Why does the Navy Seal and the rest of the military only use calisthenics during basic training?

Question

I mean how come they don't lift weights? Do they really gain all that muscle from doing just pushups and dips and situps and running?

I know they lift a lot of heavy stuff but still calisthenics are a large part of their routine. How effective are calisthenics in gaining muscle mass?

Answer 1

I think you've been misinformed. They don't ONLY do calisthenics, they run...a lot.

Answer 2

You've been watching too many movies. The calisthenics are for strength and stamina, not muscle mass. You see a Seal, he's somewhat more closely related to the marathon runner than the weight lifter. And yet, he's a combination of both.

And it STARTS in basic training. It CONTINUES through out their careers.

Answer 3

They don't need muscle mass from lifting weights. First, a lot of weightlifters can't raise their arms above their heads. How are they going to rapel down a cliff? Secondly, a lot of weightlifters throw protein in their urine. The military has a ton of medical data that shows it can lead to kidney malfunctions in later years. Why build up a guy only to have to put him on the disability retired list?
I'll take that lean, mean fighting machine over those oiled up male blow-up dolls any day in the week.

Answer 4

If you had much muscle mass at all, you would have no endurance, and not be able to even haul yourself out of the water after a 3 mile swim.

Answer 5

They lift a weight called a 300lb boat. The do a lot of push ups.

Answer 6

I don't think muscle mass is the goal, but instead to achieve endurance, speed, strength and control over your body.

Answer 7

They can go to the gym on their own free time and lift weights to all their hearts content!

Answer 8

creating muscle mass is not the goal-strength and stamina are.