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Exercises

Learn the key exercises that will help you build strength, improve endurance and develop the fitness needed to prepare for Royal Navy or Royal Marines training.

Train with purpose

Whether you’re following the Royal Navy fitness plan or building your own routine, these exercises will help you develop the strength, endurance and core stability needed for military training. Explore each category to learn the correct technique, improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury as you prepare to join.

HMS Queen Elizabeth's ship's company take part in circuits in the hangar.

Build strength

Develop strength from head to toe

Build a strong foundation for military fitness with exercises that target your upper body, lower body and full-body strength. These movements help improve power, muscular endurance and overall functional fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of training and everyday life in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines.

Essential exercises include:

  • Box jumps
  • Burpees & star jumps
  • Cleans & deadlifts
  • Bench press
  • Shoulder press
  • Pull-ups & press-ups
  • Squads & lunges
  • Load carrying
View all body exercises
HMS Queen Elizabeth's ship's company take part in circuits in the hangar.

Core training

Build stability and control

A strong core supports almost every movement you’ll perform during training, from running and lifting to climbing and carrying equipment. These exercises improve balance, posture and stability while helping reduce the risk of injury and improve overall performance.

Essential exercises include:

  • Crunches and other abdominal exercises
  • Rotational movements
  • Stability exercises
View all core exercises
Competitors running during the CLYROX event.

Improve endurance

Increase your stamina and resilience

Good endurance helps you perform consistently throughout training and recover more effectively between activities. Whether you’re running, swimming or building your cardiovascular fitness, these exercises will improve your stamina, confidence and readiness for the challenges ahead.

Essential exercises include:

  • Running outside
  • Bleep tests
  • Swim circuits
  • Treading water
  • Rowing
View all cardio exercises
  • HMS DRAKE Wyvern Centre hosted a HYROX competition for military personnel.

    4 Week Fitness Plan

    If you’re unsure where to begin, our official 4 Week Fitness Plan provides a structured programme to help you prepare for the fitness assessments and Initial Training.

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