Stew Smith Fitness News

Are You Tired of This Cliché? (title) There Is No "New You" - Just New Habits There is no real reason why you have to start a change on a New Year.  In fact, I recommend you do not use the work resolution as that word will last only for about two weeks and it is no longer in our vocabulary. But a new year is just as good as any day to start on a new journey to better yourself.  Consistency Wins - Every Time If you really want a "New You" it comes down simply to consistency.  Your...

Every year around late December, early January fitness writers and trainers feel compelled to create a revolutionary idea for motivating people to train starting January 1. Why not? We have typically let ourselves go since Halloween with extra treats in the house, stressful work and school schedules, a Thanksgiving feast, football tailgaters, too much time in the man-cave, and so many parties in December that it is time to do something now or go buy new clothes that fit. This is the perpetual cycle that occurs annually with many of us, but instead of hoping to be motivated for a...

Is Your Run Always Worse After Pushups, Pullups, Situps Events of the PT Tests? Learn How to Transition! This common event occurs during PT Tests - especially if running is after other strength/muscle stamina events. How many have you had a poor running event after pushing yourself on the calisthenics portions of the test?  This will also apply to the new Army Combat Fitness Test after the new strength events of the ACFT; the 2-mile run at the end will require the same strategy.  Learn HOW to Take Tests Better As with any test, you must learn to take tests to...

Crush the AFSW IFT- Learn HOW to Build a Strategy to Optimal Performance IFT / OFT (and more) Prep This article informs you of changes to many of the fitness tests, but also to help you create a strategy to crushing them - specifically the new Air Force Special Warfare Initial Fitness Test (IFT). Several years ago, I created the Navy PST Clinic which breaks down the PST into more than 20 assessment points for only five events (swim, pushups, situps, pullups, run).  This is a specific answer to breaking down the NEW Air Force PAST for Air Force Special...

          If you are coming from a strength and power background or new to training, you may find the speed and endurance requirements challenging if you want to get good enough scores to ace the PST.  Typically, good goals to have for the 500yd CSS swim is between 8-8:30 and a 1.5 mile run at the end of the PST should be in the low 9 minute zone or sub 9 minutes.  Those scores will help you get TO the training as long as  your PT scores are also above average. Here is what I have my...