Excercise Programs

[AJDude]

Hey guys, I was hoping for an SWCC or SEAL operator to inform me if they ever reviewed or even perhaps tried one of the Stew Smith workout programs. Im headed into the Navy in June of next year with hopes to tryout for SWCC but since I figured both SWCC's and SEAL's could use the programs (supposedly), I figured I would ask either one for their opinions. You see I really want to get things right before I go to basic. I need a solid way to get in better shape than I have ever been. I was just wondering about your thoughts on the Stew Smith programs and others that you might suggest to this wannabe. Any help is appreciated.

[Kinnikinik]

The Stew Smith Programs seem to work well for alot of people. I have quite a few people who have used them to get in shape. If you don't have any other program to use, go ahead and get it. The key is to stick to the program! I'm sure there are hundreds of people out there (go Stew Smith!) who have that book sitting on a shelf collecting dust. Don't be that guy.

In addition to the book, I would get a friend, or someone who can act as a coach for you, to get you through the times when you really don't want to do the workout... which happens to everyone at some time or another. Its always good to have someone to kick you in the *** when you feel like getting lazy.

Mkae sure whatever you do is heavy on swimming. That is the number one thing that people fail for. If you are not comfortable in the water... get there!

I hope that helps you out.

[AJDude]

Thanks again K. Since its only around twenty bucks I guess why not. Might as well invest now since I'll have about 6 months to prepare. As far as sticking to this kind of program, I wont be "that guy". All my friends think I am crazy for wanting to do this but there all into working out so I think I can drag someone along. As far as swimming is concerned, for what its worth, I live in south Florida FIVE minutes from the beach running distance(I know its not as cold as Coranado but it can get down there this time of year) . Plus I have access to two different public swimming pools not counting the one in LA Fitness right down my street! So I basically have 0 excuses about not swimming.

This brings me to another question I have about SWCC. Although I can hostly say that I have acces to swimming area's and plenty of running room, I have no place to lift weights. Before I even step foot in a gym I would like to hear your opinion on the importance of weights (Im sorry, Im sure you have answered this one) in my preparation.

[Kinnikinik]

No problem. My opinion of weights for SWCC is, you don't need them. SWCC is an endurance test and the big, strong, huge guys do not fare well. You are MUCH better off getting your push ups, pull ups, dips, and sit ups up, than going in the gym and lifting heavy. You are looking for a Triathlete's body, with just a little more muscle.

If you consistantly do push ups and sit ups and the rest, I promise you, you will gain muscle mass, and you will get bigger which is always good, but you will not gain excess mass that your body can not handle.

Finally, if you do decide to do some weight lifting, which may help if you are poor on pull ups, put your weight so that you can do 15-20 reps. You are working on endurance, remember that.

If you would, please put a workout schedule down on paper for me, then post it here. I can help you by telling you what to change, add, drop, whatever. I can also give you tips on how to mix up your workouts to keep yourself interested.

Also, tell us how many push ups, sit ups, and pull ups you can do. Be brutally honest. If you are lacking in an area, this is the time to tell us so we can help you focus to get to where you don't have any weak spots anymore.

Good luck and full sails. Keep us posted.

K

[AJDude]

Thanks again for the advice K. Right now Im pretty much focusing on the PSTthat I must pass at basic, and when I reach that goal, I will push forward so that I can do all the phase 2 stuff in the workout section that this website provides.
Here is what I can do now.
Push ups: 62 (2 min) -------> embarrasing
Situps: 70 (2 min)
Pullups: 12 (palms facing me)
Dips: 25 (I actually enjoy doing these so I hope we have them)

Swim Time: 500 yards : 10:20
Run: 2 miles : 16:00 minutes

I have been at it sparatically for about a month and a half now, but I have till June of next year berfore Boot. I hope I have enough time. Just tell me what I gotta do K and it will get done.