The Calisthenics and Cardio Progression
(for Beginner / Intermediate Levels New to Endurance / Muscle Stamina Testing)
Are you an aspiring special operations candidate who wants to crush your fitness test and earn that coveted contract? Are you looking to get rid of physical weaknesses, such as swimming or running, while also building a foundation of fitness to get through training? Look no further than our Calisthenics and Cardio Program for Beginners/Intermediate Levels of Fitness New to Muscle Stamina/Endurance Training.
This is my first step for people new to Calisthenics and Cardio Training Cycles -

The Problem: Many special operations hopefuls struggle to meet the rigorous physical demands of training - just getting accepted into the training is a massive hurdle for those who have not done cardio events like running, swimming, and rucking, but have no muscle stamina for competitive calisthenics testing. Whether it's lack of endurance in running or swimming, or simply not having a strong enough foundation of fitness, failing a fitness test can mean the end of your dreams of becoming a member of a special operations unit.

The Solution: Our Calisthenics and Cardio Program is specifically designed to help you crush your fitness test (run, swim, pullups, pushups, situps) and build a foundation of fitness that will see you through the rigors of training - THOUGH you will need training on the next level (see progression below). This program combines both calisthenics and cardio workouts to help you build endurance and muscle stamina (strength too).
Phase 1 of Tactical Fitness means preparing to get accepted into training programs. This ultimately involves you crushing your fitness test, BUT this is just the first step and where many people neglect to prepare for Phase 2 of Tactical Fitness - Getting THROUGH the training.
You cannot get through the training if you cannot get TO the training, even if you simply pass the fitness test. By integrating calisthenics/cardio into your workouts now, you'll build the muscle stamina necessary to conquer pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, running, and swimming, which are part of the assessment to determine whether you are capable of entering special operations training. There will be daily progressive cardio workouts to improve your endurance so you can run, ruck, and swim for longer periods without fatigue.

But don't take our word for it - try it for yourself! Our program is designed to be accessible to beginners and intermediate fitness levels, so you don't have to worry about being left behind. Plus, our workouts are customizable, so you can adjust the program to meet your specific needs and goals. And while there may be minor challenges along the way, they are not significant issues and can be easily overcome with dedication and consistency.
Email Stew @stew@stewsmith.com if you have questions!
So if you're serious about reaching your goal of becoming a special operations member and want to lay a solid foundation of fitness that will help you succeed in training, give our Calisthenics and Cardio Program a try as your first step on this journey. You won't regret it.
The Next Steps to Progressing TO and THROUGH Selection
The new trilogy is updated to reflect recent changes to PST prep as well as BUD/S itself and all three have increased intensity of training to help you get TO your Spec Ops Selection (SEAL / SWCC / EOD/Diver, SAR, SARC) and THROUGH that selection (BUD/S specifically). Here is more about the programs (in book and ebook format)

Navy PST Phase 1 - Crush the PST and Get TO Selection - This program is focused on teaching you about PHASE 1 of tactical fitness training – getting TO the training. You will not get accepted to attend training without crushing this fitness test. Since the road to becoming a Navy Special Warfare / Special Ops member is long and challenging, you really want to be able to exceed the minimum standards. In fact, exceeding the standards IS the standard. You will learn this from doing this workout. There are no minimum standard goals that work in this journey. However, this program is for those who can barely meet the minimum Standards on the Physical Screening Test and takes you to a level where you can handle the Navy PST easily. Then you have the foundation to keep working to prepare yourself to get THROUGH selection.
Navy SEAL Phase 2/3 - Getting THROUGH BUD/S: There is much more to BUD/S than the PST. You need to add in some rucking/load bearing as you will be rucking wearing a 40-50lb backpack in BUD/S – also prepares you for boats/logs. Longer runs and swims are weekly tests you have to endure as well - on top of treading, pool skills, and other tactical skills you will also have to master. In fact, this is one of several programs you can choose from to help you prepare for what could be a long journey of challenges and hard training.
This Workout – Navy SEAL Phase 2/3 includes another 12 weeks of workouts to help you prepare to not just maintain high-level PST scores but actually get THROUGH BUD/S.
Navy SEAL Phase 4 - This is as best as I can make a first phase BUD/S simulation training even with a Hell Week simulation week! What this program does is prepare you mentally and physically for the daily struggles of BUDS. Not only the Grinder PT, but the class punishments for losing races, failing inspections and runs, and your swim buddy screwing up will be addressed in this 5-6-week program. You will build toughness by pushing past the failure point in any exercise (running, pull-ups, pushups, abs etc…) BUT you have to be careful NOT to injure yourself. There is a fine line between pain and injury as well as mental toughness and stupidity. Be smart with this program.
Cals and Cardio Program for Starters
Navy PST Workout Phase 1
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 2 - 3
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 4 Grinder PT
Your Mission Starts Now
Let today be the day you refuse to quit. Let today be the day you adopt a mindset that transforms setbacks into comebacks. Join the Never Quit Mindset revolution and discover your limitless potential.
Act now—seize your $100 savings and begin the transformation that will last a lifetime.

Buy Now!
Never Quit Mindset Book, eBook, Audio Book, and
Online Video / Audio Course
Transform Your Goals, Overcome Challenges, and
Build Unbreakable Resilience
Discover The Never Quit Mindset by Stew Smith—a transformative personal development resource designed for motivated individuals seeking to break through barriers and achieve lasting success. Whether you're striving for excellence in your career, health, or personal life, this guide provides the tools to develop the discipline needed to conquer obstacles and fulfill your potential.
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
-
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).
-
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
-
The Ageless Athlete (Fitness Over 50): A 22-week program designed for beginners to advanced trainees looking to regain fitness, flexibility, and energy.
-
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)
-
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?
-
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.
-
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
-
-
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.

-
NEW SKOOL.com Tactical Fitness Community
-
Educational Materials: Over 40 options for eBooks, videos, printed books, podcasts (200+), and online video courses.
-
Apps: Pushup Push, Pullup Push, FBI workout, and Navy SEAL exercise apps (iPhone/Android).
-
LIVE QA Sessions Each Week: Monday and Tuesday, 9 am EST on social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) and Skool.com Tactical Fitness community.
-
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).
-
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.
Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?
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.
New Members' Only Content / Services Program!
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.
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)

0 comments