Back to Top Skip to main content Skip to sub-navigation
Need larger text?

Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness is the ability to physically accomplish all aspects of your tasks while avoiding injury and it’s inherently aligned to Department of Defense and individual Service medical standards and prerequisites for individual mission accomplishment and worldwide deployability. The goal is to be physically fit to so you can prevent injury or illness, and so you can have a speedy recovery if you are injured.

But, physical fitness is more than your body mass index, PT run time, or how many push-ups you can do. To optimize your physical fitness you need strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance all working together. For some, exercise is stress release, preventive health, social activity, or even spiritual expression.

image of physical dimensionRelated Links

You also may be interested in...

COVID-19 presents challenges to heart health, physical fitness

Article
2/1/2021
Four military personnel, wearing masks, running on a track

Because of COVID-19 shutdowns, the overall health of both military personnel and beneficiaries has taken a hit over the last year.

Recommended Content:

Heart Health Toolkit | Heart Health Toolkit | Heart Health Toolkit | Coronavirus | Total Force Fitness | Physical Fitness | Heart Health

TFF: A holistic approach to health and performance

Article
1/29/2021
Silhouette of man climbing a hill

Total Force Fitness encourages Service Members to look beyond traditional fitness approaches to boost their performance.

Recommended Content:

Total Force Fitness | Physical Fitness

Ask the Doc: Working out in a Winter Wonderland

Article
1/20/2021
A Soldier assigned to 10th Combat Aviation Brigade spends part of his lunch break getting a quick workout on the ice. So far, 2021 has seen the type of North Country winter weather that is making the Fort Drum ice rink a hot spot for outdoor recreation. Since the rink opened on Jan. 25, it has seen more activity in the first 10 days than all of last season with nearly 800 skaters in attendance. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

Dear Doc: Although my gym has opened back up, I’m still a little hesitant to return because of the recent spikes in COVID cases in my area. I’ve been getting creative with my home workouts, and I’d really like to be outside more, but it’s so cold! I want to bundle up, but I don’t want to overdo it and get overheated. Do you have any recommendations for dressing for outdoor workouts in the winter? –Working Out in a Winter Wonderland

Recommended Content:

Physical Fitness | Winter Safety | Ask The Doc

Addressing emotional responses to threat of Coronavirus

Article
3/20/2020
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kathleen A. Myhre, 446th Airman and Family Readiness Center noncommissioned officer in charge, meditates outside the 446th Airlift Wing Headquarters building on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Feb. 12, 2020. Myhre traveled to India in 2016 to study to become an internationally-certified yoga instructor. She now shares her holistic training with Reserve Citizen Airmen of the 446th AW. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary A. Andom)

Even if you’re feeling healthy, medical professionals recommend staying home and limiting social contact as much as possible

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Psychological Fitness | Physical Fitness | Combat Support | Public Health | Coronavirus | Coronavirus

The benefits of dog walking

Article
2/3/2020
Spending time with your dog is a great way to work on the eight pillars of Total Force Fitness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets can also help manage loneliness and depression by providing companionship. (Courtesy photo)

Dog walking not only encourages people to get out of their homes and socialize, but pets also benefit

Recommended Content:

Physical Fitness

Athletic trainers are enablers of Marine Corps readiness

Article
1/29/2020
Marine Corps Pfc. Barbara Pujolllopiz, (left), an administrative specialist with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs ammo can lifts while Capt. Katheryn Evazich, the MEU's adjutant, observes and counts repetitions during a Combat Fitness Test aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The CFT is an annual Marine Corps physical training requirement in the which assesses combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tawanya Norwood)

Athletic trainers are arriving at units throughout the Marine Corps to help keep Marines in the fight longer

Recommended Content:

Physical Fitness

Update: Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012 – 2016

Infographic
4/4/2017
Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the rapid breakdown of overworked intracellular muscle, skeletal muscle cells and the release of toxic fibers into the bloodstream. It is a significant threat to U.S. military members during physical exertion, particularly under heat stress. This report summarizes numbers, rates, trends, risk factors and locations of occurrences for exertional heat injuries, including exertional rhabdomyolysis for 2012-2016. In 2016, there were 525 incident diagnoses of rhabdomyolysis between 2013 and 2016 rates increased 46.2 percent – 69.7 percent of cases occurred during May through September. Risk factors for exertional rhabdomyolysis include being male, younger than 20 years of age, black, non-Hispanic, low level of physical fitness, prior heat injury and exertion during warmer months. Additional information about the causes and prevention of exertional rhabdomyolysis can be found in the MSMR at www.Health.mil/MSMR

Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the rapid breakdown of overworked intracellular muscle, skeletal muscle cells and the release of toxic fibers into the bloodstream. It is a significant threat to U.S. military members during physical exertion, particularly under heat stress. This report summarizes numbers, rates, trends, risk factors and locations of occurrences for exertional heat injuries, including exertional rhabdomyolysis for 2012-2016.

Recommended Content:

Physical Fitness

Update: Exertional Hyponatremia U.S. Armed Forces, 2001-2016

Infographic
4/4/2017
Exertional Hyponatremia occurs during or up to 24 hours after prolonged physical activity. It is defined by a serum, plasma or blood sodium concentration below 135 millequivalents per liter. This infographic provides an update on Exertional Hyponatremia among U.S. Armed Forces, information on service members at high risk. Exertional hyponatremia can result from loss of sodium and/or potassium as well as relative excess of body water. There were 1,519 incident diagnoses of exertional hyponatremia among active component service members from 2001 through 2016. 86.8 percent were diagnosed and treated without having to be hospitalized. 2016 represented a decrease of 23.3 percent from 2015. In 2016, there were 85 incident diagnoses of exertional hyponatremia among active component service members and 77.6 percent of exertional hyponatremia cases affected males. The annual rate was higher among females. Service members age 40 and over were most affected by exertional hyponatremia. High risk service members of exertional hyponatremia were: • Females • Service members aged 19 years or younger • White, non-Hispanic and Asian/ Pacific Islander service members • Recruit Trainees • Marine Corps members Learn more at www.Health.mil/MSMR

Exertional Hyponatremia occurs during or up to 24 hours after prolonged physical activity. It is defined by a serum, plasma or blood sodium concentration below 135 millequivalents per liter. This infographic provides an update on Exertional Hyponatremia among U.S. Armed Forces, information on service members at high risk. Exertional hyponatremia can result from loss of sodium and/or potassium as well as relative excess of body water.

Recommended Content:

Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division | Physical Fitness

What is Rhabdomyolysis?

Infographic
3/21/2017
Although regular exercise is good for the body, too much physical activity can do more harm than good. Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of overworked muscle cells, following the release of toxic fibers into the bloodstream, causing many complications during physical exertion. This infographic provides information about the symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis, prevention and treatment. How to avoid: • Thoughtfully plan out your exercise routines • Drink adequate amounts of fluid • Minimize your workout time in extreme heat conditions How to treat: • IV fluids/ fluid replacement • Urinary Alkalization • Blood transfusion Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis • Difficulty in arm motion / trouble lifting objects • Muscle weakness, muscle swelling and leg fatigue • Fever, confusion, loss of consciousness • Nausea and vomiting • Dark colored urine or lack of urine Learn more at Health.mil/MSMR

Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of overworked muscle cells, following the release of toxic fibers into the bloodstream, causing many complications during physical exertion. This infographic provides information about the symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis, prevention and treatment.

Recommended Content:

Physical Fitness | Summer Safety

12 Days of Fitmas

Infographic
12/14/2016
infographic showing 12 exercises you can do from now until Christmas

Want to stay in shape over the holidays, but not sure where to start? Guard Your Health has you covered with its 12 Days of Fitmas challenge – a daily dose of quick exercises you can fit into your hectic schedule! #MerryFitmas

Recommended Content:

Physical Fitness

Sunrise Yoga Class

Photo
9/29/2016
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Paradiso participates in a sunrise yoga class on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. If you’re thinking of adding exercise to your pain management plan, consider the following types: aerobic, strength, and flexibility. But make sure your exercise program is specifically tailored to your needs. Some exercises might be easier or more difficult to complete depending upon the type and location of your pain. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Liaghat)

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Paradiso participates in a sunrise yoga class on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. If you’re thinking of adding exercise to your pain management plan, consider the following types: aerobic, strength, and flexibility. But make sure your exercise program is specifically tailored to your needs. Some exercises might be easier or more difficult to complete depending upon the type and location of your pain. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Liaghat)

Recommended Content:

Physical Fitness | Consortium for Health and Military Performance

Flag Football Game

Photo
9/28/2016
Youth participate in a flag football game on Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Travis Gershaneck)

Youth participate in a flag football game on Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Travis Gershaneck)

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Children's Health | Physical Fitness

Vitamin D B12 Deficiency

Photo
9/19/2016
Adequate intake of B vitamins is important to ensure optimum energy production and the building of muscle tissue.

Adequate intake of B vitamins is important to ensure optimum energy production and the building of muscle tissue.

Recommended Content:

Nutritional Fitness | Physical Fitness

Practice Healthy Living Habits

Infographic
1/19/2016
Infographic listing 5 key healthy habits for the new year

A list of healthy living habits you can take on in 2016.

Recommended Content:

Total Force Fitness | Nutritional Fitness | Physical Fitness | Tobacco-Free Living | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness
<< < 1 2 > >> 
Showing results 16 - 29 Page 2 of 2

DHA Address: 7700 Arlington Boulevard | Suite 5101 | Falls Church, VA | 22042-5101

Some documents are presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF Reader or learn more about PDFs.