Beyond the Research: Implementation of a Physiological Specified Female Soldier Training Program.

This past week at the 2021 NSCA Tactical Conference, our Director of Tactical and Elite Sport, Ryan Carroll, presented on “Beyond the Research: Implementation of a Physiological Specified Female Soldier Training Program.”  This presentation was built off last year, in which Ryan spoke on the history and culture behind females in the military and what scientifically backed research coaches can use to put females in the best position to be physically ready for combat positions. This year’s presentation took a practical turn, as Ryan looked at the current research and built out three scenarios in which a holistic training approach could be applied to increase female soldier success.  

3 Key Takeaways

1. A high-level understanding of the menstrual cycle and its role in both increasing strength and reducing injuries is a key tool in the coach's toolbox.  Utilizing app-based trackers or creating wellness questionnaires can go a long way in helping the female soldier understand where they are in their cycle and adjusting training to get the best bang for their buck.
2. The holistic approach, to include strength and conditioning, nutrition, psychology, and other human performance factors is key to helping to get the best out of any training program given to a soldier.
3. Creating a system by which to evaluate movement quality and basic strength levels can help to drive customized training programs that increase the margin of error for any female soldier going into basic training, trying to pass the ACFT, or preparing for a selection course.

Connect with Ryan to chat more about this topic at Ryan@bridgeathletic.com