Stew Smith Fitness News

Bootcamp (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) and the Naval Academy Plebe Summer with this all in one workout at StewSmith.com When you arrive at a Service Academy or Bootcamp, not only will most of you be away from home for the first time, you will be placed in a stressful environment and expected to excel in military education, close quarter living, team work, and physical fitness tests (PFT). Though each service differs in testing exercises and measuring criteria, most NEW military personnel labor over this event for several weeks prior. But for those who properly prepare themselves,...

This week I received an email that brought back a few old memories of Army Airborne training in Fort Benning , GA. This young soldier wishes to become an Army Ranger and wants to know what he needs to do to prepare each step of the way.If anyone is preparing to become a member of any Special Operations Group (Army SF, Rangers, Navy SEALs, Marine RECON, Air Force PJs, EOD units, and others) they all must graduate from the Army Basic Airborne Course (BAC) in Fort Benning. Not only is it a prerequisite for Special Ops, but it has become...

Every six months military personnel line up to take their physical fitness tests (PFT). Though each service differs in testing exercises and measuring criteria, most military personnel labor over this event for several weeks prior. But for those who properly prepare themselves, the PFT can be just another workout. Here are the exercises of all the service's PFTs and helpful tips to increase your overall score on test day: Test yourself - The anxiety felt by most service members is largely due to performing within a time limit. The more your workouts are timed the better you are at "pacing"...

Often I get great ideas from readers who are training to become Special Operators. Many times it is difficult to find a place to swim or with someone competent enough to watch you while you do underwater swims. My rule has always been – NEVER SWIM ALONE – PERIOD. And do not try to push 50m underwater or drown-proofing without trained personnel observing for safety. However, I received a great idea the other day from Jason – check it out.Stew - Reading about underwater swims and how the Naval Special Warfare Command discourages the practice without proper supervision has caused...

I get this email often from young recruits training for such programs as Navy SEAL, SWCC, Rescue Swimmer, Air Force PJ, and others. My answer is real simple – STOP PRACTICING UNDERWATER SWIMS ON YOUR OWN! Here is a sample email as well as an answer that I hope will save some lives of those who read it:Stew - Right now I'm having a difficult time holding my breath underwater for more than 30 seconds. Is there anything you can recommend? Also, my desire is to go Navy SWCC.I do not recommend practicing holding your breath for many reasons:1 -...