Army claimed bragging rights as the fittest service after getting one over Air Force at the ADF Triservice CrossFit Championships.
Six Defence teams went head-to-head in Brisbane from September 29 to October 3 - three from Army, two from Navy and one from Air Force.
Army retained the title in the second year the competition was held. This year was also the second time Air Force were runners-up.
Over three days, the teams competed against each other across five matches in the lead-up to the final.
Workouts were published half an hour before the start, giving teams a chance to strategise who would take what movements.
Flight Lieutenant Blake Shuttleworth said the workouts followed the typical CrossFit pattern, combining cardio, strength and gymnastics.
"CrossFit is about training for the unknown," Flight Lieutenant Shuttleworth said.
"CrossFit athletes will never be the strongest or quickest, but they'll have a high level of general physical preparation that they can [use to] adapt to whatever is in front of them."
The final was a flurry of heart-pounding burpees and thrusters mixed with high-skill gymnastics such as handstand-walking up a ramp and down a set of stairs to finish.
'CrossFit is about training for the unknown.'
Despite the incredible feats of skill, Army team captain Corporal Catherine Johnson said the gut-check workouts weren't easily forgotten.
"Every athlete was on the gym floor for match three," Corporal Johnson said.
"It was chaos, and everyone was cooked at the end."
Each team fielded athletes of different abilities.
Navy competitor Lieutenant Shannen Price said CrossFit was about helping your mates to push their limits.
"Everybody says that they're just there for a fun week, but as soon as the timer starts and you're off, obviously it gets quite heated and competitive," Lieutenant Price said.
"But there's a big cheer when someone lifts or exceeds their personal record.
"It's high-fives all round, hugs, a few laughs and complaining about how everybody thought that was the most awful thing they'd done."
Army and Air Force have recognised CrossFit as an official sport.
Navy is working to do the same so more athletes can take part in future events.
Anyone looking to get involved in the sport should join their service association to find out more.
