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

U.S. Representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district, Elaine Luria

VA Plans to Outsource All Compensation and Pension Exams

In a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., said the plan was developed with no notice to Congress.

USAA Bank Fined $85 Million by Federal Regulators for 'Violations of Law'

USAA Federal Savings Bank is part of USAA, which has about 13 million military and veteran-affiliated members.

The Army Is Looking into the Soldier who Vibed with Cranberry Juice and Fleetwood Mac During an Airborne Jump

The Army has said they are looking into the soldier’s actions for potential safety violations.

Leg tucks during a pilot for the Army Combat Readiness Test.

'Soldiers' Careers Depend on It': Senators Want to Halt Army Combat Fitness Test Rollout

Two senators say the new Army Combat Fitness Test sets unrealistic standards for some soldiers.

AH-1W Super Cobra Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base

After More than 3 Decades, the Corps' AH-1W Super Cobra Makes its Final Flight

The Marine Corps has officially retired the AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter.

Latest Military Videos

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Remembering the Beirut Barracks Bombing

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Denver MEPS Enlists Its First-Ever Space Force Members

Army News

President Donald Trump awards the Medal of Honor to former Army Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Shurer II for actions in Afghanistan.

Ronald Shurer, Medal of Honor Recipient Who Died of Cancer at 41, to Be Laid to Rest at Arlington

Shurer died in May at the age of 41 after a years-long lung cancer battle.

JBLM Soldier Killed in Non-Training Related Incident

Spc. Skyler Oliver served with 1-2 Stryker Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, according to I Corps public affairs officials.

Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division reunited with their families.

Have Army Emergency Relief Debt? It Could Soon Be Canceled

More than 1,000 soldiers and families who received loans this year from Army Emergency Relief are about to get a windfall.

Navy News

A T6-B Texan II taxis at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida, in 2010.

Navy T-6B Crashes in Alabama Neighborhood, Killing 2 Aircrew

The aircraft reportedly hit a house and two cars, but officials say no civilians were hurt.

An explosive ordnance disposal technician is hoisted from a Mark VI patrol boat.

Navy EOD Operators Are Heading Back to Sea After Clearing Bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan

The U.S. Navy's explosive ordnance disposal community is shifting its focus back to the sea.

Navy Capt. Brett Crozier's nameplate temporarily removed.

Navy Restores Fired CO's Nameplate to Roosevelt Plaque

Capt. Brett Crozier's nameplate was reportedly taken as a souvenir, not removed by the Navy.

Air Force News

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.

F-22 intercepts two Russian Tu-95 bombers.

US and Russia Scramble Jets in Another Exchange of Aerial Intercepts

NORAD said it also identified a Russian A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft supporting the intercepted aircraft.

Marine Corps News

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jesus Hernandez-Aylala firefighting operations

Camp Pendleton Marines Return from a Month of Fighting California's Largest Fires

This is only the second time in 20 years Marines from Camp Pendleton have been tapped to fight wildland fires.

Coast Guard News

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.

Coast Guard Academy football team prepares for a game in New London.

Six Coast Guard Football Players Test Positive for COVID-19

Six Coast Guard Academy football players are in isolation on campus after testing positive for COVID-19.

People being rescued by a Carnival Cruise ship off the Florida coast.

Cruise Ship Rescues 24 People from Boat off Florida Coast

The passengers were transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard after the rescue.