The Industrial Athlete - Manual Labor Jobs Require Special Attention
As with anything we do, we start to get good at certain habits we create throughout our lives, but there may be a time when your body starts to outgrow those habits. Yes - in other words - if all goes well, you will be older on this Earth longer than you will be younger. And many of the things we did in our teens and twenties, you cannot do anymore (see NEW RULES as they apply to everyone).
Jobs that require steady movement like standing or walking long hours, heavy lifting, balance, grip, climbing, crawling, twisting, carrying, dragging, and bending in often dangerous environments requires a form of athleticism that is similar to the tactical athlete. Introducing the INDUSTRIAL ATHLETE. The athlete who is skilled in the physical challenges of employment.
Do you think of yourself as an athlete?

I remember back in the 80s when I first joined the military, I noticed that the only people who considered themselves athletes were those playing games and still competing in athletic events. The community of military, as well as police and fire, did not consider themselves athletes, even though the job was very physical (in most cases). Since then, the term TACTICAL ATHLETE has evolved and though there is still work to be done, though the thought process of the athleticism in the tactical space is widely accepted.
I had a discussion with a former Army Ranger Sniper and Kevin Winn (former pro baseball player / coach) and now Executive Director of Health Work Medical Kinesiology Services and Kinesiologist / Physical Therapy.
Creating educational programming and physical health training for our work force in challenging professions. The comparison and contrast of the tactical athlete and the industrial athlete are similar and only differ in mission. The physical challenges and personal goals and desires are very similar. Check out how these specialists are helping the work force that controls the vital shipping arteries of our country.
Some Key Take-Away's from the Discussion
We all have a life outside of our work and we want to be able to enjoy it. Don't let your fitness level be a work place injury or prevent you from helping yourself or your co-workers when accidents occur when in potentially dangerous environments.
Understanding ergonomics matters as you will have decreased work-related injuries & OSHA issues, Improved work efficiency, Improved employee satisfaction, Identification of risk factors, Improved worksite safety.
If injured, you will have typically a quicker return to work process, but preventing injuries and accidental deaths on the job is the ultimate goal of being more fitness oriented.
Get good at the basics. Some basic warmups and stretches can go a long way with starting your day when you know you will be challenged physically. Stretches during the day and proper movement and carrying of equipment are work place experience skills that need to be learned quickly.
In the end, be a healthy example for your family and be able to work longer in your life by taking care of yourself while you are young, so you can be the OG on the job setting the example.
Where to Find More Home Gym Workouts?
This is just a few of the many benefits people without gym access gain when it comes to using calisthenics and seeing performance improvements. Why risk stop training because you don’t have a gym when you can avoid wasted effort and money? Take the time to educate yourself on the proper methods to adding calisthenics into your training program. In the future, when you start lifting again, you can always add it to your training again whenever you feel like you need a cycle of lighter weights and more cardio. We do this every Spring / Summer using my Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.
By the way, if you're a person who lost their gym or just want to avoid it altogether, check out this in BOOK or EBOOK format.
If you want the EBOOK - see link: Calisthenics and Cardio Workout EBOOK
If you prefer the BOOK version - see link - Calisthenics and Cardio Workouts BOOK
The Calisthenics and Cardio Workout is a timeless workout with a 19 week program designed for ALL levels of fitness with Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Programs all in one.
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.
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Never Quit Mindset Book, eBook, Audio Book, and
Online Video / Audio Course
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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
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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.
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)

