Stew Smith Fitness News

Cardio and Strength - What is Your Primary/Secondary Focus?  You may have heard the saying, “It’s a running man’s game,” when you listen to people talking about their BUD/S experience. Many strength/power athletes would agree with this statement as you will continue running and swimming (some rucking - regardless, lots of cardio) throughout BUD/S and beyond. Though these strength/power athlete types may not have struggled under boats and logs due to their athletic history, they had to bring their A-game weekly to the runs, rucks, and swims. However, endurance athletes may have an entirely different experience with what sucked the...

Often, I receive emails from parents looking for information about Navy SEAL training for their usually pre-teen / early teenage sons.  Here is an email from a Dad of a 13 year old boy who has wanted to serve in the SEAL Teams since he was 8 years old:Stew, I have a son (13), who has always wanted to be a Navy SEAL.  I know he may change his mind later but what can I do now to encourage him and set him up for success in a program that many "wanna-be's" don't make it? Having a young member of...

Feeling Overwhelmed with Special Ops Prep? Here’s a Clear Path Preparation for special ops can be overwhelming. There is a lot to prepare for and everyone has an opinion on how you should do it. With countless training methods and advice floating around, it’s easy to feel lost. You might be asking how much to run, swim, or ruck, or whether to lift weights or do calisthenics. Let’s cut through the noise. Your focus should be on a structured approach that develops your weaknesses while maintaining your strengths.First, determine where you currently stand. Assess Yourself. Identify your strengths and weaknesses...

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...

My Transition from Military to Civilian Life as a Trainer and Writer Before I discuss my transition from the military to civilian life and my current profession of fitness writer in the tactical fitness genre (military, police, fire fighter), here is a brief history of my transition from high school student to choosing to serve the United States as a Naval Officer.  I always knew I wanted to serve in the military in some capacity since a young age and had many plans from grunt, to pilot, to special ops. All intrigued me at some point in my life. I realized...