Customer Reviews

The Special Ops Workout: The Elite Exercise Program Inspired by the United States Special Operations Command

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Before I get accused of plagarism, I have to state that I DID NOT write the book - I wrote the workout portion and added some helpful hints on mental toughness, swimming and wrote the foreword, but I did not write the meat of the book. Nor did I write the tips on rucking - the US Army did...they know rucking better than any of us.

I gave the book five stars because it is good. Mike Mejia is a great fitness writer who added a creative and effective 12 week program to get ready for the advanced 6 weeks workouts I wrote on Army, Navy and Air Force Special Ops training.

The workouts are tested over 2-3 years of clients who successfully completed all of the above training. The workouts work and the info on SOCOM is a plus...

I have to say that this book is better than I expected. Stew Smith gives some good information about what special ops are and the qualities one needs to become a member of this elite cadre. I am not in the military, but I found this section to be edifying and it gave me more appreciation for those who serve.

The six-week programs are great. They are uncomplicated and use little equipment, but very effective - a solid cardio base with butt kicking strength building. In short, this creates functional strength. You won't just look strong, you will be strong. This will make warriors of men. All exercises and stretches are clearly explaned with pictures. The only criticism of these programs is that I can't swim, so I needed to substitute other exercises, because I didn't feel like drowning. In addition to the workout programs, there is also an informative section regarding nutrition.

The one let down of this book was the 12 week introduction workout program, at least the first 4 weeks of it are unnecissary. If anyone needs this kind of introductary program, then this book is probably not suited for them. The bulk of this book is suited for serious athletes and those looking into special ops. I suppose this 12 week program makes it more appealing to the masses, but I don't believe this book to be one for the masses.


Other books - Inside Delta Force by Eric Haney, Infinite Intensity by Ross Enamait

This workout book contains good information with challenging workouts. As someone who is preparing for the Army, I can say that this is most complete workout book for preparation on the market. None of the competitors come close to the full spectrum workouts this book has. You have access to programs with weight training, cals, nutrition, swimming, running, and rucking. You can mix and match certain workouts or just do what is prescribed. I do wish that there was a little more rucking insight other than just generic information. But other than that it is a high quality purchase.

Mike Mejia and Stew Smith put together a comprehensive book detailing what it takes to be apart of the Special Forces community. Together, their knowledge, know-how, and grit lay the foundation for what it takes, physically and mentally, to screen for the Navy Seals, Army Special Forces and Air Force Special Forces. The exercises and workouts contained there within give the reader a glimpse of what tools and abilities are needed to suceed and become a part of our Special Forces.

I for one have used this book and another of Stew Smiths book while serving in OIF. All the workouts allow me to stay in shape, keep the edge and ward off any boredom that creeps up inbetween missions and operations.

This book is a must have, read, and heed for any individual wishing to become a part of America's Special Forces. The information about the communities themselves along with the nutritional advice are worth their weight in gold. If being a warrior is what you want then take advice from the warrior ellite themselves. Their workouts are challenging and keep you on your toes. The book is well written, simple to understand, and a good bedrock to start from. Semper Fi.

This book contains a wealth of information that any hopeful for SOCOM would be a fool to miss out on. The men that wrote this book know what they are talking about. Stew Smith has not only completed BUD/S himself, he has helped countless others do the same thing. If you really want to be an "operator" then buy the book, and DO WHAT IT SAYS. It can't do the work for you, but it will show you what you need to do.

This book was just as good of a workout as the other books in the series. I did not get it for the advice, or even for the verbatim workouts. The workouts make a nice base for creating your own. But, the workouts are great just as they are. The four different six week workouts are nice for the variety.

This is a great book if you are young, in shape, and looking to join the military. If you are not in great shape then adhering to the workouts in this book will be difficult. The typical workout in this book could also take hours which is realistic if you are a SEAL since you will be allotted long periods of time for excercise. However if you are an average Joe and don't have 2-3 hours to do a force march followed by a one hour workout this probably isn't the book for you.

Stew smith is a stud. period. i am an 18 year old aspiring air force PJ and i was looking for any edge i could get my hands on to help me succeed in joining special forces. i just started this workout and it kicks serious butt! i have played football hardcore my whole life and boxed on the side, so i consider myself (humbly) as a fairly tough individual. however, there is always room for improvement, so i looked for some help on specific training and advice on mental toughness. this book will help, motivate, and encourage you to be the best you can be at anything. i am so happy i finally found something legitimate that would help me reach my goals. i especially enjoyed the personal advice and recommendations Stew provides. a great book!!!

Special Ops workout is an authentic military workout system. Stew Smith has been training guys interested in special forces military careers for years and his advice is right on.

As to the previous review (which is completely unfounded): I have the other books in the series and the workout programs presented are new and unique for the branches of special forces training.

The functional strength training program included with the book rivals those of Pavel's kettlebells for challenge and variety.

For the price, you are getting a powerful resource that you can use as your training bible for months. Worth every penny!

I bought this book for my husband, who was growing bored with his regular Army PT and wanted to try something new. I ended up borrowing it from him, and my physical conditioning has improved greatly since then. The drills are clearly explained and very challenging. I'm looking forward to trying more of Stew Smith's programs in the future.