The Complete Guide to Navy Seal Fitness [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Stewart Smith LT USN (Author), Stuart Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
The "Hypoxic Swim Training" exercises aren't supposed to be done alone--in case you pass out. That should give you a wee taste of how hardcore this fitness program is. But then again, the SEALs' bodies are also quite hard, and author Stewart Smith is no exception--his calves, thighs, and biceps are roughly the same gigantic girth. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the man in charge of training the Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL candidates, he presents here an ultraintensive 12-week program that's designed to help you pass the Navy SEAL fitness test. That's no small feat: SEALs are required to be able to swim 6 miles, run 15 miles, and do 150 pull-ups, 400 push-ups, and 400 sit-ups.

The book is packed with supremely clear step-by-step photographs with accompanying explanations that won't leave you guessing whether you're doing anything wrong. That's a good thing, too, because it would be easy to get confused with the seven types of sit-ups in the abdominal section. The workout's designed to be done without requiring a gym membership, although you will need a chin-up bar and swimming pool to complete the entire workout. There are plenty of stretches and tips on technique to prevent injury, along with an adjustable beginner's four-week program for those who aren't in good enough condition to attempt the main program. So whether you want to become a Navy SEAL--or just look like one--you'll be in good hands with this book. As the Navy Frogmen would say, HOOYAH! (Bullhorn not included.) --Erica Jorgensen

Product Description
Whether you want to be a Navy SEAL or just look like one...here's your chance! SEALs are ordinary people who do extraordinary jobs. It takes an optimal level of fitness to swim 6 miles, run 15 miles and perform over 150 pull-ups, 400 pushups and 400 situps in one day--but more importantly it takes motivation and determination to stick with it to the end. If you follow and finish this workout, you will find yourself in the best physical shape of your life! The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness is an advanced-level exercise program that teaches running, swimming, rope climbing, stretching and exercise techniques all in one book. With this program, you will be ready for any military training or physical challenge in the world. Come train with the world's fittest and strongest individuals: the US Navy SEALs!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Hatherleigh Press; illustrated edition edition (May 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578260140
• ISBN-13: 978-1578260140
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #381,178 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint-hearted!, July 23, 1998

By A Customer

This is definitely high-intensity -- if you're willing to start a 12-week workout that has you doing 660 abdominal exercises on the first day of the second week, this is the book for you.

A couple of caveats:

1. You should be in shape already. The reviewer who said the "beginner's" workout is too hard for most people was absolutely right.

2. You should already be a strong swimmer to be able to accomplish the amount of swimming prescribed.

3. You'd better have plenty of time available to work out. Workouts like:

Run 3 miles. Swim 100m freestyle sprint, then do 25 pushups, 25 ab exercises (repeat swimming/calisthenics 10 times!). Run 3 more miles.

are not exactly the fodder of the "Easy Lunchtime Workout" articles in most fitness magazines!

4. There are a couple of omissions, like how long you should rest between sets. And you'll be doing a *lot* of sets. Fortunately the publisher has a website with a discussion area where Lt. Smith ans! wers questions like this regularly.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good guide to physical fitness without weights, August 30, 1999

By A Customer

I have owned this book for a couple of months. As a former Marine, I've always enjoyed the PT military style. This book will give you the fitness to accomplish every physical challenge you can think of without involving weights. As a busy salesperson, I don't have the time or place to lift weights consistently but I can do pushups and pullups and run and often swim just about anywhere on my travels. The only caveat I suggest is that for most of us, we need to divide the PT sessions into 2 or more a day if we want to finish it. Also, the jumps in routines actually require longer than he suggests. For instance, he says to run 3 miles one week then 4 miles the next week. More realistically, we should run 3miles, then 3.25, then 3.5, then 3.75 and then 4. THe same with swimming. But this program will get you into shape if you take it more slowly than recommended. So instead of 12 weeks, make it 24 weeks. You'll still be in great shape but not be so pressed for time.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For someone with a long view of fitness., April 30, 2001

By	Christopher Wanko "-C" (Nutley, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Comment about previous reviews: there are ample warnings in the book about resting between sets (Lt. Smith does make recommendations but also tells readers to take as much time as they need); Lt. Smith gives the reader *choices* and *alternatives* frequently; the only point without compromise is showing up and giving a full effort. I think that's the strongest part of the book.

The other reviews that augment the warnings in the book are dead-on. These workouts are serious challenges to anyone, triathletes and boxers included. Having said that, it's possibly the best workout you can do without weights.

If you can't pass the initial test and the 4 week beginner program is still too hard, halve it (make it 8 weeks, do half the work the first 4 weeks and take a week of active 'rest').

Overall, Lt. Smith sets a high standard for fitness with these workouts, but after reading other reviews, I bought it and will tell you myself: he lays out more than one map to these lofty goals, and his writing encourages you to try and keep trying. I found that to be the difference between this book and any other fitness book. I came away inspired, not intimidated.