Stew Smith Fitness News

During my years of training to become a SEAL, I heard many rumors that made SEAL training seem like this impossible mountain to climb. Here are a few of the rumors that I recall and I often get asked from recruits about the recruiting process, BUD/S itself, as well as life as a SEAL. My rule of thumb is if you hear something about SEAL training from someone who has NEVER been a SEAL, then chances are it is wrong. Here is a list of some serious misinformation about SEAL Training: RUMOR CONTROL - You have to learn to how...

People often ask me how I personally trained for SEAL training before there were movies, books, and websites helping people prepare. As a former power-lifting football player, what I thought was in shape for military training - was not. I soon learned after arrival at the Naval Academy at age 18 that I was out of military shape. The email below brought back memories of my transition.Here is an email from a young man seeking to become a Navy SEAL but he is just the opposite from my background of athletics - he is a cross-country runner and swimmer. He...

So you have a college degree and are now thinking about what you want to do with your life? Many attempt to join the military through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) route. There are many opportunities military wide for young college grads seeking to lead in the military, however officer slots for any of the Special Forces units are few and hard to come by. In fact, latest numbers for SEAL officer candidates were about 1 in 8 get accepted to attend SEAL training after OCS.Applying to Officer Candidate School and wanting to become a Navy SEAL means you will...

Every week, most of my emails are from young sailors and civilians who wish to become SEALs one day. Though I try to focus more on fitness, I thought it was time to answer the several emails with my top ten things you need to know before going to BUD/S - SEAL Training.1. Arrive fit! Not just able to do the minimum scores but the above average recommended PFT scores: 500 yds swim - under 9:00 Pushups - 100 in 2:00 Situps - 100 in 2:00 Pullups - 20+ 1.5 mile run - 9:00 in boots and pants If you...

This week a young man about to go to college emailed me with some specific questions about preparing for SEAL training as well as other special forces in our military. It seems he is trying to figure out his future and what service is right for him. That is a tough decision, but if done with some self-realization you can make a wise choice for your personality. For me, I always have loved the ocean. I guess growing up in Florida helped me realize that, so Navy made a lot of sense to me. And most Navy bases are very...