Stew Smith Fitness News — special ops

Many people confuse the training programs groups like active duty Special Ops perform to maintain their fitness levels for the demands of the profession with how they prepare for challenging schools like BUD/S, SFAS / SFQC, and PJ training to name a few. Here is a question to better describe a very common issue with candidate training program selection: Stew, I have been watching some Youtube videos showing active duty special ops guys working out like SEALs, Rangers, SF, and others.  They are huge and lifting very heavy weights so I have been lifting more and doing less cardio.  Is...

I love getting email questions that require me to think and recall over the years some of my experiences to share.  These questions are from a future SOF candidate, who asks a simple question, “Why is the attrition rate so high?”  Here is his specifics: I was curious Stew, why are the attrition rates for SOF so high? It seems that to get into any SOF training program you have to pass a physical examination to show you can handle training, academic tests, and reach a pretty high level of fitness. Therefore; all those who start should technically be able...

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...

Stew Smith Fitness has teamed up with Game Plan Nutrition to produce a nutritional supplement package to help people training for very advanced fitness training programs like Special Operations type professions to rebuild, recover, and stay healthy.  Borderline over-training can occur with the best laid training programs and if you do not focus on rest, recovery, nutrition, and hydration, you can experience many of the symptoms of over-training and soon see negative performance results.  Give this a try and see how you like it. These are perfect items to add to your food plan especially if you are burning the...

START ADDING RUCKS FOR FIRST PHASE BUD/S BOYS!  RUCKING ON THE BEACH = PAYS TO BE A WINNER.  FIRST PHASE ATTRITION RATES ARE HIGH AS EVER!  IF YOU ARE NOT USED TO RUCKING / RUNNING / HIGH REP PT - IT COULD PUT YOU IN THE MAJORITY.  SEE  Ruck / Run Progression ArticleFor many, the term “ruck” is a new word.  Defining RUCK is difficult to someone who has never moved out with 50+ lbs in a backpack for many, many miles.  The definition can be as simple as walking around with a backpack on a hike or as difficult...