Stew Smith Fitness News

The Differences Between the Air Force and Navy Special Warfare Initial Fitness Test (IFT) and Physical Screening Test (PST)     There are far more similarities than differences with these two fitness tests and follow on selection training, but there are some differences that have confused people throughout the years especially as both groups tend to change names, order of exercises, and standards quite often.  Training for both fitness tests as well as the follow on Prep Courses, Assessment and Selection programs are near identical with a few difference - for instance.  Both require a swim, run, pullups, pushups, and situps, but in...

This Month's Special is:Free Navy Physical Screening Test (PST) Preparation Training: - The Classic Week of PST Training -  Get a Free Week Navy Physical Screening Test (PST) Preparation Training that you can do for 3-4 weeks in a row for greater improvement in the PST. This week is the actual 10th week in my Navy SEAL, SWCC, EOD, Diver PST Program Phase 1.  But check out below for advice on the week of taking the PST for the first time: "The Classic Week of PST Test Taking" Anyone who wants to crush the PST on their first time with the official SEAL Mentor...

Multi-Joint Dumbbell Exercises (MJDB)(Complexes / Starter Exercises for Lifting)  Many people like to go to the weight room and start performing the standard isolation exercises either using a machine weight system or even free weights.  Afterwards, they do a 20-30 minute cycle of cardio vascular exercise.  Then, after a normal day of picking up groceries in/out of the car and into the house and some moderate yard work, they find themselves injured.  Usually, this injury involves the lower back. The body really performs best when it is accustomed to movements not joint isolation exercises.  There are training programs out there...

Consider These Four Types of Recovery Days In the world of physical and athletic training, SLEEP, EAT, and RECOVERY are the big three elements to successful preparation for competition events, performance tests, and spec ops selections.  Not only do you need to get it right on your journey into these events (when you can control the stimulus / recovery), but you also have to get the recovery right in order to endure and be ready for the next day of training.  It is no secret that a majority of your recovery depends solely on what you eat / drink and...

All-Time Favorite Navy SEAL Workouts That Are Also Great for the SEALKIDS Challenge! Check out SEALKIDS.org and Help This Great Organization  When students are going through SEAL Training, they are exposed to exercises that anyone can do.  From calisthenics, to running, swimming, and obstacle courses, Navy SEAL students master the basics first.  The difference between a beginner to these exercises and a graduate of Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL Training is volume.  SEALs take these basic exercises and build a foundation over time to arrive in the SEAL Teams in peak condition.  Sure, there is need for weight training and load bearing...