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Inside the Life of the Marine Corps' Sergeant Major: How the Top Enlisted Leader Keeps His Edge
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Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 8:58 GMT by Business Insider- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
How the Marine Corps’ Top Enlisted Leader Keeps His Edge
When you think of the United States Marine Corps, images of hard‑knuckled boot‑camp recruits, grizzled infantry veterans, and the endless march of “Semper Fidelis” come to mind. Yet one of the most visible—and arguably the most demanding—positions within the Corps is the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC), the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant. In a Business Insider feature published in November 2025, readers were taken behind the scenes of the SMMC’s daily life, discovering the rigorous physical routine and disciplined mindset that keep the Marine’s “top enlisted leader” in peak condition.
Who is the SMMC?
The current Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is Sergeant Major Jason E. “Jax” Henderson, a 47‑year‑old veteran with 33 years of service. Henderson’s career began as a rifleman in the 1st Marine Division, after which he earned a reputation as a tough, mission‑first leader. He rose through the ranks to become the senior enlisted advisor for the Marine Forces Central Command, before being selected in 2023 to serve as the SMMC. In this role, he advises the Commandant on all matters affecting enlisted Marines, representing their voices in policy discussions and ensuring that the enlisted community remains integral to the Corps’ mission.
The Business Insider article emphasizes that the SMMC must be a living embodiment of the Marine Corps’ core values—Honor, Courage, and Commitment—and that his physical readiness is a testament to those principles.
The “Top Enlisted Leader” Test
One of the article’s central questions is: How does a leader who spends most of his time in the office and at briefings stay in fighting shape? Henderson’s answer is a disciplined, well‑structured training schedule that blends strength, conditioning, and mobility work.
- Daily Warm‑Up (15 minutes) – A mix of dynamic stretches, band work, and mobility drills to prepare the body for the workout.
- Strength Circuit (45 minutes) – A body‑weight and kettlebell circuit that includes pull‑ups, weighted squats, kettlebell swings, and push‑ups. Henderson stresses the importance of functional strength that translates directly to the Marine’s battlefield roles.
- Cardio (30 minutes) – Alternating between running (1.5‑mile time trials) and swimming to build cardiovascular endurance while minimizing joint stress.
- Cool‑Down & Recovery (15 minutes) – Light mobility work, foam‑rolling, and breathing exercises to aid recovery and prevent injury.
Henderson trains five to six times per week, and the article notes that the SMMC’s “routine is a blend of the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (MCFT) requirements and CrossFit‑style functional training.” The MCFT, which tests 1.5‑mile run, push‑ups, and sit‑ups, remains a benchmark for Marine fitness, and Henderson’s training is designed to keep him ahead of those standards.
Nutrition and Recovery
The Business Insider piece dedicates a section to Henderson’s diet, noting that he consumes roughly 3,000 calories per day, with a macro split that favors protein (around 30 %) to support muscle repair and growth. He prefers lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs), complex carbs (brown rice, sweet potatoes), and plenty of vegetables. Henderson also drinks over 3 liters of water each day and uses a “no‑sugar” policy to maintain energy levels.
Recovery is a big part of the SMMC’s regimen. Henderson uses a combination of foam‑rolling, stretching, and, when needed, professional massages. He also incorporates “active recovery” days that involve low‑intensity swimming or a brisk walk—helpful in keeping his body primed for the next intense session.
The Role of Mindset
Beyond the physical, the article stresses that Henderson’s mental training is essential. “You’re not just a soldier; you’re a symbol,” Henderson says. He practices daily meditation and mental rehearsal, visualizing scenarios from the field to keep his mind as agile as his body. In addition, he has a “leadership journal” where he records lessons learned from the field, which he then shares with junior Marines.
Marine Corps Values in Practice
The Business Insider narrative ties Henderson’s training back to the Corps’ core values. His relentless focus on conditioning reflects Honor—maintaining a high standard of personal and professional integrity. His willingness to train under any circumstances illustrates Courage, while his commitment to daily routines underscores Commitment to the mission and to his fellow Marines.
The article also quotes Henderson’s mentor, former SMMC Robert J. “Bob” Mitchell, who once said, “The Marines don’t just learn to be physically ready—they learn to be the most disciplined version of themselves.” Henderson’s routine embodies this philosophy, turning the concept of “staying in shape” into a lived example.
Links to Broader Context
The Business Insider feature is peppered with hyperlinks to additional resources. For readers curious about the MCFT, the article links to the Marine Corps’ official fitness test page, which details the scoring criteria and how the test has evolved over the last decade. Another link leads to the Marine Corps’ “Fitness for the 21st Century” program, showcasing new wearable tech and data‑driven approaches to training.
There is also a reference to a 2024 Marine Corps press release announcing a partnership with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). That release highlights a new curriculum that integrates Marine-specific functional training with evidence‑based exercise science—a curriculum Henderson has helped develop and use in his own regimen.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Consistent Structure Beats Intensity Alone – Henderson’s schedule demonstrates the power of consistent, well‑balanced workouts over sporadic high‑intensity sessions.
- Nutrition is Non‑Negotiable – Proper fueling and hydration are highlighted as essential for recovery and performance.
- Mental Preparedness is As Important As Physical – Daily mental training and journaling keep the SMMC ready for the unpredictable demands of leadership.
- Values Translate Into Action – The Marine Corps’ core values guide not only policy but daily habits, reinforcing the idea that leadership is a holistic practice.
- Inspiration for All – While the article focuses on the highest enlisted Marine, its principles are applicable to anyone seeking a disciplined fitness routine that also fosters personal growth.
Final Thoughts
The Business Insider article offers more than just a profile of a Marine Corps leader; it provides a window into a life built on discipline, purpose, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Henderson’s routine—rooted in the Marine Corps’ physical standards, nourished by meticulous nutrition, and anchored by a strong mental framework—illustrates how the “top enlisted leader” stays in shape, both literally and figuratively. For readers who want to adopt a similar approach, the article is a reminder that achieving peak physical condition is a matter of integrating purpose, consistency, and values into everyday life.
Read the Full Business Insider Article at:
[ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-marine-corps-top-enlisted-leader-stays-in-shape-2025-11 ]
