Stew Smith Fitness News

This week an Army Reservist of 20 plus years emailed me for some help. This question, and the need for a basic program, is universal throughout the military ranks -- active and reserve. There is a growing trend in remedial fitness.Stew,I have corresponded with you in the past and a while back you sent me an intermediate level fitness program that I was using to augment my fitness training program to some of the reserve unit individuals. I am in need of a basic level training program and I will explain why...A fitness program ONLY during the battle assembly weekend...

Often, I receive emails from young men and women in their teens who ask about military or law enforcement careers when they get old enough to serve their country by doing such honorable professions. I wish however, most emails were like this future Marine. Too many times, young men and women start to prepare way too late for professions that require fitness tests. But more importantly, their lives or their buddies’ lives may depend on their strength and fitness level. Here is an email from a young man who wants to become a Marine one day: I'm 16-years old and...

With regards to meeting the physical requirements to gain entry to BUD/S, I have a few questions you may be able to answer...MY ANSWERS ARE IN CAPS AMONG YOUR QUESTIONS…STEW SMITH How are SEALs able to do hundreds of pushups, situps and pullups without stopping? BY PRACTICING HUNDREDS OF REPS FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR 5-10 YEARS THERE IS NO STOPPING YOU. EVEN FOR ME (NOW 40) i CAN STILL DO 100 REPS IN UNDER 90 SECONDS (GOOD ONES) AND MY PULLUP WORKOUTS ARE ALWAYS OVER 100-150 REPS BY END - SOMETIMES 200...

This week’s article deals with a portion of the physical fitness test found in every branch of service. This is one element of the test that many people either barely pass or just fail. The sit-up or curl-up is also the easiest exercise to score maximum points for, but you must practice this exercise several times a week to reach that achievement. Here is a question from an Army Recruit getting ready for Basic. I have a question about situps. Can you explain the proper technique that will produce the most efficient results?The answer to this one is simply work...

Prepare for the Service Academy CFA Every week, there are several young people seeking advice about how to prepare for the country’s Service Academies fitness assessments. The CFA – or Candidate Fitness Assessment is a test that not only evaluates strength and endurance, but a measures potential for athleticism. The history behind the CFA is decades old, it but used to be called the PAE – which stands for Physical Aptitude Exam. The major difference between this fitness test and other PRTs in the military is the use of the shuttle run and the kneeling basketball throw. This article will...