Chris Kellum

Website

Chris Kellum Retired Infantryman helping Soldiers pass the AFT, improve waist-to-height, get stronger, and rebuild discipline. 1:1 coaching + the Military Fitness App.

Start here ↓ Book a call by completing the info on my website Kellumfitness.com

10/19/2026

Simple hack that could add 20 pounds to your AFT deadlift.

QUESTION: What’s holding back your AFT deadlift right now — GRIP STRENGTH or LEG/BACK STRENGTH?

If you’re serious about increasing your deadlift, running faster, and improving your overall AFT score, your training needs structure.
Comment COACH if you’re interested in personalized 1-on-1 coaching.

Most Soldiers focus on getting stronger, but sometimes the problem isn’t strength. It’s how you’re gripping the trap bar.
If the handle is sitting too far into your fingers, you could be losing grip strength before the lift even starts.

Here’s how to fix it:
1. Position the handle just below your callus line, closer to your palm.
2. Crush the handles like you’re trying to break them.
3. Keep your wrists stacked and pull the slack out before driving through the floor.

A small adjustment to your setup could make a noticeable difference in your next Army Fitness Test.

Quick footwear disclaimer: I’m wearing running shoes in this video, but I don’t recommend cushioned running shoes for heavy deadlifts. The soft, elevated soles can compress and create instability under load.

I understand that bringing multiple pairs of shoes to the AFT isn’t always practical, but a flat, firm, minimalist style shoe could be a worthwhile option for lifting. Just make sure it’s appropriate for your feet, you’re accustomed to training in it, and it meets applicable uniform requirements. I wouldn’t recommend suddenly switching to barefoot shoes on test day, especially if you still need to run two miles

Nearly 14 years in the infantry took a toll on my body. Between rucking, running, heavy loads, and years of physically d...
10/16/2026

Nearly 14 years in the infantry took a toll on my body. Between rucking, running, heavy loads, and years of physically demanding training, I left military service with injuries that still affect my everyday life. Between disc degeneration, nerve pain, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis, I’ve learned that preparing my body for training matters just as much as the workout itself.

But I still love training and pursuing hard things. The difference is that I’ve learned recovery, strength, and listening to my body aren’t optional anymore

These are some of the tools I’ve invested in over the years to help me keep showing up.

With flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and years of wear and tear from military service, my lower body needs attention before I start putting miles on it.

The R8 has become one of my favorite tools for working on my quads, calves, and other tight muscles before and after training. I like that I can apply consistent pressure without having to work as hard with my hands.

Before longer runs or bike sessions, I use it to help my legs feel more prepared and to check how they’re responding.
It doesn’t fix my underlying injuries, but it’s a tool I consistently reach for.

R8 Deep Tissue Massage Tool | Available on GOVX

Between nearly 14 years in the infantry, countless miles of rucking, and now marathon and IRONMAN training, my feet have taken a beating.

I have flat feet and deal with plantar fasciitis, so taking care of my feet has become an important part of my daily routine.
Before runs, I use my Chirp Roller to massage the bottoms of my feet and help them feel less stiff and warm them up before I start putting miles on them.

And let me tell you, it hurts SO good.

It’s one of those simple tools that doesn’t take much time but makes my warm up feel more complete.

Chirp Foot Roller | Available on GOVX

I’ve owned several massage guns over the years, and I can tell you they don’t all feel the same.

What stands out about the Hypervolt Pro 3 for me is the heated attachment. After long rides, runs, or strength sessions, combining warmth with percussion feels especially good on tight muscles.

I use it as part of my routine when my legs feel

10/16/2026

If the Army Fitness Test could only keep THREE events, which ones are you choosing?

1. 3-Rep Max Deadlift
2. Sprint-Drag-Carry
3. Plank
4. 2-Mile Run
5. Hand-Release Push-Ups

Do we bring back Leg Tucks and Standing Power throw?

You can only save THREE.

Comment your numbers below. And if you’d rather replace an event with something else entirely, tell me what you’d bring back or add.

I’m going with 1, 4, and 5. What about you?

10/16/2026

2.5 months left to quit if you little baby back (insert bad word) ig told me to edit it

Camera 📷

10/15/2026

GHOST® Energy crushed this flavor 🤝

10/11/2026

Doing everything right but still struggling to lose weight? Your sleep and recovery might be the missing piece.
For a long time, I thought fat loss was just about training harder and eating better.
My workouts were consistent.
My nutrition was pretty dialed in.

But I was sleeping 4–5 hours a night, waking up exhausted, and barely recovering before doing it all again.
Once I started prioritizing 8+ hours of sleep, better recovery, and a cooler sleep environment, I noticed a huge difference in my energy, training, and eventually my weight started moving again.

That doesn’t mean sleep magically causes weight loss.
But if you’re constantly tired, under-recovered, stressed, and trying to fix everything by eating less or training more, it might be worth looking at your sleep first.
For me, part of that process was fixing how hot I slept. I used to wake up drenched in sweat, groggy, and dehydrated, so I started using a ChiliPad to keep my bed cooler throughout the night.

I’ve used it for over a year now, we got a second one for my wife, and I’m even bringing mine to Ironman Florida because recovery matters that much to me now.
Before you add another workout or cut more calories:
Check your sleep.
Check your recovery.
Then adjust the rest.

Comment SLEEP if you want to checkout the ChiliPad I use and save $

10/09/2026

If your entire unit is out of shape, maybe the problem isn’t just your Soldiers. Maybe it’s YOU, Commander.
And before anyone gets upset, hear me out.

New developments around military fitness accountability are putting more attention on leadership and whether units are actually prioritizing physical readiness.
Are leaders providing time for PT? Addressing fitness failures? Building a culture where physical readiness actually matters?
And I think that’s a step in the right direction.
But here’s where I might p**s some people off.

Your fitness is YOUR responsibility. Your career is YOUR responsibility.
Your commander shouldn’t have to force you to care about either one.

Leadership should provide the time, resources, and environment to train. But personal excellence? That’s a choice you make every single day.
And that’s one reason I’ve been rebuilding my Military Fitness App from the ground up.

I want Soldiers to have the tools to train smarter, prepare for their fitness tests, and take ownership of their progress.
We’re targeting a relaunch around the new year, and I’m opening an early-access waitlist.

The first 50 founding members will have an opportunity to purchase lifetime access. One payment. No monthly subscription.
Comment APP to join the free early-access waitlist.

And I’m curious: What do you think would be a fair ONE-TIME price for lifetime access to a military fitness ?

Source Task & Purpose

Address

Jacksonville, FL
32099, 32201–32212, 32214–32241, 32244–32247, 32250, 32254–32260, 32266,

Website

, ,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chris Kellum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category