The New Winter Lift Cycle with Specialized Block Periodization is the Answer
3:1 Strength Weeks to PST/IFT Week
Training / Testing Cycles
Have you ever thought of doing a strength cycle for three weeks then doing a deload week for a cycle of 12-16 weeks? Many of us who used to powerlift have been doing that type of training for years. But, this model is different. Instead of a classic de-load week, let's do a week of calisthenics and cardio to maintain / even improve current PST and PAST Test scores.
This 3:1 Tactical Fitness Block Periodization Model does just that. It works to not only increase strength but improve PST / PAST scores too! You do not want to neglect your muscle stamina and endurance even when you are working on your sterngth / power, speed and agility. Because, this is tactical fitness phase 1 (getting to the training) and phase 2 (THrough the training) - you are not lifting to play another season of football or compete in a powerlifting tournament. You have to get really GOOD at everything but not particularly great at anything compared to those who compete in sports.

As a special ops candidate I'm confident that you really want to crush the PST / PAST test and graduate selection. However, you also need to be durable enough to handle a selection program that 80% of participants do not make it through. Most do not make it through because they were under-prepared, get injured, fail to meet the standards, or quit.
Maybe you have experienced failure in the past with getting stronger and maintaining calisthenics and cardio (run / swim / ruck) scores. It is not easy to get GOOD AT EVERYTHING. Most people leave a weaknesses that is exposed immediately when they start training and that becomes their burden or daily gut check. Some can handle that - most cannot.
In fact, if you're like most people, you’re really apprehensive about changing paths of what you are doing, but ask yourself this:
Are you seeing steady progress in all areas?
Are you stuck at the same numbers and times of assessment events like the PST and PAST test?
Are you getting stronger and more durable to handle load bearing activity like boats, logs, rucking, fireman carry, and heavy equipment carry?
if you are getting stronger, how is your running and swimming doing?
Are you able to maintain your above average scores in one area of fitness while you work on your weaknesses?
In the end, are you seeing the results you need to see? Check with the Assessment Tool to Get TO and THROUGH Selection? . These are recommended scores that successful graduates typically have before they ship off the join the military / start selection. These are my recommendations not the military recruiter recommendations.

The issue may not actually be you because this process requires a near perfect balance of strength training and calisthenics and cardio maintenance.
Here's something you may not know...
Recovery Matters - The thing that's really sabotaging your success here is too much information. Everyone has an opinion on how to train for this and that and they are not wrong, however balancing all of the elements of fitness into a single program requires a process called block periodization within my personal system of Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization. Which means, the underlying issue here is management of your recovery, de-load cycles, and a balanced approach to working on your weaknesses while maintaining your strengths.

However, the way to get around this is program that incorporates all of that into it: The Increase Strength and Crush the PST / IFT Workout is here! It is a lift cycle with PT training / testing weeks incorporated into perfect "de-load" periods that actually help you recover from strength training AND improve PST / PAST Scores - at the same time! .
Let me share with you how you can finally do that with Increase Strength and Crush the PST / IFT Test with this winter lift / PT cycle.
If you really want to be durable enough to handle a selection program that 80% of participants do not finish, this NEW truly groundbreaking program that we personally tested this Winter, during our Winter Lift Cycle here at StewSmithFitness.com / Heroes of Tomorrow Program with amazing results. Some even had Personal Records (PRs) on runs, swim, and pushups in the middle of the lift cycle. At the same time, the body weight bench, weighted pullups, and dead lift / squat numbers improved as well.
Stop guessing and start the Fall / Winter Lift Cycle with a program that produces results IF you put in the work.
Check out the NEW Block Periodization Cycle we did Winter of 2020-21:

Increase Strength & Crush the PST / IFT
3 Weeks Strength - 1 Week PT / Cardio Focus
(16 weeks)
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If you are about 6 months out from BUDS or another Spec Ops selection and you need some strength as well as high PT test scores, you may find some improvements in both using the block periodization model.
Plus:
Buy any book or ebook and get a FREE video critique of YOU swimming or doing other exercises!
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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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.
And 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.
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