Stew Smith Fitness News

Transforming from Athlete to Tactical Athlete: The Core Principles of Tactical Fitness vs. Athletic Training The term “tactical” often finds its way into discussions to set apart the extraordinary as “military grade” or the stylishly functional as “tactic-cool.” About 15 years ago, this term extended into a new realm—tactical fitness, which focuses on the physical preparation essential for military, law enforcement, and firefighting professions. The transformation from athlete to tactical athlete is based on many similarities but some profound differences. Tactical fitness becomes your secret weapon when your mission demands versatility and resilience across a spectrum of athletic elements and...

Jack of All Trades Goals:  The Need for Above Average Performance in Everything vs The Best at One Thing Your ability to conquer any tactical training program lies in preparing with diverse workout formats that expose and eliminate your weaknesses. Turning a weaknesses into a newfound strength can be done with patience, persistence, and the grit to do things you may not be good at doing at first. You might think sticking to what you’re good at is the way to go. Sure, doubling down on your strengths feels rewarding, but it will one day expose glaring weaknesses. If you’re focusing...

Stay Fit Under Extreme Pressure: Tips for Exercising When Life Is Chaotic In life's inevitable changes, carving out moments for physical activity often becomes the secret weapon for maintaining your sanity. Remember if you do not care for yourself, how will you take care of others in your life who need it? Life's stresses come whether we're ready to face them. Work deadlines, family drama, health scares, changing jobs, moving, or even losing a loved one—none of us get a free pass from these challenges. So, what do you do when life gets flipped upside-down, and you still need to...

Learn the Difference Between Pacing, Sprinting, and Moving Aimlessly Without a Strategy     Run, Ruck, Swim There's a trio of cardio activities that, when mastered, can dramatically improve your military readiness and endurance. We call is the Spec Ops Triathlon. This is not just a workout—it's a rite of passage for anyone serious about pushing their physical limits. This monthly evolution combines running, swimming with SCUBA fins, and a 50-pound ruck, borrowing straight from the grueling routines of military training and special forces selections. If lifting weights and doing calisthenics dominate your fitness regimen, it's time to make room for this multi-faceted...

What is Your Weakness? Test and Find OutAssess or Guess - Your Choice Imagine standing at the threshold of an elite military program, your acceptance hanging in the balance of one crucial fitness test. It’s not just a test; it’s a gateway to a world where only the best can thrive. But many find their dreams shattered because they failed to prepare adequately. Don’t let that be you. One of the most effective strategies to excel in military fitness tests is to simulate the real thing before the actual assessment. This week, one of our group workouts focused on evaluating...