For Some, The Preparation Phase Takes Longer - Some Have Been Preparing Their Whole Lives (and never knew it)
The journey to special operations readiness hinges on an investment of time and relentless effort, far beyond any quick-30-minute gym routine and a six-week cycle. Depending on your athletic history (or lack thereof) it could take a year or longer to fully prepare to be among one of the few who graduate. Some highly developed high school and college athletes or hard living manual laborers (farm kids, etc) may have many of the components of fitness and toughness already developed and can specialize on any weakness (swimming, pool skills, running, rucking, etc). Regardless, the process is similar - Prep to get accepted into the program and prep to graduate the selection training.
Click for more info about Tactical Fitness vs Athletic Fitness
There are no short-cuts, hacks, secret sauces or striving for the minimum standards. It is crucial to understand that these shortcuts and low standards for yourself are ineffective. I have said for decades now, a 30-minute workout cannot adequately equip you for the demands of a full day of spec ops training. Instead, the focus should be on investing time and effort to cultivate a solid foundation of fitness necessary for success. Now if you work a full-time job as a manual laborer, then add in short workouts before and after work (focused on your weaknesses), you stand a chance as you are used to the grind that is a long work day.
To begin this process, you must prioritize strength and durability. If you have it already due to years of lifting / contact sports, you will need to focus on progressively increasing your weekly running and rucking mileage, engaging in longer swims—particularly with fins—and integrating higher repetition calisthenics into your routine. Each of these components is vital to your overall fitness, yet they cannot be achieved overnight. Allow yourself the necessary time to develop these skills and capabilities.
In the realm of physical fitness, various attributes such as strength, power, speed, and agility are interconnected. If you focused on more endurance training and never lifted, organizing your training cycle to include these elements will lead to improved performance and help you reduce typical endurance athlete weaknesses. Strength training enhances your durability, stability under load, while agility work improves your swift maneuverability on obstacle courses. Both are essential for navigating the complexities of spec-ops scenarios.
Once you have established a solid base of strength and durability, turn your attention to calisthenics and cardiovascular workouts. High-repetition calisthenics will significantly enhance your muscle stamina and endurance—two crucial aspects for success in demanding environments. Building overall work capacity is done by integrating different forms of cardiovascular exercise, such as running, swimming, and rucking with high rep calisthenics. Being able to recover quickly is what a long day of spec ops training is all about. Building this type of ability takes time. Be patient.
Remember, commitment to a steady and methodical training regimen is key. Each component plays a role in achieving peak physical performance. By adhering to this structured approach, you will not only prepare your body for the strenuous tasks ahead but also cultivate the mental resilience essential for success in special operations. Embrace the journey; it is a testament to your dedication and determination.
Summary Bullets
- To excel in special operations training, prioritize a comprehensive and dedicated fitness regimen over quick workouts; long-term commitment is essential for success. Get on a system that works for you and your strengths / weaknesses.
- Establish a strong foundation of physical strength and durability, as this is crucial for withstanding the intensified load-bearing (logs, boats, rucks, personnel) demands of special operations. Prepare Smart No Matter What Your Weakness
- Incorporate distance running, rucking, and longer swims into your training plan; these endurance-building activities are vital to simulate the conditions you will encounter in real operations. Are You a Cardio Machine?
- Emphasize calisthenics in your workout routine; high-repetition bodyweight exercises will enhance muscle stamina and prepare you for extended physical exertion. Why You May Need a Cals and Cardio Cycle.
- Adopt a cyclical training approach, rotating through strength, power, speed, and agility workouts to develop a well-rounded fitness profile that meets the diverse challenges of special operations. Learn About Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization and never worry about weaknesses again.
- Commit to gradual, focused preparation that integrates various forms of exercise; this strategy will cultivate the endurance, strength, and resilience necessary for the rigorous demands of special operations training. Be patient and don't set a timeline - set a performance line.
Beginning the Spec Ops Prep Journey
The journey to thorough preparation for special operations is a long path with challenges, but understanding Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization paves the way for effective, sustainable training. This pivotal approach can transform your preparation, ensuring you are physically and mentally ready for selection. Your future in special operations starts with informed choices today.
To aid you in this essential preparation, consider engaging with specialized training programs tailored to special operations candidates. These programs, such as the "Stew Smith Special Ops Program Section at StewSmithFitness.com”, offer detailed workout techniques and strategies designed specifically to help you confront and conquer your physical limitations. They provide the support and guidance you need to succeed, leaving nothing to chance.
With these step-by-step plans, you will gain clarity on what it truly takes to not only achieve a contract but also thrive throughout the spec ops pipeline. Developing the right habits and cultivating a “never quit” mindset will set you up for the challenges of selection and beyond. Get consistent with following these plans, and you will develop mental toughness one day at a time. Your journey begins today.
Your ambition to serve in special operations deserves more than just hope; it needs a solid action plan. By checking out the specialized programs at StewSmithFitness.com, you can access the guidance and structured training necessary to elevate your performance in critical areas like swimming and running. Don’t let unpreparedness stand in your way. Seize this opportunity to set yourself apart and commit to the rigorous training that will lead you to success in special ops.
Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs
Consider the long term training system of seasonal tactical fitness model as it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, helps with flexibility and mobility, but will also put you at a level of physical abilities where you are happy with your overall ability to just about anything. We have a system where the strength and weakness dictate our training. Check it out: What is Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization?.
There is More to StewSmithFitness.com Than You May Know
Who is Stew Smith? Coach, Trainer, Author, Podcaster
I'm the former Navy SEAL that special ops candidates go to for books, ebooks and online coaching to prepare themselves to get to and through intense tactical assessment and selection programs and qualify for service in their chosen tactical profession. See More at StewSmithFitness.com
Quick Summary:
- FREE Fitness (all topics) / Mindset Articles and Workouts - Latest info on training for any goal! (over 1000)
- eBooks, Books and eBooks in PRINT (over 40 options)
- Spec Ops Swim Critiques on social media - YouTube, TikTok, Instagram
- Live QA / CSS Critiques Mon / Tues 9am (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
- Podcasts (over 200)
- Stew Smith Fitness APPs - Triad version, Pushup Push APP, Pullup Push APP, FBI workout APP
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- Membership Site - Get access to 100s of week of training programs and unpublished workouts we are currently doing each week. Constantly updated weekly with new articles, videos, and workouts of the week.
- Tactical Fitness Course - 80 minutes to learn how to get both TO and THROUGH spec ops selection programs.
- Online Coaching - Get personalized programming designed for your goals, abilities, time per day, days per week, equipment/facilities...etc.
Dive deeper into the world of Tactical Athlete training and mental toughness by exploring Stew Smith Fitness Programming for the Tactical Athlete online store. Uncover the strategies and techniques used by elite forces to push past physical and mental barriers. Visit https://www.stewsmithfitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success for many special ops level selection programs in the military and police world.
Books and eBooks Available (All Levels of Fitness)
The Specific Military / Special Ops Physical Fitness Workouts
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 1
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 2 - 3
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 4 Grinder PT
Navy SWCC Workout
Army PFT Workout (Prep For Rucking, OPAT, ACFT)
Army Special Forces / Ranger Workout
Army Air Assault School Workout
Army Airborne Workout
Advanced Running Program - Special Ops Supplement Plan
USMC RECON / MarSOC Workout
USMC OCS / TBS Workout
USMC IST and PFT
The Combat Conditioning Workout
Air Force PJ / CCT Workout Battlefield Airman Prep Course
The UBRR Upper Body Round Robin Workout / Spec Ops version
The Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer / Navy SAR Workout
The Service Academy Workout (West Point, Navy, Air Force Academy)
The Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp Boot Camp Workout
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The Law Enforcement Physical Fitness Workouts
The FBI Academy Workout | FBI Workout Vol 2
The DEA Workout
The FLETC Workout - Ace the PEB
The PFT Bible: Pushups, Sit-ups, 1.5 Mile Run
The Fire Fighter Workout - Ace the CPAT
Calisthenics and Cardio
Online Coaching Options
Online PT CLUB - Premium Coaching -
Do you need a program that actually works for you? We can build it personally for you and your personal goals and help you fit it into your day with the equipment you have available. Let us be your training partner and coach.
Many people ask me what is the difference between the Premium Program and the Online PT CLUB Coaching. The people on either program receive personalized training from me - Stew Smith - to best fit your abilities, goals, time per day, days per week, facilities, and equipment. We communicate regularly about your progress and your feedback helps me create the next week plan for you. There is no template workout and see you later. These programs are created 1 week at a time with YOU and ME in communication to figure out how best to create the next week.
Tactical Fitness Course - Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.
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