Cart 0

Stew Smith Fitness News

Making it TO and THROUGH Training

stew smith gut check leadership skills mental toughness military fitness motivation special ops stew smith team building

Many people confuse the training programs groups like active duty Special Ops perform to maintain their fitness levels for the demands of the profession with how they prepare for challenging schools like BUD/S, SFAS / SFQC, and PJ training to name a few. Here is a question to better describe a very common issue with candidate training program selection: Stew, I have been watching some Youtube videos showing active duty special ops guys working out like SEALs, Rangers, SF, and others.  They are huge and lifting very heavy weights so I have been lifting more and doing less cardio.  Is...

Read more →


Top Reasons Why People Fail Special Ops

stew smith gut check mental toughness special ops stew smith

I love getting email questions that require me to think and recall over the years some of my experiences to share.  These questions are from a future SOF candidate, who asks a simple question, “Why is the attrition rate so high?”  Here is his specifics: I was curious Stew, why are the attrition rates for SOF so high? It seems that to get into any SOF training program you have to pass a physical examination to show you can handle training, academic tests, and reach a pretty high level of fitness. Therefore; all those who start should technically be able...

Read more →


Reverse Pyramid (PT, Weights, TRX mix) 25-1

stew smith

This workout was done years ago using calisthenics only while deployed on a submarine for a few weeks doing OPS in the Med.   Many people ask about good underway workouts so the calisthenics version is a great one.  The second version that we did this week is a combination of many calisthenics exercises and lifts: Calisthenics version:  Reverse Pyramid from 25 to 1.  Start off with 25 reps of a few exercises that focuses on legs, abs, lowerback, and upperbody.  An advanced challenge is the following: Squats, Pushups, Crunches / Situps, and Plank pose (rep per second) - do...

Read more →


Using Special Ops Selection Methods to Test Athletes

stew smith gut check leadership skills pullups special ops training stew smith team building team player weight training

A recent training opportunity with a high school baseball team allowed me to develop a challenge week with their coach.  Not only was the Challenge Test a team building gut check, but it had a system built in that helped calculate overall winners.  This system is the very same method we have used for decades to determine a total score in a physical screening test within the Special Ops community.  This allows for the selection board to determine who has the overall best score as well as the winners in individual events.  The screening test we use for Navy SEAL...

Read more →


Parent Seeking Information About SEAL Training for Son

stew smith combat swimmer stroke leadership skills mental toughness motivation navy seal pst special ops special ops training stew smith swimming tactical fitness team player weight training

Often, I receive emails from parents looking for information about Navy SEAL training for their usually pre-teen / early teenage sons.  Here is an email from a Dad of a 13 year old boy who has wanted to serve in the SEAL Teams since he was 8 years old:Stew, I have a son (13), who has always wanted to be a Navy SEAL.  I know he may change his mind later but what can I do now to encourage him and set him up for success in a program that many "wanna-be's" don't make it? Having a young member of...

Read more →