Thinking about Serving?
Get
the information you need to decide if
a military career is right for you. No obligation
-- just free information from the branches
of service that interest you.
|
|
|
Stew Smith
is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a
former Navy SEAL, and author of several fitness
and self defense books such as The Complete
Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness, and Maximum
Fitness. As a military fitness trainer,
Stew has trained hundreds of students for
Navy SEAL, Special Forces, Air Force PJ, Ranger
Training, and other physical law enforcement
professions. His eBooks at Military.com can
help you achieve your fitness goals, whether
you're a beginner or an expert. For more info
on his books, visit the Military.com eBook
Fitness Store.
View
the Smith Archives
Email Stew Smith at stew@stewsmith.com.
Visit Stew Smith's Official Website: www.stewsmith.com.
|
|
|
|
I thought it was about time for another "Ask Stew Column". Keep
the emails coming and I will do my best to answer, make suggestions,
or refer you to a higher knowledge. I am best at answering fitness-related
questions, but I try to offer some military career related information
if I can. Good luck in your fitness journey. Check out the Military.com
/ Stew Smith Article
Archives for several great tips on fitness and health.
Q: Stew, I have one question about the 12 week BUD/s program.
On days when more than one form of exercise is scheduled (like PT
and running or swimming), is it OK to split up the workout into
a morning and afternoon
session? I'm training to apply to OCS, but I have a day job to work
around in the meantime. Also, is it better to go through OCS and
then BUD/s, or the other way
around?
A: It is fine to split up the workouts to fit your schedule even
if you have to do 2 workouts in one day (i.e., run in the morning
and PT in the evening). Either way works for OCS to BUDS or BUDS
then OCS. Many have done it both ways. If you do BUDS first, then
you are enlisting into the Navy first and you will receive a great
education of how you wish to be treated by seniors. Then as a mustang
officer you will have immediate SEAL experience as an Ensign - that
is something OCS to BUDS does not offer its graduates.
Both ways work though - if you are seeking the fast track to BUDS
- then enlist, do a tour as an enlisted SEAL, and then apply for
OCS.
Q: Stew, I underwent back surgery 3 weeks ago for a really
bad herniated disk, work related. When I am able to start doing
PT again, where should I start? I was in week 5 of your Navy SEAL
Workout and going strong. But since my surgery I have dropped 15
lbs and pretty much all of my strength and cardio ability. I'm not
going to be able to do any type of PT (including running) for another
2-3 weeks.
A: Sorry to hear about the disk...I would wait until your doctor
/ physical therapist clears you to do anything. I would think however,
that swimming is fine to get back into. I would not swim in fins
until you are cleared but the hypoxics would be a great way for
you to keep your cardio vascular endurance up while you are not
able to run. Recumbent biking may work for you for some leg workouts,
but I would be very careful about any abs or upper body PT until
the doc gives you the go ahead.
Once you get that - Then try to slowly start at week ONE of the
6 or 12 week program only doing want you can do without pain. Once
you feel pain - stop, stretch, and do something that you know does
not hurt you.
Good luck - Stew
Q: Stew, On your 6 week seal beginner workout you have me running
a 1/4 mile then squats of 40 and lunges of 20 each leg a then running
a half a mile with the same interval work out for another 3 cycles.
I was just wondering how long should I wait before I start running
again or should it be continuous? Also if I struggle on one week
of the 6 week workout should I do that same workout the next week
until I can do it without any problems? Thanks for your time.
A: It is up to you how long you can wait - I usually go right into
the next run cycle since I am warmed up from the first...do not
wait too long. It is OK to fail - that is the best way to get stronger
with PT / BUDS workouts...You will fail at BUDS and have to keep
moving - it is good practice...Good luck and hang in there.
Q: Stew, I have been monitoring your columns of recent as I
get myself back in shape & stay in shape. Have taken many suggestions
from your articles. I have started running / jogging in the local
park to work on Cardio, baby steps first-about 15 min. around the
park/1 lap. I do a military shuffle nothing fast. My problem is
halfway thru my jog I experience cramping in the feet, I run thru
it & at the end when I do the warm down walk my feet feel like weights
are in them along with the pain. Is it that I am not drinking enough
fluids before the run? not enough potassium? I do stretch before/after
each run. Any suggestions?
A#1: You know it sounds odd - how do your shoes fit? Sounds like
either tight socks or shoes - try loser items on your feet. Could
be a potassium issue or water but sounds more like lack of blood
flow down to your feet. If it continues with loose fitting footwear
- you may want to see a foot doctor; it could be due to some circulatory
issues ...
Do you have any diabetes in your family? I am not trying to scare
you - just trying to get the full picture. I bet it is a need of
footwear more than anything else.
Q#2: His reply to my answer:
Stew, Thanks for the reply. I use Cross Trainer footwear, do
you think I need the real deal-Running Shoes?
I did have that thought as well. I do tie my shoes tight as to
not come undone while I run, socks are tight fitting also. My Mother
has Type 2 diabetes, it does run in the family, but so far I am
clean. I am trying to stay clear of that side.
A #2: Yes - It is best to get running shoes if you are running and
looser fitting socks - not so loose you create blisters, but lose
enough to breathe.
Check out the Glycemic Index as to which foods you should eat more
or less of when it comes to carbs as well as the new Diabetes /
Diabetes Prevention Fitness Plan at the Military.com
EBooks Store.
Thanks for your emails -- these were just a few that I thought would
be worthy of sharing in the Ask Stew Column. I am not a doctor,
but I do know when something does not sound right with respect to
your training. When in doubt it is always best to see a doctor,
and I will always make that recommendation along with my fitness
suggestions.
Feel free to email me at stew@stewsmith.com
if you have any questions, and it may inspire me to write about
it next week. Good luck.
 Email
this page to friends
© 2004 Stew Smith. All opinions expressed
in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect
those of Military.com.
|
