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Functional Durability: The Tactical Fitness Approach for Military Readiness

• Stew smith

Why Tactical Fitness Workouts Outperform Gym Aesthetics 
for Boot Camp and Beyond

It is no secret that Bro-Splits aren't the way to prepare for many military events, but nothing wrong with being a former "gym-bro". 

There is nothing wrong with starting your fitness journey looking to get bigger to fill out your shirts or improve your performance on the athletic fields, but if you plan to join the tactical professions, you need to get on a system that addresses all fitness components. Training to become a competitive athlete is different from training to become a tactical athlete. Getting good at everything vs. just components of fitness specific to your athletics is the difference.

Put them all together with no weaknesses, and you have what we call 
"Functional Durability".

Defining Functional Durability

Functional durability is the ability to perform demanding physical tasks repeatedly and efficiently over time, especially in challenging and unpredictable environments. For military recruits and candidates, functional durability is more than just strength or stamina; it's about preparing the body and mind for the rigors of boot camp, basic training, and special operations selections and ultimately the job itself. Unlike typical gym routines that focus on aesthetics, functional durability ensures a recruit can handle real-world physical demands, recover quickly, and maintain performance under stress.

Functional Durability vs. Gym Aesthetics

Traditional gym workouts often prioritize muscle size, symmetry, and visible results. These routines, while beneficial for general health and appearance, do not always translate into practical performance in military settings traditionally. While you may need to build muscle and do these types of workouts for early preparation, military workouts emphasize movement patterns, endurance, and adaptability to equipment, loads, and terrain. The goal is not just to look fit, but to be fit for any task, whether it's running long distances, carrying heavy loads, or climbing obstacles. This practical approach prepares recruits for the unpredictable, strenuous physical challenges they will encounter during training and operations. Also, there is no 30-minute gym routine that can prepare you for a day of military training, especially a special ops selection training day. There is more to it each day and putting in your time is required. 

Running, crawling, swimming, carrying, rucking, and lifting are required.

Challenges of Military Training

Boot camp, basic training, and special ops selections demand a unique blend of physical and mental toughness. Recruits must endure long marches, high-intensity drills, obstacle courses, and teamwork exercises, all while coping with fatigue and stress. It also requires a Never Quit Mindset. These environments require functional durability, as recruits are tested not only on their ability to perform but also on their ability to recover and repeat tasks day after day. The unpredictable nature of military training means recruits must be ready for anything, making tactical fitness a critical component of success. Tactical fitness simply means getting good at everything and not necessarily great at any one thing. 

Stew Smith's Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization Model

This is why I developed the Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization model to address the specific needs of military recruits and candidates. Over the past 25 years, this model has proven effective by breaking the year into distinct training phases, each targeting a crucial aspect of functional durability.  Over the years, we have tweaked the program, tested new methods, and the periodization approach allows individuals to build endurance, strength, flexibility, mobility, and stamina in a balanced and sustainable manner. By rotating focus throughout the year, such as emphasizing running and calisthenics in the spring, swimming and load-bearing in the summer, and strength and mobility in the winter, recruits avoid plateaus and overuse injuries while steadily improving their overall readiness. We maintain other fitness components using a modified Block Periodization approach.

Building Functional Durability: Key Components

  • Strength: Strength is the foundation of durability. Enables recruits to carry heavy equipment and perform physically demanding tasks. Speed and power are also developed in the strength cycles. 
  • Endurance / Stamina: Endurance is essential for long marches, sustained operations, and quick recovery, which is part of the grind of a long day of military training. Stamina allows sustained effort and quick recovery, ensuring recruits can meet daily challenges. Run, ruck, and swim modes of endurance are the focus.
  • Flexibility / Mobility: Both reduce injury risk and improve movement quality during complex exercises. Together, they support agility and adaptability, crucial for swimming streamlining, treading, obstacle courses, and tactical maneuvers.

Our periodization and block-periodization models systematically develop these attributes (and more), ensuring recruits are not just fit but functionally durable. The balanced approach helps individuals progress safely, maintain motivation, and achieve peak performance at the right time for their training or selection events.

Training for Military Readiness

Functional durability is the cornerstone of tactical fitness for military recruits and candidates. Practical workouts that build endurance, strength, flexibility, mobility, and stamina prepare individuals for the real-world demands of boot camp, basic training, and special ops. Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization model offers a proven, effective framework for developing these qualities, making it the preferred choice for those seeking military readiness. By prioritizing functional durability, recruits can confidently face any physical challenge and excel in their military careers. If you prefer a more personalized approach, I can personalize a program based on your abilities, facilities/equipment, time per day, days per week, and goals – check out StewSmithFitness.com – Online Coaching links.

Summary: Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

Specific Programs & Courses

Resources and Content

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. 


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.

Learn The Never Quit Mindset Method

The ability to maintain optimism and persistence even in the face of repeated challenges sets them apart. It is a mindset, a Never Quit Mindset. 


OPTIONS: Book, eBook, Audio Book, and Video Training Course

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.

Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

Specific Programs & Courses

Resources and Content

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. 


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.

Learn The Never Quit Mindset Method

The ability to maintain optimism and persistence even in the face of repeated challenges sets them apart. It is a mindset, a Never Quit Mindset. 


OPTIONS: Book, eBook, Audio Book, and Video Training Course

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.

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 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 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, 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)

Best of all, if you have questions, email Stew Smith himself (Stew@stewsmith.com).  Join the tactical fitness group discussions, latest articles, videos, podcasts at the Stew Smith Tactical Fitness Training Closed Group on Facebook.

 

Questions?  Just email - Stew@StewSmithFitness.com

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