Finally, the Army Physical Fitness Training program is a one size fits all program which does not address the varying levels of fitness found on an ODA. Individualized training programs are THOR3’s answer to this challenge. While the principles of fitness coupled with the strength coaches training and experience apply to all THOR3 training programs, the imagination is the only limit to what program the THOR3 strength coaches can generate. This is especially relevant for Team Sergeants that worry that using the THOR3 program is “pawning off” the traditionally Team Sergeant’s responsibility of planning and executing Detachment physical training. Because the THOR3 trainers are flexible, a Team Sergeant can present his fitness goals and have
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The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care” applies to THOR3’s approach to training. Because not all SF operators are created equal, not all training programs are the right answer for all operators. Customizing a program that takes into consideration factors such as previous injuries, individual strengths and weaknesses, and individual preferences will reduce the potential for injury. For example, an individual that is recovering from a hamstring injury would be ill-advised to attempt a heavy dead-lift program. Instead, focusing a training program on slowly working up to weight through high repetitions and under the direction of a physical therapist, will get that operator back into the fight while avoiding further injury. Additionally, the THOR3 program focuses on appropriate warming-up and cooling down before and after workouts. In nearly all training programs, a 10-minute dynamic warm-up is prescribed that focuses on prepping the joints and muscles that will be most used during the workout. This focus increases the flow of synovial fluid to the joints and tendons, significantly decreasing the chance of injury (Effect of Warming Up on Knee Proprioception Before Sporting Activity). One of the largest deficiencies in past physical training warm-up programs was the reliance on static stretching. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research published a study in 2006 which stated: “several investigations have shown the potential for acute, static stretching to degrade performance on vertical jumps, short sprints, tasks requiring maximal voluntary contractions, muscle strength-endurance performance, balance challenges, and reaction time. Additionally, several studies now indicate that pre-exercise static stretching does not offer the presumed benefit of injury risk reduction.” (Dynamic vs. Static-Stretching Warm-Up: The Effect
The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care” applies to THOR3’s approach to training. Because not all SF operators are created equal, not all training programs are the right answer for all operators. Customizing a program that takes into consideration factors such as previous injuries, individual strengths and weaknesses, and individual preferences will reduce the potential for injury. For example, an individual that is recovering from a hamstring injury would be ill-advised to attempt a heavy dead-lift program. Instead, focusing a training program on slowly working up to weight through high repetitions and under the direction of a physical therapist, will get that operator back into the fight while avoiding further injury. Additionally, the THOR3 program focuses on appropriate warming-up and cooling down before and after workouts. In nearly all training programs, a 10-minute dynamic warm-up is prescribed that focuses on prepping the joints and muscles that will be most used during the workout. This focus increases the flow of synovial fluid to the joints and tendons, significantly decreasing the chance of injury (Effect of Warming Up on Knee Proprioception Before Sporting Activity). One of the largest deficiencies in past physical training warm-up programs was the reliance on static stretching. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research published a study in 2006 which stated: “several investigations have shown the potential for acute, static stretching to degrade performance on vertical jumps, short sprints, tasks requiring maximal voluntary contractions, muscle strength-endurance performance, balance challenges, and reaction time. Additionally, several studies now indicate that pre-exercise static stretching does not offer the presumed benefit of injury risk reduction.” (Dynamic vs. Static-Stretching Warm-Up: The Effect