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. 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...

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...

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Most Popular Military News

Dr. Troy E. Meink appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee

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