Combat Conditioning uses a core trio of bodyweight movements (Hindu squats, Hindu push-ups, bridge) to develop functional strength, endurance and mobility. Sessions are scalable and typically short (about 10-20 minutes). Prioritize technique, progress gradually, and modify for pain or injury. It can be used alone or alongside other training.

Why functional fitness matters

Many fitness programs promise quick results but miss what matters for everyday movement: usable strength, endurance, and mobility. Combat Conditioning is a bodyweight protocol focused on those qualities. It emphasizes movement patterns you can use anywhere, without machines or heavy weights.

What is Combat Conditioning?

Combat Conditioning is a system popularized by Matt Furey that centers on high-repetition bodyweight drills and mobility work. It gained attention in the 2000s for offering short, intense sessions anyone can do at home or while traveling.

The "Royal Court": three core exercises

  • Hindu squats: a deep, rhythmic squat performed without weight, emphasizing ankle, knee and hip mobility and cardiovascular demand.
  • Hindu push-ups: a flowing push-up variation that moves through a downward and upward arc, challenging the shoulders, chest, and core while promoting thoracic mobility.
  • The bridge: back-arching holds and mobilizations that improve spinal extension, posterior chain strength and resilience.
These three exercises are often called the "Royal Court" in Furey's materials and form the foundation of many sessions.

How it works and what to expect

Combat Conditioning blends strength, endurance and flexibility by using full-range, compound bodyweight movements. Workouts are scalable: beginners start with short sets and build reps, while experienced trainees increase volume or add advanced variations.

Sessions are typically short - many follow circuits or timed rounds that can be completed in 10-20 minutes - making consistency easier for busy schedules. 1

Reported benefits include improved muscular endurance, better joint mobility, and greater relative strength (strength in relation to bodyweight). Because the work uses natural movement patterns, many people find the results transfer to sports, daily tasks, and martial arts.

Getting started safely

  • Learn the shapes before chasing reps: prioritize form and range over speed.
  • Progress gradually: add 10-20% more reps per week or increase sets as your recovery allows.
  • Watch for common issues: knees, wrists, and lower back can be sensitive to volume. Modify or reduce ranges if you have pain.
  • Consult a healthcare professional if you have a preexisting condition or recent injury.

Where this fits in a training plan

Combat Conditioning is a practical, low-equipment approach that complements other training. It can serve as a standalone routine for general fitness or as a high-quality accessory to strength training, running, or sport-specific work.

Bottom line

If you want a simple, portable way to build usable strength, endurance and mobility, a disciplined bodyweight program like Combat Conditioning is worth trying. Start conservatively, focus on form, and treat progress as steady and cumulative.

  1. Confirm the timeline and original publication details for Matt Furey's popularization of Combat Conditioning.
  2. Verify typical session duration claims in Matt Furey's official materials and common program templates.

FAQs about Combat Conditioning

Do I need special equipment for Combat Conditioning?
No. The protocol relies on bodyweight movements and can be done without equipment in a small space.
How often should I train with these exercises?
Begin with 3 sessions per week, focusing on form and manageable volume. Increase frequency or volume as recovery and technique improve.
Will this build muscle like lifting weights?
Bodyweight training builds relative strength and muscular endurance. It can increase muscle size for beginners or when volume is high, but heavy resistance training is more efficient for maximal hypertrophy.
Are Hindu squats safe for knees?
When performed with proper alignment and progressive volume, Hindu squats can improve knee mobility. Stop or modify if you feel sharp pain and consult a professional for persistent issues.
Can Combat Conditioning replace a gym program?
It can serve as a complete routine for general fitness, especially for portability and time efficiency. For specific strength goals (e.g., maximal lifts), pairing bodyweight work with resistance training is effective.

News about Combat Conditioning

Combat Conditioning Live Fire - spaceforce.mil [Visit Site | Read More]

Test Your Strength and Endurance With These 3 Exercises From the Army Combat Fitness Test - Men's Journal [Visit Site | Read More]

Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test (CFT) - Military.com [Visit Site | Read More]

Combat Fitness Revolves Around Relative Strength - Association of the United States Army [Visit Site | Read More]