Stew Smith

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle check out his Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive on Military.com. Contact Stew with your comments and questions.

Email: stew@stewsmith.com

Latest Articles

Ask Stew: How Do You Draw the Line Between Fitness Progress and Maintenance?

The difference between progressing and maintaining depends on where you are on the three phases of tactical fitness.

A Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) instructor directs SEAL candidates.

How Your Weaknesses Can Be Exposed Before You Even Join the Military

There is one thing that all Special Ops selection programs have in common: they are designed to expose weaknesses

Here are Fitness Options for After a Hard Workout Day or Stressful Week

Stiffness in the hips, knees and elbows or a pain in the shins and feet are aches that many of us are trying to find ways to...

Initial entry trainees arrive on Fort Benning, Georgia.

Ask Stew: Preparing for Army Service Within the Next Two Years

No one should join the military just because they can.

Adding Your Own Workouts to Mandatory PT? Remember These Rules

These suggestions can both guide as you prepare for future challenges and help prevent overtraining.

Take This Easy Day If You Need a Break From High Reps and High Miles of Training

Sometimes you need to downshift and recover with something a little different.

Ask Stew: Recommendations for Building a Home Gym

Home gyms are going to be a common approach to training at least for the near future.

Here's What Being 'Mentally Ready' Means for Special Ops Selection

There is a saying that special ops selection programs are 10% physical and 90% mental.

Why Let a PT Test Ruin A Good Workout Day? Do This Instead

If you like to train hard, consider a mix of these options for the day of the PT Test options after you take the test.

Ask Stew: Going Into Winter Lift Cycle But Already Strong

Iff you have an athletic history of playing contact sports, there is a good chance that you already have a certain amount of...

What Is a ‘Deload’ Week and Why Do You Need One?

The deload week is designed to help you relax, unwind, catch up on sleep, avoid stress and come back stronger the following...

Can't Run Due to Injury? What Next?

Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game for runners.

U.S. Navy SEALs may have to go from swimming to walking in hurry. There's no time to mess with shoes. (U.S. Navy/Petty Officer 3rd Class Adam Henderson)

Ask Stew: Getting Ready to Move from Infantry to Special Ops

Spending four years or more in the infantry is tough work. Here is a question from a young man in the Marine infantry who has...

Marine Forces Europe and Africa, rush to attack simulated enemy forces.

How to Heal from Military Running Injuries: Prevention, Treatment and Back to Running

There are many avenues you can take when trying to avoid military running injury, work though nagging aches and pains, or...

U.S. Sailors squat during command physical training for the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in Norfolk, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2020. The John C. Stennis is partnering with Newport News Shipbuilding to complete Refueling Complex Overhaul on schedule with a trained, resilient and cohesive crew. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adora Okafor)

Friday Favorite: Leg Day and Cardio

Here is one of our classic warmups that includes short jogs, dynamic stretches and calisthenics squats.

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Most Popular Military News

Coast Guard Ensign Morgan Garrett, of Waxhaw, N.C., died when her aircraft went down in a neighborhood in Foley, Alabama, Oct. 23, 2020. (U.S. Coast Guard)

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Mississippi Garment Maker Awarded $10.6 Million Military Uniform Contract

The company produce garments for the Navy and the Army.

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Navy IDs 30-Year-Old Instructor Pilot Killed in Trainer Plane Crash

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T-6B Texan II training aircraft are staged on the tarmac at Millington Regional Jetport.

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Latest Military Videos

Drone Delivers Payload to USS Henry M. Jackson

An unmanned aerial vehicle delivers a payload to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) around...

Remembering the Beirut Barracks Bombing

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Denver MEPS Enlists Its First-Ever Space Force Members

Army News

Virginia Military Institute Superintendent Resigns Amid 'Structural Racism' Probe

Retired Army Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III tendered his resignation, and the Board of Visitors accepted it “with deep regret.”

Army Gen. Gustave Perna and Donald Trump

'Shots in Arms Within 24 Hours:' Army General's Complex Vaccine Delivery Task Takes Shape

Once a COVID-19 vaccine is ready, all eyes will be on a four-star Army officer -- Gen. Gus Perna.

Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham, left, and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

Army Reservist Cal Cunningham Keeps Low in NC Senate Race Marked by his Affair

North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Cal Cunningham is bypassing uncomfortable questions.

Navy News

Navy IDs 30-Year-Old Instructor Pilot Killed in Trainer Plane Crash

The second person killed in a military plane that crashed in Alabama on Friday was a Navy instructor pilot, officials...

Coast Guard Officer Killed in Navy Trainer Crash Identified

A Coast Guard officer has been identified as one of two service members who died Friday in the crash of a T-6B Texan II...

Investigation Continues into NAS Whiting T-6B Texan II Crash that Killed 2 in Alabama

The crash came less than a week after the Navy closed out the fiscal year without a single aviation-related fatality.

Air Force News

Trial Date Set for Luke Airman in Woman's Murder Case in Arizona

Mark Gooch is being held on a $2 million cash-only bond for first-degree murder.

Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 planes.

Senators Want Upgraded C-130s Assigned to Western Firefighting Mission

Lawmakers first made the request in February, before the Air Guard announced its list of candidates for the newer C-130J.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten

Judge Permits Sex Assault Case Against Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman

Air Force Gen. John Hyten has denied the allegations brought by former Army Col. Kathryn Spletstoser.

Marine Corps News

Camp Pendleton, Calif., sign. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Marine Corps Boots Infantryman Investigated for Sharing Alleged White Supremacist Material

Thomas Cade Martin was separated on Sept. 11, 2020.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger delivers remarks.

Marine Commandant to Leaders: Quit The 'Soft Relief' of Fired Officers

Commandant Gen. David Berger reminded everyone that they needed to hold Marines accountable with a paper trail.

Marines Hop Islands, Set Up Long-Range Fires as Force Preps for Clash with China

Marines in Japan got a look at what future missions could look like during a recent island-hopping naval exercise.

Coast Guard News

Coast Guard Officer Killed in Navy Trainer Crash Identified

A Coast Guard officer has been identified as one of two service members who died Friday in the crash of a T-6B Texan II...

U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Munro

Coast Guard to Tackle China 'Illegal' Fishing in Pacific

These Sentinel class vessels will carry out maritime security operations.

U.S. Coast Guard SailDrone and Spatial Integrated Systems

Coast Guard Judging Whether Drones Have Place in Service During Monthlong Hawaii Testing

The pair of drone systems being tested are quite dissimilar.

Stew Smith

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