Safeguarding Military Readiness: Keiser's Role in Protecting the Human Weapon System

How can the U.S. Department of Defense ensure the longevity of its multi-million dollar investment per Special Operations soldier?

US Military Special Operations Pipelines and Selection Courses are the ultimate example of a prescription of physical exercise given in the wrong dose. However wrong it is, it's necessary and justified.  However, when these Special Operators are deployed to their units the goal is to ensure the physical exercise prescription is both effective and safe, preventing injury while enhancing operational performance. Just like any high-performance machine, the human body requires careful maintenance and protection to operate at its peak. Keiser plays a crucial role in this mission. Our innovative solutions safeguard military readiness and extend careers.

Exercise, like any medicine, when prescribed correctly, can be life-saving and performance-enhancing. When misused, it can be detrimental or even deadly. Our Special Operator training needs this balanced approach to physical preparation. - Dennis Keiser

The Challenge: Overuse, Ignorance, and the "Finished Product" Mentality

The demanding nature of military training, particularly within Special Operations, often leads to overuse injuries. Stress fractures, bulging discs, and other debilitating conditions are all too common. These injuries stem from a combination of factors:

• Intense Training Regimens: Special Operations forces undergo rigorous training that pushes their physical limits, increasing the risk of overuse injuries.
• Lack of Training Education: Young recruits often lack comprehensive education on proper training techniques, leading to improper form, overtraining, and a higher risk of injury.
• "Finished Product" Mentality: A culture focused on achieving a specific physique often overshadows the importance of functional strength, injury prevention, and proper recovery. This "finished product" mentality can lead to dangerous training practices that prioritize aesthetics over long-term health and operational readiness.
  
  

We’ve had several guys with ten plus deployments overseas. We got guys in their late 30s and 40s. How do we keep training them efficiently? How do we keep being able to produce that fast twitch movement in the weight room? A lot of that is attributed to the Keiser.   - Lance Stuckey, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Air Force Special Operations Command, Pope Army Airfield

Keiser's Solution: A Data-Driven Approach to Injury Prevention and Performance Optimization

Keiser offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges through its advanced pneumatic technology and a data-driven approach to training and rehabilitation.

Engineered Pneumatics

Keiser’s resistance systems allow trainers to fine-tune weight adjustments in 0.1-pound increments. This level of accuracy makes Keiser equipment ideal for high-intensity training and controlled rehabilitation.

Test, Evaluate, Prescribe, Return to Deploy

Keiser equipment facilitates a cyclical approach to training that prioritizes the long-term health and readiness of military personnel:

• Test: The Keiser A400, for example, provides objective data on strength, power, and imbalances, establishing a baseline for each individual.
• Evaluate: Trainers and medical staff use this data to identify potential weaknesses, asymmetries, and risk factors for injury.
• Prescribe: Personalized training and rehabilitation programs are created based on the evaluation, addressing specific needs and promoting balanced muscular development.
• Return to Deploy: The data guides a safe and effective return to full operational capacity, minimizing the risk of re-injury.

After 16 years spent in Special Operations, with 10 combat deployments, hundreds of combat missions… my body was taxed to say the least.  Traditional weight lifting was all we had and knew which typically led to more injuries. With Keiser's equipment I was able to measure strength and power with intimate detail beyond reps and plates on barbells. I was able to safely build strength, speed and power all in one space. This was absolutely pivotal to my performance as an operator and even more so being able to keep up with my 4 kids after retirement. - Classified Special Operator

Keiser's Impact: Saving Careers, Saving Money

The financial benefits of Keiser’s approach are substantial. By identifying and addressing potential injuries early on, Keiser can help reduce the number of medical retirements, saving the DOD millions in lost training investments.

• Extending Careers: Keiser’s technology empowers military personnel to manage their physical well-being throughout their careers, potentially adding years of service.
• Cost Savings: Reducing medical retirements by even a small percentage translates into significant cost savings for the DOD, freeing up resources for other critical areas.

We had the building purpose built for the Keiser line. We knew we wanted to use Keiser for many different reasons. Big reason is we could test. We could test unilaterally... bilaterally... we can look at asymmetries, which is a big key for what we want to do. - Ray Bear, Human Performance Coordinator, 3 SFFG(A) USASOC Human Performance Program

Thor3 is a 57,000 sq. ft. training and rehabilitation facility at Ft. Bragg, NC. designed exclusively for the special forces.

The Future of Military Human Performance: Keiser Leading the Way

Keiser continues to innovate, developing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the military.

• Load Velocity Profiling: Keiser is pioneering load velocity profiling, which optimizes training for specific operational tasks. This technology enhances speed, safety, and efficiency in movements critical to combat situations.
• Thor 3 Facility: The Thor3 facility, a 57,000 sq ft state-of-the-art training center for Special Forces, utilizes Keiser equipment extensively, showcasing its effectiveness in a real-world setting.
• Global Impact: Keiser’s technology is gaining recognition worldwide, with growing interest from foreign militaries seeking to enhance their training and rehabilitation programs.

Keiser is committed to supporting the mission of the U.S. military and its global partners by providing innovative solutions that prioritize the well-being of those who serve. By investing in the "Human Weapon System," Keiser helps ensure that military personnel can train harder, perform better, and serve longer.

Throughout my career I have 14 overseas combat tours. I have had over 100 direct action missions…over 1,000 parachute jumps… 50-night full equipment Dreagar dives,  basically everything we do is physically demanding on our bodies. I was first introduced to the Keiser Equipment in 2005. The pneumatic resistance is key to not only building strength but also speed, mobility and sustainability in highly stressful conditions. I not only owe Keiser the ability to perform my duties to the best of my abilities, but I owe Keiser the ability to keep me doing the job I love even now into 50’s. I know for a fact I would not be able to keep my high paced lifestyle and career if it were not for the Keiser Machines. - Classified Special Operator

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