Physical exercise in premodern armies

by BorjeFanBoy

Not quite sure if this comes off as ridiculous, but do we have any evidence for actions taken in premodern armies to maintain good physical condition within the rank and file? If the soldiery spent most of their time marching, doing chores in camp, or conducting sieges, one would think that they'd experience severe muscular atrophy, especially with the poor diets that they would usually have to make due with (?) One would think, that this would be detrimental for their ability to fight, especially berfore the widespread use of firearms.

therealdrewder

The first good description of military training in ancient armies was produced by the Greek historian Strabo, who noted that Cyrus introduced universal military training among the Persians. The conscript underwent 10 years of military training, probably as a reservist, before being enlisted in the regular army. Training was vigorous and included physical conditioning, instruction in the bow and javelin, and horsemanship. Recruits were also trained to forage for food, prepare meals in the field, and make and repair weapons. The recruit was indoctrinated in the military code of the Persian army and taught to "ride well, shoot straight, and tell the truth."