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

Navy members in PT uniforms ride stationary bikes.

Ask Stew: How Often Is Biking in Place of Running an Acceptable Training Option?

How often is it acceptable to use the bike as opposed to running through programs? It feels like a cop-out some days.

Get Stronger for the Hex Bar Deadlift, a Common Fitness Test Lift

Depending on your job, you may be required to lift weights or carry a load in a military fitness test. Learning how to...

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Del Haro, right, a drill instructor with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, instructs Recruit Madrid Adam during a circuit course training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 3, 2025. The circuit course consists of various exercises such as pull-ups, crunches, push-ups, different styles of lifting, and more to help recruits build physical endurance and mental toughness. (Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock/Marine Corps)

Ask Stew: When Should I Breathe During Exercises?

A reader asks whether Stew recommends exhaling while performing eccentric movements or concentric movements.

Two military officers in a breathing exercise.

If You Think Nasal Breathing Is Helpful, Try Left/Right Nostril Breathing

During physical activity, working in high stress situations, and sleeping, being a nose breather can improve mood, physical...

A coach shows two athletes how to stretch their legs.

A Leg Workout for Days When You’re Sore and Need to Work It Out

This is designed to warm up the legs with light, full-range-of-motion movements combined with cardio, stretching and/or foam...

Ask Stew: The Secret to Sticking with a Fitness Goal Isn’t About Motivation

When you take a small step toward your goal, your brain releases dopamine, giving you a little boost and making it easier to...

Fitness on the Cheap: Smart Ways to Keep Moving and Save Money

Maintaining your health can seem expensive, but fitness doesn’t have to break the bank or eat up all your free time.

Get Faster with These Built-for-Speed Workouts

Many fitness tests include speed and agility in addition to endurance runs. You need a good workout to take to the track to...

A swimming pool from the perspective of standing close to the edge.

Ask Stew: How to Train for Air Force Special Warfare with Limited Pool Time

Here's what I would do with two days a week of swimming to get ready for the challenges of the Air Force pararescue (PJ)...

A service member wearing race number walks with a backpack.

8 Ways Military PT Has Shaped the Wider World of Fitness

Military fitness training has infiltrated our country’s fitness world for decades.

Do This to Get Your First Pull-Up or Improve to Double Digits

Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, have added pull-ups to the special agent candidate fitness test. Here is a...

Ask Stew: Athletes Are Taking Baking Soda to Boost Performance, but Is It Safe?

Each year, many health, fitness and wellness trends arrive on social media platforms, discussed by coaches, medical...

Reduce Dementia Risk by Having Fun with These Ways to Move

Just as much as the physical benefits, another reason we should keep exercising as we age is to protect our brains. Yes...

(U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Daniella Peña-Pavao)

Beginner Strength Training Workouts

Strength training throughout your 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond is completely possible and should be continued in any version you...

Dumbbells are lined up on a weight rack.

Strength Training In Your Late 50s and Early 60s

Incorporating strength training into your week has remarkable benefits. So, the question is not whether you should...

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Most Popular Military News

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Marine Corps News

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