Fitness

As part of the joining process we will help you to fine tune your fitness, so don't worry if you're not quite at the level we need yet.

To find out what you will need to achieve at assessment centre, visit role finder for details.

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ASSESSMENT CENTRE FITNESS TESTS

Everyone joining the Army will need to pass a fitness test.

If you're looking to join as a soldier, you'll go through a range of strength and stamina tests, as well as a run. The tests that you'll take as part of this training have recently changed.

The assessment centre fitness tests have been updated to help reflect the types of tasks that soldiers carry out in their everyday lives. They are not harder, and the training that you've done towards the old tests will also help you through the new ones.

GUIDE TO THE TESTS

WHAT ARE THE TESTS I NEED TO PASS TO JOIN AS AN OFFICER?

There are specific tests you'll need to take during officer selection and the pre-entry tests.

Beep test (Multistage Fitness Test) :

You need to run between two lines, 20m apart in time with a beep. The beeps get steadily faster. Your score is based on the point where you can no longer keep up.

You will also take the following tests in addition to the multistage fitness test and the obstacle course:

Ball throw:

Throw a 4kg medicine ball, from a seated position

Mid thigh pull:

Standing in front of a bar set to mid-thigh height, you'll be asked to pull the bar upwards for 5 seconds

MORE ABOUT THESE TESTS

STAYING HEALTHY

Eating well

Getting yourself in top condition to join the Army includes focusing on your diet. Eating well will help you feel more energised and reach your fitness goals. There are loads of guides to follow to get inspired about eating well. This will also help you stay on track to have a healthy BMI - which you need to pass.

MORE ABOUT EATING WELL FOR ASSESSMENT

After assessment

It's important to remember that you need to keep a level of fitness after your assessment, so that you're in great shape when it comes to starting your training. Being in the Army is physically demanding, and you need to get your body ready for this by staying fit while you wait for your start date.

Smoking

The Army is going Tobacco Free, and all Army Basic Training Units are now Tobacco Free.

Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your own health - and the health of people around you. You'll start seeing the benefits immediately, not just for your health but also your finances.

More information:

Smokefree National Helpline 0300 123 1044
Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app
Read the Army leaflet on stopping smoking

Smokers who get help from stop smoking services can increase their chances of successfully quitting by up to three times.

Your BMI (Body Mass Index)

Your BMI (body mass index), is a score that is worked out from your weight and height. It is used to work out if you're a healthy weight or under/over weight.

Why is it important?

Joining the Army is physically challenging, and if you're not in good condition, you're at a higher risk of injury during training.

You can check your BMI and get advice from the NHS website.

NHS BMI checker

BMI scores for joining the Army

If you're looking to join the Army, you'll be expected to meet the following scores:

Over 18: BMI = 18 - 29.9
16 & 17: BMI = 17 - 29.9

You might still be able to join if you are:

Male over 18 with a BMI between 30 and 32
Female over 18 with a BMI between 30 and 32

It could still be possible to join the Army, following extra assessments.

100% Army Fit

Whether you're just thinking about joining the Army, have applied, or are waiting to join, our 100% ArmyFit app can help you prepare.

The App will help you identify where you need the most work - with strength or cardio training, and build a training plan around you. You can also use it to improve your cardio fitness, with 2km runs, recording your time and sharing them with your recruiter when they ask for it.

Designed by Army physical training instructors, the app will help you develop your overall fitness levels, which will help you to build and maintain a good physical standard, without risking injury. The app has videos to help you master the right techniques, and a training programme, designed to help you progress.

DO I HAVE TO PASS A MEDICAL?

You do need to be healthy to join, and your GP will be asked to fill out a form about your health quite early in your application. You'll have a medical test when you go along to the assessment centre, to make sure that you've not got any underlying issues.