These Workouts Will Give You a Leg Up for Log PT

Preparing for Log PT is a constant worry for a young person considering military service in combatant jobs or special operations selections. Log PT is used throughout the military to develop teamwork, leadership, and physical and mental toughness.

In these training programs, it is about as hard an evolution as you will have on land. If you are looking for effective ways to help you better prepare, check out these two options below that can be added to the back end of any weight, calisthenics and cardio workout.

This week, we developed a supplemental Log PT simulation workout to top off an upper-body day and a full-body (mostly leg) day. Try this challenging progressive workout add-on after fully warming up and finishing your routine. Get a 40-pound sandbag and try the following one-minute circuit:

Log PT Simulation No. 1

One minute overhead press hold -- Hold the sandbag or a 40- to 50-pound weight over your head for one minute.

One minute chest-carry hold and walk -- Hold the sandbag or weight against your chest, resting on your forearms, and walk for 1 minute.

Repeat for six minutes, alternating the overhead hold and chest-carry hold every minute on the minute. There is no rest. The rest is the other exercise, so it is active rest; different muscle groups are used each minute.

Build up to 12 or even 15 minutes.

Log PT Simulation No. 2

Here's the full-body option. It's another log PT preparation routine you can do that adds in some leg activity:

One minute overhead squat -- The same overhead hold as above but add a full squat keeping the arms extended over your head. If you have difficulty with this, it could be an issue of shoulder and hip mobility, so start adding in mobility days and stretching daily.

One minute chest-carry walking lunge -- For the next minute of the similar circuit, start walking lunges for one minute with the sandbag or weight on your chest, resting on your forearms.

Rest your legs with a one-minute shoulder carry walk. Repeat for 6 minutes and build up to 12 and even 15 minutes over time.

You do not have to have a squad of like-minded workout partners, or even a log, for that matter, to build the muscles and stamina needed to handle the load-bearing activities typically seen in military training. A 40- to 50-pound sandbag or weight can substitute for the telephone pole training device.

As you improve your strength and muscle stamina, you will find the added workout supplement tough but doable. You will be glad you practiced these common events and built a foundation of stability to handle the loads.

Related articles:

• Log PT for Spec Ops Training
• Sand Baby Devil Murph (Log PT Simulation)
• Strength and Leg Stamina Training with Logs

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

Want to Learn More About Military Life?

Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.