The Effectiveness of a 10-Week Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training Program on the Physical Readiness of Trained British Army Soldiers

ABSTRACT: Nevin, J, Suffield, C, Mutch, S, Glass, M, Sadler, S, Mclay, W, Coonan, L, Glass, M, Sadler, S, Penver, R, and Beckingham, J. The effectiveness of a 10-week concurrent strength and endurance training program on the physical readiness of trained British Army soldiers. J Strength Cond Res 40(2): e189-e196, 2026-The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a 10-week concurrent strength and endurance training program in comparison with traditional military physical training (PT) practices on the physical readiness of trained British Army personnel. Forty-eight, fully trained British Army infantry soldiers (men: n = 45; women: n = 3) were randomly assigned into either an experimental or control group. Baseline and post-testing measures included body mass, standing broad jump, seated medicine ball throw, 1 repetition maximum (1RM) hex bar deadlift, 100-m shuttle run, pull-ups, and 2-km run. Subjects in the experimental group followed a 10-week concurrent strength and endurance training program based on a block periodization model, whereas subjects in the control group completed a 10-week program based on traditional military PT practices (i.e., circuit training, steady-state running). Results indicated a greater effect size in all measures in the experimental group than in the control group with a significant (p < 0.001) improvement observed in 1RM hex bar deadlift and pull-up performance. Findings from this study demonstrate that a concurrent training program based on a block periodization model elicits superior improvements in certain components of physical than traditional military PT practices. However, data suggest that a greater frequency and/or volume of endurance training may be required to elicit improvements in aerobic capacity. As such, it is recommended that warfighters conduct at least 2 strength and 2 endurance training sessions per week in addition to occupational task-specific training.