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

A U.S. Air Force airman assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing takes a water bottle while running a Memorial Day 5K at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

How to Adapt Your Hydration and Nutrition When Working Out in Extreme Heat

Hydration, adding electrolytes and good nutritional choices are critical to success regardless of the intense activity, but...

Providers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade conduct Tactical PT with Brig. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier (AA8) on February 16, 2023. (U.S. Army/Spc. Vincent Levelev)

4 Ways Everyday Americans Can (and Should) Harness the Components of Tactical Fitness

In an ever-expanding fitness landscape, "tactical fitness" provides an approach tailored to military, law enforcement and...

Chief logistics specialist Larry McIntosh, assigned to the supply department aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), prepares to execute an overhead press during a functional fitness class.

How to Adapt an Outdoor Fitness Workout to the Gym

Sometimes, the best plans get uprooted through no fault of your own.

Capt. Joel Lang, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), exercises on a rowing machine.

4 Ways to Rearrange Fitness Workouts for Your Unique Situation

Imagine transforming a generic workout plan into a routine perfectly adjusted to your current fitness levels, available...

The Weekend Warrior: 5 Classic Weekend Workouts to Maintain Your Fitness Strategy

Finding time for fitness during the busiest days of the week can seem like an insurmountable challenge, especially with long...

A recruit with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conducts swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

How to Boost Your Leg Workout with a Ruck or Swim

The leg workout of the week starts with a warm-up mixed with jogging, calisthenics and dynamic stretches.

A soldier in training with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade conducts a 12-mile ruck march on Fort Moore, Georgia.

Everything You Should Know to Become Better at Rucking

Rucking, also known as backpacking, is becoming more popular every year, with more and more exercise enthusiasts outside of...

The 10-Minute Rule for Fitness Success

Commit to at least 10 minutes of exercise to gauge your motivation; nothing difficult, just the warm-up section of your...

A sailor swims for the physical screening test held by Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command at Naval Air Station Sigonella.

The One Thing You Should Do Before Taking a Military Fitness Test

One of the best ways to prepare for a military fitness test is to take it a few times before the actual test.

A recruit from Papa Company 189 treads water for 5 minutes during her swim assessment at Training Center Cape May, N.J., April 3, 2014.

How Learning to Tread Water Better Will Make You a More Confident Swimmer

Preparing for any diving or rescue swimmer program will require significant pool time, focusing on various water confidence...

(U.S. Air National Guard/Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

How to Estimate Your Food Intake and Caloric Needs for Military Training

Basal metabolic rate is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest.

A Marine does push-ups during Headquarters and Support Battalion's monthly physical training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

How to Use Pyramid-Style Workouts to Improve Your Fitness Level

If you have or have not tried the PT Pyramid, summer is a perfect time to learn this classic workout and take it to new...

Community members at Fort Drum, New York, compete in a pickleball tournament inside the Magrath Sports Complex gymnasium.

How Staying Active Can Lessen the Effects of Aging on Your Body

We all have the power to manage the slope of our decline, which starts with our choices today, mainly by staying determined...

Sgt. Christopher Martinez, motor transport operator, Transportation Support Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, exercises on an elliptical machine aboard the USS Rushmore.

How Shorter Periods of Exercise During the Day Can Improve Your Health

Finding time to train is often the most challenging part of the fitness puzzle, but it's one worth solving. Regular physical...

A U.S. Army soldier with the 25th Infantry Division finishes a 12-mile ruck for the Expert Infantryman, Soldier, and Field Medical Badge (E3B) evaluation on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

4 Tips to Help You Become Physically Fit for Military Service

Anyone can become fit to serve. It's just about consistency with daily training and incorporating various fitness elements...

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Vietnam War veteran John L. Smith is shown at Essex County College.

Black Vietnam Veteran’s Story Reveals War’s Harsh Realities 50 Years Later

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Tacoma, Wash

Disabled US Army Veteran in ‘Limbo’ at Tacoma ICE Detention Center

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An entrance to the U.S. Naval Academy campus in Annapolis, Maryland.

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U.S. Navy meritorious promotion ceremony

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The sign at the entrance at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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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

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A Military Approach to Drug Busts Upends US Efforts and Raises Legal Questions

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