Prepare for Selection and Life: The Best Tips from Stew Smith Fitness
When preparing for a significant challenge, such as starting down the road to become a member of a special operations program, it's crucial to savor every step of the way. The path ahead is not just a test of your physical abilities but a true testament to your will and determination. In my own experience, which began at the United States Naval Academy and led to serving as a Navy SEAL, I quickly learned the necessity of embracing every part of the process. Even failure.
While you'll face tasks that may initially seem insurmountable—whether it's swimming, running, rucking, lifting, or mastering high-repetition calisthenics—embracing these challenges is invaluable. This mindset isn't about just surviving the process; it's learning to love it. Taking this to heart early in my career allowed me to persist, turning potential weaknesses into an opportunity to build sources of strength. (and become a better spec ops candidate)
I speak from experience as the path was long, difficult, but worth it. Remember that your willingness to confront and improve areas where you're less skilled will set you apart. Special ops training is designed to expose vulnerabilities, and it's during these times that I've seen many students display true character. My journey from the Naval Academy to the SEALs taught me that pushing through failure and finally succeeding under pressure is a clear indicator of readiness for the demands of spec ops training and the job itself.
Post Spec Ops Training - Into Team (Training Never Stops)
The journey doesn't stop once you gain acceptance into the program. Once you graduate training, you will be the "new guy," and I can assure you, learning new skills at a rapid pace requires not just grit but a passion for ongoing growth. In my role as a trainer, I've seen how crucial each day is for learning and practice, and it's a concept that will be integrated into the methods when taking your tactical training to new levels as well. You will be surprised at the effort it takes to "master the basics".
Every evolution of the day is an opportunity to level up, taking your fitness from just a starting point to mastering tactical skills under tight timelines. As you do, you will see that the relentless effort to improve pays dividends – something I've seen in countless spec ops candidates who have used my training programs to successfully pass rigorous selection processes. They continue the growth mindset and turn new skill weaknesses into strengths eventually.
Each year, the commitment to become better, smarter, and more efficient in your trade continues. It's a reality I've embraced, both during active service and now in my role as a coach. As the journey begins for you, know that it's my honor to support those preparing to serve. At Stew Smith Fitness, we stand ready to offer the tailored training and tactical fitness information needed for success.
The journey is ongoing so learn to love every challenge and every victory, big or small. Take failures as learning experiences and become smarter because of that failure. Embrace the challenge, revel in the process, and keep pushing forward.
You are on the right path, and the best is yet to come. Your growth never stops, and neither will our support for your journey. You've got the determination; now unlock the secrets to mastering your weaknesses and pushing your limits. Ready to revel in the process and achieve your ultimate potential? Head over to Stew Smith Fitness for the tactical fitness guidance you need to excel.
New Tactical Fitness Training 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.
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
Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs
When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model. I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But 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 systems where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics. When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run, less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.
My most recent programs that walk you through these four cycles with 12 weeks of each season in two programs.
These Seasonal Tactical Fitness BLOCK Periodization programs will walk you through 4 x 4 weeks cycles with 16 weeks of each season in two programs. (32 total weeks)
The Specific Military / Special Ops Physical Fitness Workouts Where Optimal Performance Will Be Tested Each Day
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
Online Coaching Options
Online PT CLUB - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.
New Member's Only Content / Services Program!
If you want access to years worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, free fitness APP, closed Facebook Group, video / picture library of exercises, and more access to LIVE Q/A sessions check out the Stew Smith Fitness Members Section.
The dashboard below has the links to all the information, archives, videos, and links to workouts, podcasts, live Q and A lessons.
Consider this! - A Membership Program and Gain Access to Exclusive Content
(click for Fitness Club Dashboard - members only)
Questions? Just email - Stew@StewSmith.com
At StewSmith.com - List of Products and Services
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- Stew Smith Fitness Club membership site
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