Army given a lift by new 'strongmen'

STRONGMAN and woman contests have been officially recognised as a sport by the Army, meaning troops can take time out to participate.

- By Jaymi McCann

An Army source says the initiative will encourage more soldiers to take up the discipline, which helps develop resilience, strength and discipline.

It includes lifting, carrying and endurance-based exercises similar to military fitness tasks. An Army source called it "a safe and accessible form of fitness" that is suitable for "all abilities and body shapes".

Under the move, the Strongman and Strongwoman Association (SSA) has been given Category 3 status, which allows service personnel to take part in single service and inter-service competitions using non-public funding.