Is Eddie Hall Fit? A Closer Look at the British Army Fitness Test

In a recent video, fitness expert Coach Greg Doucette analyzed the performance of Eddie Hall, the former world's strongest man, and Magnus, a renowned mountain climber, as they took on the British Army fitness test. The video raises interesting questions about fitness standards, the definition of being 'fit', and the expectations placed on athletes of varying body types.

The British Army Fitness Test

The fitness test includes a 2 km run, which is designed to assess aerobic capacity. The passing time for this run is set at 10 minutes and 50 seconds, a standard that may seem manageable for many but poses a challenge for heavier athletes. Eddie Hall, who claims to be able to run a 7-minute mile, was expected to pass easily. However, the test revealed some surprising results.

Warm-Up and Initial Observations

Before the run, participants engaged in an 800-meter warm-up. Coach Greg emphasized the importance of warming up to prepare the body for intense exercise. Eddie, weighing around 350 lbs, claimed he was fit enough to run the required distance within the set time. However, questions arose regarding his recent weight gain of 10 kg in just one week, which led to speculation about his training and dietary habits.

Eddie's Performance: The Run

As the run commenced, Coach Greg provided a breakdown of the expected performance. Eddie should ideally complete 2 km in under 9 minutes if he maintains his claimed 7-minute mile pace. However, as the run progressed, it became clear that maintaining such speed would be a challenge for him.

Struggles and Excuses

Throughout the test, Eddie displayed signs of fatigue and made multiple excuses regarding his performance, citing factors like recent weight gain, a broken toe, and a lack of practice. Despite these claims, it became evident that he was struggling to meet even the minimum passing time.

Key Takeaways from the Test

The British Army fitness test has specific standards that challenge athletes regardless of their strength in other areas.
Eddie Hall's performance raised questions about the definition of fitness, especially for athletes with a larger body mass.
Despite his claims of being fit, Eddie was unable to meet the minimum standards, suggesting that fitness can be multifaceted.
The importance of proper training and preparation is essential for success in fitness tests.

Conclusion

The video concludes with a discussion about Eddie Hall's performance and what it means to be 'fit'. While Eddie may excel in strength-related activities, his struggles during the running segment highlight that fitness encompasses more than just muscle mass or strength. This test not only evaluated physical capability but also served as a reminder that different fitness standards apply to different individuals.

Health-Related Compounds Mentioned

None

Categories

Blood Sugar & Metabolism
Energy & Focus
Lean Muscle Support
Recovery

Authors

Greg Doucette