Why Physical Fitness Matters

Now when i was green I slung the mantra of you don’t have to be fit to get the next rank.

One sentence whispered during a brief changed everything... we will call it a paradigm shift.

That sentence was: "Look how fat that guy is, and the shorter fat guy next to him!"- They never passed the eyeball test. Say what you want about it’s practice. But this test is subconscious and instant. If you do not look like you should have authority they remove respect.

Their brief was more put together than most, well thought out and rehearsed. But no one was listening they had lost all credibility because of how they looked.

These fine gentlemen were talking about something I was passionate about too, yet no one was listening which moved me to my core.

Physical fitness will not make you a better leader in the traditional sense of if you can run faster you are innately better at leading soldiers. Or if you can do more pushups you are better at motivating employees. However it does 2 very important yet distinct things

1)It shows the army that you are not just here for the ride. You are trying to be an asset. You are self motivated and driven... like it or not people are judging you based on your appearance (neatness of dress) and your choice of vernacular.

2) Arguably more important. It makes your job easier. You can move faster, further and fight harder. Which actually clears up cognitive function... which means you make better decision's, and that my friend does make you a better leader