Why Military and Police Officers are Switching to Speed and Agility Training
Achieving a high level of physical fitness is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in the military, law enforcement, or special operations. Standard tests that once focused on pushups, situps, and long-distance runs are now becoming more dynamic, requiring speed, agility, and combat conditioning. These changes reflect the evolving demands of tactical institutions for well-rounded, versatile individuals who can quickly adapt to various scenarios.
Changes That You Cannot Ignore
- Tactical fitness tests are evolving to focus on speed, agility, and combat conditioning, shifting away from the traditional pushups and longer distance runs.
- Military and law enforcement agencies are incorporating sprint and agility tests into their hiring and training programs for candidates and members.
- Testing events such as 5-10-5 shuttle runs, 300m sprints, 300yd (12x25yd shuttle runs) and the Illinois Agility Test are utilized by various agencies, including the FBI, SEAL Teams, and DEA.
- Training for these tests can be relatively easy, involving warmups and practice runs at 50% speed, leading to significant improvements in performance over time.
- As candidates age, it is crucial to incorporate sprinting and directional changes into their weekly routine to prevent injury and increase their chances of success in tactical training programs.
New fitness programs in the military, police forces, and special operation groups are acknowledging the importance of speed and agility by incorporating sprints, shuttle runs, and agility tests. In the past, long-distance running may have been sufficient, but now individuals must train for endurance, muscle stamina, strength, speed, and agility. Those aspiring for careers in military, police, special ops, or SWAT will need to integrate sprint and agility training into their workout routines.
Moreover, the transition from standardized runs to speed and agility tests can be a challenging hurdle, especially for newcomers. Candidates and members alike will be evaluated not just for their endurance, but also for their capacity to react swiftly to different scenarios. The events used to test speed and agility are diverse, and they are utilized by various agencies to identify the most capable individuals.
Aiming for a career in these institutions requires meticulous preparation and practice. Regularly integrating sprinting and directional changes into your weekly workout routine is not only beneficial but also crucial for your professional development. It is essential to understand the requirements and training elements necessary for success in this career field. With dedicated training and commitment, big improvements are within reach. If you're aiming for a career in any of these tactical fields, remember that your path to success begins with agility and speed.
Take the next step toward a career in the military, police, or special operations by delving into the world of speed and agility training. Discover the evolving demands of tactical institutions and equip yourself with the tools necessary to excel. Visit https://www.stewsmithfitness.com and start your journey toward becoming a versatile, well-rounded tactical athlete.
Who is Stew Smith CSCS? Coach, Trainer, Writer, Podcaster:
Discover the secrets behind Stew Smith's 25+ years of experience in military fitness training. A former Navy SEAL, Smith has been honing his training methods for decades, helping people from all fitness levels prepare for the rigors of military service. Whether you're aiming to shed pounds, get ready for basic training, or pursue a career in Special Ops, Smith's workout books and ebooks, available at StewSmithFitness.com, are packed with cutting-edge Tactical Fitness elements used by elite military and law enforcement units worldwide. Dive into Smith's world of fitness and embark on a transformative journey toward peak physical performance.
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There is More To StewSmithFitness.com than You May Know
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 StewSmithFitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success in many special ops-level selection programs in the military and police world.
Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com
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
Core Mission
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Tactical Fitness Training For the Candidate / Recruit: Specializing in preparing individuals for military, special ops, law enforcement, and firefighter selection programs (getting you "TO and THROUGH" training).
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Functional Training for Both Active Duty / Recruits: Utilizing a seasonal tactical fitness periodization system that balances longer workouts of running/rucking, swimming, and calisthenics during the Spring/Summer when days are longer. Then, the focus shifts in the Fall/Winter to lifting (Cals/cardio maintenance) when the days are shorter/colder. This process has 25 years of proven success building tactical athletes who improve in all areas of fitness: strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, muscle stamina, mobility, flexibility, and grip.
- Becoming an Asset for All Types: Even non-tactical athletes want to be of use in situations that require some level of fitness to get through the day. Be an asset, not a liability, in potentially dangerous situations, whether natural or man-made. Fitness can be a common denominator in successfully enduring life-or-death scenarios.
Specific Programs & Courses
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The Ageless Athlete (Fitness Over 50): A 22-week program designed for beginners to advanced trainees looking to regain fitness, flexibility, and energy.
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Tactical Fitness Over 40: After training people for over 25 years now, many who started with me in the early 2000s are now in their 40s and beyond. Learning how to shift training to remain an asset while also offering longevity, flexibility, and mobility is central to this 52-week program. (4-part series)
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Tactical Fitness Course: An 80-minute course on preparing for Spec Ops selection, getting TO and THROUGH the toughest military special ops’ programs using this two-phase system.
Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization - A 25 Year proven system to become a tactical athlete. What is Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization?
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The Never Quit Mindset Book and Course: The "Never Quit Mindset" book and course are a deep dive into building constructive habits that incrementally improve discipline, build mental toughness, and foster a Never Quit Mindset in anything you want to do.
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Specialized Workout Plans: Specific, tailored programs for Navy SEAL (Phases 1-4), SWCC, Army (SF/Ranger/Airborne), USMC MarSOC / (RECON), Air Force (PJ/CCT), Coast Guard, Law Enforcement (FBI/DEA/FLETC), Fire Fighter, and general fitness too for beginners and advanced athletes alike.
Resources and Content
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Extensive Content Library: Over 1,000 free articles, 200+ podcasts, and social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) featuring Spec Ops swim critiques and LIVE QA sessions.
- FREE Local Training for those preparing to serve! Check out HeroesofTomorrow.org for our location and schedule.
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NEW SKOOL.com Tactical Fitness Community
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Educational Materials: Over 40 options for eBooks, videos, printed books, podcasts (200+), and online video courses.
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Apps: Pushup Push, Pullup Push, FBI workout, and Navy SEAL exercise apps (iPhone/Android).
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LIVE QA Sessions Each Week: Monday and Tuesday, 9 am EST on social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) and Skool.com Tactical Fitness community.
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Online Coaching: Personalized programming based on specific goals, equipment, and your time availability.
- Membership Site: Access to hundreds of weeks of training, unpublished workouts, and exclusive content, weekly newsletter sent to subscribers with the week's latest articles, videos, and workouts (beginner/intermediate, and advanced special ops prep workouts).
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Extensive Content Library: Over 1,000 free articles, 200+ podcasts, and social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) featuring Spec Ops swim critiques and LIVE QA sessions.
Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)
As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.
Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced.
Remember, as you age, your training needs to adapt.
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Imagine waking up each day with more energy, flexibility, and the drive to embrace life head-on. Stew Smith, a seasoned fitness expert with 56 years of experience, has crafted a program specifically for guys like you—men who may feel overwhelmed by fitness options or unsure what’s suitable for their age. With his 22-week plan tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners, you will find exactly what you need to suit your current fitness level.
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.
Training is What We Do:
Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond? We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program. See how that works.
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.
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, improves flexibility and mobility, and puts you at a level of physical ability where you are happy with your overall ability to do just about anything. We have a system 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.
Online Coaching Options
Online Coaching is Available with Stew Smith Fitness - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.
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If you want access to years' worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, a free fitness APP, a closed Facebook Group, a video/picture library of exercises, and more access to LIVE Q/A sessions, check out the Stew Smith Fitness Members Section.
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