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. soldiers, assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, run toward the finish line during Dragoon Week at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: How to Treat This Common Overuse Training Injury

Progressively adding miles of running and rucking each week is tough, but the extra swimming with fins can push your ITB to...

Senior airman does pull-ups during workout in Southeast Asia.

How Deadlifts and Rows Can Help Boost Your Pull-Up Numbers

If you’re preparing to enter military service, there’s a simple way to help up your pull-up game.

From 'One Day' to 'Day One': How to Start Your Fitness Journey in Earnest

Stop dreaming of “one day” adopting an exercise regimen and dive into “day 1” of your fitness journey with these simple steps...

U.S. Air Force Maj. Meredith Studer, 36th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physical therapist, competes in a plank competition with a student during the Tiyan High School Health Fair in Barrigada, Guam

How This Cardio and Core Fitness Workout Could Boost Your Overall Health

Depending on your fitness level, you can use this to get started or give yourself an easy day.

A Marine participates in a weightlifting competition at the Daniels Family Fitness Center aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia.

How Your Body Type Impacts How You Train for Military Service

Understanding your body type and addressing your athletic history is a logical step in tailoring your fitness and nutrition...

A Marine student heads into the ocean at Onslow Beach on Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marine Corps/Staff Sgt. Mark Fayloga)

4 Practical Tips for Swimming Straight in Open Water

To perform well in training for SEALs, Navy EOD, Dive Schools, SWCC, Marine Recon, Air Force PJ, Rescue Swimmer and other...

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...

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Most Popular Military News

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Latest Military Videos

Sit-Up

Military.com fitness writer Stew Smith demonstrates the proper form for sit-ups. (Sept. 12) Military.com

Swimmers

Military.com fitness writer Stew Smith demonstrates the proper form for swimmers. (Sept. 12) Military.com

Cox Says He Believes Suspect Acted Alone, Calls Social Media a 'Cancer on Our Society Right Now'

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said investigators believe the 22-year-old suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk acted...

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Investigations and Features

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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

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

It was May 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam, and 19-year-old infantryman John Smith stepped to the edge of a hill to...

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

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

A U.S. Army veteran's immigration case remains uncertain after he was recently denied bond by a judge, family members say.

Navy News

False Threat Led to Naval Academy Lockdown and Then a Mistaken Shooting

A military official says a post on an anonymous chat platform triggered a lockdown at the U.S. Naval Academy this week.

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

1 Injured in Naval Academy Shooting; No Active Shooter

The U.S. Naval Academy was on lockdown Thursday evening after a person was injured in a shooting and after the military...

Air Force News

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Space Force News

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

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

Marine Corps News

The sign at the entrance at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Camp Pendleton Officer, Wife Sue Military Housing Company over Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old Son

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Coast Guard News

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...

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

The Trump administration has indicated more military strikes on drug targets could be coming, saying it is seeking to “wage...