A Kansas State University researcher is receiving a $2.52 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to compare typical Army physical training with a newer type of workout.

Assistant kinesiology professor Katie Heinrich says so-called “high-intensity functional training” is promising. As its name suggests, the workout method involves using high intensity and constantly varied exercises.

The training approach has gained popularity among military populations because of its potential for improving performance with substantially lower training volumes. Heinrich says the technique also has the potential to promote fat loss.

Heinrich and her team will work closely with the Command and General Staff College and Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth.