What happens when a high-level bodybuilder and exercise scientist, whose training is dedicated to aesthetics and strength, goes head-to-head with a fitness test designed by former Navy SEALs for elite tactical operators? Dr. Mike Israetel visited the team at GBRS to find out.
The GBRS Performance program is built to develop a "well-rounded tactical professional"—someone who is not just strong or fast, but possesses a broad range of physical attributes necessary for real-world operations. Dr. Mike put his specialized fitness to the test against their comprehensive standards to see where a traditional strength athlete stands.
TL;DR: The Scientist vs. The Standard
- The Challenge: Dr. Mike completed the GBRS Performance fitness test, a 7-event gauntlet designed to assess the capabilities of tactical professionals.
- The Test: The events included a Broad Jump, Trap Bar Deadlift, Pull-ups, Farmer's Carry, Bench Press, Plank, and an 800-Meter Run.
- The Results: He met the "Minimum Standard" on 5 of the 7 events, showcasing a strong foundation in raw strength and stability.
- The Gap: He fell short on the bench press for reps and the 800m run, highlighting the difference between specialized training for hypertrophy and the broad, well-rounded fitness required for tactical readiness.
The GBRS Philosophy: Building the "Be A Pro" Athlete
The GBRS approach to fitness is about more than just passing a test once. Their goal is to create operators who can not only get into the game but stay in it for a long and effective career. They use a three-tiered system:
- Minimum Standard: The absolute baseline a tactical professional should be able to meet.
- Elite: Pushing performance beyond the minimum requirements.
- Be A Pro: The target status, representing a high level of physical readiness that can be maintained long-term.
The 7 Tests of Tactical Readiness
Here’s a breakdown of each event, its purpose, and how Dr. Mike’s performance stacked up against the minimum standards.
1. Broad Jump (Horizontal Power)
This test measures horizontal power, crucial for sprinting and dynamic movement. Dr. Mike managed to hit the minimum standard of 5'9", though he admitted it was "very unathletic."
2. Trap Bar Deadlift (Max Strength)
A test of raw strength, the goal is to lift 1.5 times bodyweight for 5 reps. Dr. Mike, weighing 240 lbs, successfully lifted 360 lbs for 5 reps, meeting the minimum.
3. Pull-ups (Upper Body Pulling)
This assesses functional overhead pulling and grip strength. The minimum is 10 reps, which Dr. Mike completed successfully.
4. Farmer's Carry (Loaded Endurance)
Simulating carrying a person or heavy gear, this tests grip, posture, and endurance under load. Dr. Mike carried his bodyweight (240 lbs) the minimum required distance of 175 feet.
5. Bench Press (Upper Body Pushing)
A measure of horizontal pressing power and endurance, with a minimum of 10 reps at bodyweight. This was a significant challenge for Dr. Mike, who completed 2 reps and did not meet the standard.
6. Plank (Core Stability)
A pure test of core stability that is less stressful on the lower back than traditional sit-ups. Dr. Mike successfully held the plank for the 2-minute minimum.
7. 800-Meter Run (Aerobic Capacity)
Designed to test capacity over an intermediate distance common in SWAT testing. The minimum time is 3:15. Dr. Mike, who does not run, finished in 5:30, well outside the standard.
Conclusion: A Modern Standard for a Demanding Job
Dr. Mike’s performance highlights the difference between being a specialized strength athlete and a well-rounded tactical professional. While his impressive strength base allowed him to pass most of the minimum tests, the events requiring endurance and repeated power output exposed the gaps in his training for this specific context.
Ultimately, Dr. Mike praised the GBRS test as "very innovative" and a logical standard that is far more applicable to the real-world demands of tactical work than outdated fitness tests. It effectively measures the blend of strength, power, athleticism, and endurance that modern operators need to succeed and stay healthy in a demanding field.
