Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Atlantic, after consulting military guidebooks and fitness experts, concluded that Hegseth is "flouting the rules" and "sacrificing form for speed" in his widely shared videos (Getty)Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's military exercise videos have drawn criticism for his poor form, despite his public emphasis on strict fitness standards for the armed forces. The Atlantic, after consulting military guidebooks and fitness experts, concluded that Hegseth is "flouting the rules" and "sacrificing form for speed" in his widely shared videos. Specific criticisms include Hegseth's "half-ups" for push-ups, which would not pass military muster, and "kipping" during pull-ups, a technique forbidden by Marine guidelines. Fitness experts, including a Marine veteran and a retired brigadier general, pointed out flaws in his kettlebell swings and pull-up technique, noting the inconsistency with his own high standards. A Pentagon spokesperson defended Hegseth, accusing The Atlantic of unfairly singling him out and questioning if they had ever scrutinized the form of other officials like Lloyd Austin. In fullPete Hegseth roasted by fitness experts for military ‘workout’ videos he keeps sharingMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Military fitness experts say the secretary of defense fails on form.

‘His pull-ups or chin-ups and the kicking that he does—you would never allow that,’ a retired brigadier general said