat Station
Battle Rope
Medicine Ball Set
Army Combat Fitness Test Kit
We also have the capability of supplying the equipment needed for the Army Combat Fitness Test. ACFT kits contain everything needed to train for, test, and score the ACFT. Each kit contains equipment to supply one lane of testing. Everything is additionally up to ACFT standards.
(1) Hexagon Barbell
(1) Hi-Temp Bumper Plate Pkg - 550lbs
- (4) 10lb plates
- (2) 15lb plates
- (2) 25lb plates
- (8) 45lb plates(1) Barbell Collar Pair
(1) Nylon Sled w/ Pull Strap
(1) 10lb Rubber Medicine Ball
(2) 40lb Kettlebell
(1) Measuring Tape
How To Prepare for the ACFT
While you should practice each aspect of the test, the army has a few recommendations of exercises that will prepare you even further for success. Here are the weights, accessories, and exercises to keep you on track to perform at your best.
Three Repetition Max Deadlift: Other than practicing deadlift repetitions with a hex bar, sumo squats and forward lunges with kettlebells maintain and build strength.
Standing Power Throw: Make sure you practice correct form on this event, but to build strength, try adding some overhead push presses with the kettlebells and/or dumbells to your routine. Additionally, use our jump rack to perform power and tuck jumps.
Hand Release Push-Up: A great way to build up strength for this exercise is through an incline bench press. Additionally, make sure you add in some supine chest presses with the kettlebells and/or dumbbells.
Sprint-Drag-Carry: A couple of great exercises for this one are the single-leg deadlifts and bent-over rows. Both of these use the kettlebells to help.
Plank: For this, you will want to focus on body weight exercises with added weight.
Two-Mile Run: Building up cardio is going to be key here, but to build up strength, back squats with our squat rack and bar will help immensely.
Recovery: To aid in recovery, take advantage of our foam rollers, mobility bands, lacrosse balls, and much more to get you ready for your next workout. Consider partaking in some yoga as well to boost flexibility and balance. The ACFT is holistic, so you need to succeed in all areas to do well.
Are you ready for the Army Combat Fitness Test? If you have any questions on how the StrongBox can prepare you for your next test, contact us at sales@westernshelter.com or call 541-344-7267. We’d be happy to help you reach your fitness goals and aspirations.
If you want to learn more about our other shelters related to the Department of Defense, you can read all about them here. Whatever your challenge, we will prepare you so you’re ready for mission-critical success!
Are you interested in learning more about The StrongBox? Click here to get in contact to learn more!
