Roman soldiers kept fit by running, marching and practice-fighting. They could march 20 miles (30 km) a day wearing armor. They could swim or cross rivers in boats, build bridges, and smash their way into forts. Each man carried his weapons and shield, some food and camping equipment (such as spare clothes, cooking pot and an axe or spade).
They usually fought in lines, marching forward with their shields facing the enemy. If they were being fired at from above (with arrows or rocks), the men would lift their shields over their heads for protection. They looked like a tortoise, so they called this formation the testudo (Latin for tortoise).
The Drill will include an inspection of kit before the group marches out to the arena and start with the basics of foot exercises carrying armor shield and spear. Reaching order and control the formation will be moved in a covered line to defend themselves from projectiles of a cavalry attack. After surviving these shocking moments teams will be split up to practice different skills of attack with a catapult, bow and arrows and javelin.