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. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) prepare to start a push-up competition aboard the USS America in the Pacific Ocean.

How This Split Routine Push Workout Will Target Your Upper Body

If you are into split routines that break down the body into pushing muscles, pulling muscles, leg muscles and the core, you...

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kivynn Pabst explains a physical therapy exercise to a patient in the medical clinic at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

This 5-Phase Recovery Plan Will Help You Return to Full Strength After an Injury

When someone requires downtime or surgery after an injury, the recovery process typically involves a three-phased approach...

How Focusing on Just One Type of Exercise Could Sabotage Your Health as You Age

There is nothing wrong with having a primary focus that you love to do out of the list above, but during offseasons each year...

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Watson II, aviation logistics information management system specialist, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a barbell bench press during MALS-31’s field meet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.

How This Fitness Workout Format Can Help Build Strength

This workout, known as the Reverse Pyramid, is a proven method to increase your strength and stamina. It starts with lighter...

Service members use the rowing machines during a tactical fitness class on Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

The Best Ways to Prioritize Recovery in Tactical Fitness Training as You Age

The natural recovery ability starts to slow down at some point in your 30s, but that does not mean you can't be a top-notch...

(U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bill M. Sanders)

How a 'Zone 2' Day Can Help Workout Recovery and Preparation for Intense Training

We all need a "Zone 2" day -- a low-impact, low-intensity workout -- once in a while.

Seabees ride stationary bikes for cardio exercise in the gym at Camp Natasha, Afghanistan.

The Best Bike Workouts to Maintain Your Cardio Fitness When You Cannot Run

Running-related injuries don't have to prevent you from maintaining your cardio training, even when you cannot run for a few...

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa members take part in a swim test to qualify for the French Desert Commando Course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

The Surprising Reason Some Service Members Struggle with Swimming

Many runners who can run five-minute miles are amazed that their cardio conditioning when swimming is so horrible.

(U.S. Marine Corps/Cpl. Elijah J. Abernathy)

The Basics of Seasonal Training for the Tactical Athlete

Many fitness elements such as strength, power, speed and agility are frequently paired together in training systems because...

Marine officer candidates complete their initial Physical Fitness Test (PFT) at Brown Field aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

What Are Military Fitness Tests Like? This Workout Provides a Preview

In most U.S. military fitness tests, mixing calisthenics with running and/or swimming is a common practice to improve muscle...

A U.S. airman, training with the 68th Rescue Squadron, performs squats with kettlebells at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

What to Do if Your Fitness Workouts Leave You Feeling Lethargic

While you might not feel at your peak during workouts, you might also notice that your performance isn't as low as you...

(U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anthony W. Walker)

High-Performance Teams are Tested in Military Training. Here's How to Pass Those Tests.

From the start of your military experience, you are building your ability to become a team player and work together to...

U.S. Marine Corps recruits conduct the plank portion of their initial strength test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Marine Corps Boot Camp: How to Physically Train for Entrance into the Military

The longer running distance and pull-ups alone are the events most people have trouble with when assessing themselves at the...

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Lili Diaz conducts squats during a Murph Workout-style physical training exercise on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

How This Enhanced ‘Murph’ Workout Will Benefit You During Log PT

The Murph Workout -- a Memorial Day tradition that honors fallen Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy -- is popular throughout the...

Senior Airman Kyle Honeycutt performs one-arm dumbbell rows at Creech Air Force Base, Nev.

The Best Fitness Exercises to Target Your Entire Upper Body

This workout combination will feature useful combinations of upper-body pushing and pulling exercises for an effective...

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