Stew Smith, CSCS®

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 at stew@stewsmith.com.

Latest Articles

U.S. Navy SEAL candidates from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) class 286 participate in a training exercise at Naval Base Coronado in Coronado, Calif.

Navy SEAL Timeline: From Acceptance to Training

Since its inception in 2014, SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection (SOAS) has served as an important step in screening...

An Indiana Guardsman completes the plank portion of the Army combat fitness test at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, during the Best Warrior Competition.

The Exercises You Should Be Doing for a Strong Core

When most people think of core exercises, they think crunches and sit-ups – possibly because the tactical professions have...

Staff Sgt. Christian Gabelmann performs a 150-pound farmer’s walk carry as part of the maximum strength test during the 4th Infantry Division Best Ranger Competition at Fort Carson, Colo.

Should You Do Farmer’s Walks with Weight in One or Both Hands?

Farmer’s walks improve your overall strength and grip strength, as well as your balance and core muscles.

A variety of healthy ingredients were used to prepare the meals for the Healthy Barbecue Cooking Class held outside the Bayview Restaurant aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

What You Should Know About Carb Loading for Military Fitness Tests and Training

A highly active person requires carbohydrates, proteins and fats to provide energy for and support recovery from physically...

A retail services specialist 3rd class, assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) supply department, conducts a command fitness class in the hangar bay.

Fitness at Sea: Workouts You Can Do on a Ship and Ace the Navy Fitness Test

Staying fit in tight spaces with little to no equipment is always a challenge, whether you are in a hotel room or living and...

Staff Sgt. Jason Preston, an infantry soldier with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, starts his morning with 100 triceps dips on an improvised bar at his unit's tactical operations center in Jordan on Aug. 31, 2019.

This Calisthenics and Cardio Workout Will Prepare You for Any Military Fitness Test

Calisthenics and cardio exercises can be arranged in several ways to improve running times and overall fitness test scores...

Traveling? This Hotel Room Workout Will Keep You Active

If you need a rest, take it. But, if you need to be at the top of your game, be well-rested and well-tested.

(Cpl. Kenneth Trotter Jr./U.S. Marine Corps photo)

The Best Nutrition Tips Right Before a Military Fitness Test

When you're preparing for a fitness test, what you eat the night before can play a big role in your performance the next...

A Coast Guard recruit from Company Oscar 188 does plank exercises during incentive training at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J.

How to Prepare for the Coast Guard’s Mandatory Physical Fitness Tests

The service announced this week that all military personnel will be required to undergo mandatory physical fitness tests, or...

An airman lateral pulldowns during a back and biceps workout at the fitness center on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

Why Grip Strength and Leg Strength Are Key Indicators for Longevity

Strong hands and legs make you an asset in many tactical and life-or-death situations. Moreover, the ability to maintain...

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron recovers a simulated patient during a joint training with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (VMM-161) in Djibouti, Aug. 4, 2025. As part of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, the 82nd ERQS serves as the task force responsible for conducting personnel recovery operations in East Africa.

The Best Fitness Strategy to Prepare to Serve in Military Special Operations

Being selected for military special operations programs requires a layered approach to fitness.

What to Know About Creatine and Why the Military Regulates it for Special Forces

Creatine's reputation is built on decades of scientific research and practical results, making it a common addition to sports...

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Mauricio Varonmoncayo and fellow classmates use fins to race during a Scout Swimmers Course at the Camp Hansen Aquatics Center, Okinawa, Japan.

The Essential Swim Workout for Military Special Operations Candidates

Building a requisite level of swimming conditioning and water confidence takes time, patience and consistent time in the...

Combat rescue officer candidates perform flutter-kicks.

Air Force Combat Rescue Officer (CRO)

The United States Air Force combat rescue officer (CRO) is an officer career field added because of the importance of joint...

Runners take off at the start of the Yokohama North Dock Running Festival, held Nov. 4 on the installation at U.S. Army Garrison-Japan. The event, which returned to the installation for the first time in four years, drew nearly 1,000 competitors for its 5K, 10K and half-marathon races.

How to Improve Your Cardio Fitness Safely

While running is an effective form of cardio, it is not always the best option for heavier athletes, especially those with...

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Most Popular Military News

Handcuffs rest on a table inside the security forces building during a training exercise

Tennessee Man Shot Dead After Flipping Middle Finger at War Memorial

Albert Sturgill Jr., 63, was confronted by a group while gesturing at the flag and monuments at Cumberland County Veterans...

U.S. soldiers with the West Virginia National Guard conduct a routine patrol at the Stadium-Armory Metro Station in Washington, D.C.

Chicago Braces for Potential National Guard Deployment Amid Trump Threats

Illinois politicians are sounding an alarm and bracing for possible National Guard deployments to Chicago amid President...

After Sept. 11, 2001, this is what the NEADS operation floor looked like. Above the Q-93 (the large green radar scope) is the NORAD contingency suite that was installed immediately after 9/11 to provide radar data of the entire country. Photo courtesy of Master Sgt. Stacia Rountree, Eastern Air Defense Sector

9/11 Air Defense Stories You Might Not Know

As hijacked planes turned into weapons on September 11, 2001, inside a quiet Air National Guard facility in upstate New York...

California National Guard stand guard as protesters gather during the No Kings protests in Los Angeles.

Is Trump's Troop Buildup in US Cities a Declaration of War — or Something Else?

As President Donald Trump goads Democratic-led cities, Americans are grappling with a fundamental question of American...

Rep. Ronny Jackson during the 2024 Republican National Convention

Navy Demotion Reversed for GOP Congressman Who Government Watchdog Found Abused Subordinates

Jackson was quietly demoted to captain in 2022, three years after his retirement from the Navy, following an inspector...

Soldier Dies on Fort Leonard Wood Rifle Range

The Army identified the 18-year-old on Monday but has not provided details into the circumstances of his death.

Latest Military Videos

Wide Push-Ups

Military.com fitness writer Stew Smith demonstrates the proper form for a wide push-up. (Sept. 17) Military.com

V Ups

Military.com fitness writer Stew Smith demonstrates the proper form for a V up. (Sept. 17) Military.com

Pulldown

Military.com fitness writer Stew Smith demonstrates the proper form for a pulldown. (Sept. 17) Military.com

Wood Chopper Squats

Military.com fitness writer Stew Smith demonstrates the proper form for a wood chopper squat. (Sept. 17) Military.com

Investigations and Features

In One of the Marines' Most Iconic Jobs, a Stunning Pattern of Suicide

Marine Corps drill instructors are a national symbol of discipline. But for some, their imposing persona belies a dark...

Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight

A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize...

Army News

U.S. Army Officer Speaking Before a Panel

When "Unsubstantiated" Starts to Mean "False": The Army's New Complaint Policy

In July 2025 the U.S. Army announced changes to its investigative procedures that sounds simple on the surface. According to...

The MK-22 precision sniper rifle sights view a target on the range at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

8 Legendary US Military Snipers

The most notable snipers in U.S. military history aren’t just legends – they include real soldiers, sailors and Marines who...

Navy News

8 Legendary US Military Snipers

The most notable snipers in U.S. military history aren’t just legends – they include real soldiers, sailors and Marines who...

Navy SEAL Timeline: From Acceptance to Training

Since its inception in 2014, SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection (SOAS) has served as an important step in screening...

Air Force News

Senate Democrat Tries to Formally Condemn Funeral Honors for Ashli Babbitt

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., went to the Senate floor to request what’s known as “unanimous consent” to pass a resolution...

Pilots of military training planes prepare for future competition

Air Race Championship Takes Flight in New Mexico's Roswell

The National Championship Air Races are kicking off in New Mexico for the first time in the competition's 60-year history.

Space Force News

Col. Edward Segura, director of manpower, personnel and services, Air Force Reserve Command, speaks

Space Force Opens Applications for Air Force Reservists to Sign Up for Part-Time Service

Applications have opened for certain Air Force reservists to join the Space Force under its new one-of-a-kind, part-time...

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle discusses the decision to relocate U.S. Space Command headquarters to Redstone Arsenal

US Space Command Can Be Running in Huntsville Before Trump Leaves Office, Official Says

U.S. Space Command headquarters can be fully operational before President Donald Trump leaves office, a Redstone Arsenal...

Marine Corps News

8 Legendary US Military Snipers

The most notable snipers in U.S. military history aren’t just legends – they include real soldiers, sailors and Marines who...

Marines want to close the airspace over this public, recreational off-road land for 60 days out of the year on September 11, 2025 in Johnson Valley, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Pentagon Plan Pits US Marines Against California Off-Roaders and Civilian Pilots

The U.S. Marine Corps tried once to occupy this remote stretch of California desert beloved by off-roaders — but officials...

Coast Guard News

A fueling crew from Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) fuels an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point on the flight deck of the Midgett off Oahu.

Coast Guard Awards $69M Contract for New Hangars

The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a nearly $69 million contract to design and build new hangars and “associated facilities” at...

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivers keynote remarks at the 36th annual international Military Law and Operations strategic engagement to leaders from more than 30 nations during a 4-day discussion in Honolulu.

Military Conference in Hawaii Tackles International Law

At U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s annual International Military Law and Operations Conference, the military’s top officer in the...

Stew Smith, CSCS®

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