IDF launches project to improve combat fitness and encourage healthy choices in army units and across the country
Date: 24/08/2012, 6:56 PM
Author: Iddan Sonsino
IDF invites all its infantry officers and career soldiers to join a running team and take on a healthier life style.
“Physical fitness is essential to making decisions and carrying out operations in the field,” explained head of the Ground Forces’ lifestyle department, Lt. Col. Sobel to the IDF Website. “The importance of investing in physical health is unquestionable.”
Training will be gradual and designed individually for each soldier, ranging from beginners levels to competitive and even professional training. The soldiers will also attend a series of lectures on nutrition, combining fitness with work and family life, and more.
“From stretches and technique exercises to strength training,” explained Lt. Col. Sobel. She added that the new program encourages its participant to meet up and continue training outside of the weekly sessions.
According to Lt. Col. Sobel, “For the first time we will include reservists in our routine combat fitness training,” explained Lt. Col. Sobel. “The new running team will include officers from the various infantry brigades, hoping to expand in the future and include other reserve units.”
Lt. Col. Sobel and her colleagues consider the project to be of national importance, “We look to the career soldiers as agents of change who will encourage healthy life choices among their family members and in Israeli society at large – We consider this a true national initiative. This project is extremely important and anyone can partake in it and succeed.”