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. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Edward Underwood executes a shoulder press during the human health and performance initiative on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

What a Great 'Chest Day' Fitness Workout Looks Like

Who doesn't like a good push day for workouts?

Spc. Eduardo Medina-Mendoza, with 48th Ordnance Group, performs a bench press during a tactical athlete assessment at Camp Navajo in Bellemont, Ariz.

How to Deal with Burnout During Your Military Fitness Training

Even with a solid recovery plan, if your workouts are the same routine each week, you may want to mix it up.

5 Metabolic Health Factors that Can Determine Your Future

A 2018 study found that only one in eight Americans are considered metabolically healthy, with more recent studies showing...

A soldier from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conducts a pull-up during the unit’s ‘TOG Week’ on Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

The Best Circuit Workout to Help You Do More Pull-Ups

Of any calisthenics exercise, pull-ups are the most difficult to perform and see improvements without significant time and...

Members of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research participated in a lunchtime Zumba class in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Why Experimenting with Your Fitness Routine Could Be the Key to Success in 2025

As 2025 rolls in, we all get the urge to start the new year on a better footing.

Should You Snack During Your Fitness Workout?

Some workout programs require an above-average time investment. Usually, these will include longer distances of running...

Airmen from the 607th Air Support Operations Group work out together at the fitness center on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

5 Tips to Stick to Your Fitness Commitment in the New Year

Imagine looking back after one year and witnessing the profound changes consistently working toward a simple goal can unleash...

A woman participates in a ‘Boot Camp Cycle’ class at Mitchell Stout Physical Fitness Center at Fort Bliss, Texas.

7 Ways to Maintain Your Fitness Level as You Age

Most people focus on fitness to begin a new habit or seek improvements in health and wellness. This largely requires...

Maj. Bart Brimhall, the deputy product manager for missile field development, executes a weighted deadlift at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

How to Decide the Order of Exercises in Your Fitness Workout

When designing a workout plan that involves three or four sections on the days you exercise, their order matters and depends...

Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force-Levant (CSOJTF-L) service members perform lunges during group physical training.

The Best Leg Exercise to Improve at Running and Rucking

Incorporating lunges into your leg day routine has numerous benefits, setting the stage for increased performance in military...

Lance Cpl. Amber Martinez executes a ‘side stroke’ during the testing portion of the Advanced Swim Qualification Course at Ramer Hall, Quantico, Virginia.

How to Improve Your Combat Side Stroke for Military Fitness Tests

The swimming test in the Navy Physical Screening Test (PST) can require an underwater recovery stroke using the side stroke...

(Airman 1st Class Dillon J. Audit/U.S. Air Force photo)

The Best Way to Become Motivated to Stick to a Fitness Routine

At some point in the beginning, there must be a straightforward evolutionary process from motivation to discipline.

A soldier assigned to the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne) competes in the Strongman Contest in Fort Liberty, N.C.

Core, Grip Strength and Cardio: This Farmer’s Walk Workout Covers It All

The farmer’s walk is the ultimate complementary exercise, working the arm muscles, shoulders, back and legs while focusing on...

Master Sgt. Jamion Speed, 7th Wing Staff Agencies first sergeant, exercises using ‘battle ropes’ during an Alpha Warrior course demonstration at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

How to Build the Mental Toughness Required of Special Operations Selections

Most people, even scientists studying physiology and psychology, are puzzled by the mind-body connection.

(U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Dillon J. Audit)

6 Game-Changing Workout Strategies for Beginners or Anyone Restarting Their Fitness Journey

Many people new to fitness or experiencing prolonged absences wonder how often they should work out as beginners and what...

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