Stew Smith Fitness News — special ops

The Military, Police, and Fire Fighter PT Test Survival Guide is designed to help you AVOID the Twelve Fitness Testing Mistakes That Lead to Failure. This is a HOW TO / EXERCISE eBOOK that will help you learn how to take a fitness test. Not just a basic fitness test but any of the 12 common exercise problems. Complete with a six-week workout plus a testing week taper routine to get you "well rested - well tested" for the next fitness test you have to take. You can use the tips, techniques, and tools I have developed over the past...

Mental Toughness has been a topic of discussion and debate for generations as we humans try to define our lives.  What makes some people tougher than others?  More successful? More motivated? Calm in stressful situations?  What are the common traits of ordinary people doing extraordinary things?  Can mental toughness be measured?  Scientifically tested? These are the questions I have been seeking answers to and the type of questions I get each day from young men and women preparing for challenging programs in the military, law enforcement, and fire-fighting professions. There are some scientific studies performed trying to measure how people...

Many people confuse the training programs groups like active duty Special Ops perform to maintain their fitness levels for the demands of the profession with how they prepare for challenging schools like BUD/S, SFAS / SFQC, and PJ training to name a few. Here is a question to better describe a very common issue with candidate training program selection: Stew, I have been watching some Youtube videos showing active duty special ops guys working out like SEALs, Rangers, SF, and others.  They are huge and lifting very heavy weights so I have been lifting more and doing less cardio.  Is...

I love getting email questions that require me to think and recall over the years some of my experiences to share.  These questions are from a future SOF candidate, who asks a simple question, “Why is the attrition rate so high?”  Here is his specifics: I was curious Stew, why are the attrition rates for SOF so high? It seems that to get into any SOF training program you have to pass a physical examination to show you can handle training, academic tests, and reach a pretty high level of fitness. Therefore; all those who start should technically be able...

START ADDING RUCKS FOR FIRST PHASE BUD/S BOYS!  RUCKING ON THE BEACH = PAYS TO BE A WINNER.  FIRST PHASE ATTRITION RATES ARE HIGH AS EVER!  IF YOU ARE NOT USED TO RUCKING / RUNNING / HIGH REP PT - IT COULD PUT YOU IN THE MAJORITY.  SEE  Ruck / Run Progression ArticleFor many, the term “ruck” is a new word.  Defining RUCK is difficult to someone who has never moved out with 50+ lbs in a backpack for many, many miles.  The definition can be as simple as walking around with a backpack on a hike or as difficult...