“There’s still time to back out,” Lieutenant Commander Joseph Wood informs me with a grin. I’m standing opposite an assortment of heavy sand-filled “powerbags”, wooden boxes, dumbbells, kettlebells and a weighted vest – this is the Royal Navy’s new physical employment standard (PES) test.
I’m tempted to take him up on the offer. I have 15 minutes to complete the course and – whether it’s a run, HYROX race or CrossFit workout – there’s something about going against the clock that sends my stomach somersaulting.
