How to Train With a Navy SEAL Workout

How to Train With a Navy SEAL Workout
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A Navy SEAL training plan will push you to the limits of your mental and physical capacity. Often described at "ultimate warriors," Navy SEALS are among the best conditioned people in the world. SEALS jump out of planes, backpack for miles at a time with heavy gear, conduct missions behind enemy lines and do everything on the water from scuba diving to underwater demolition. In fact, SEAL training camp is known as BUD/S--Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALS. You need to demonstrate an exceptionally high degree of fitness, strength and endurance in order to become a SEAL, and a SEAL workout program reflects the difficulty of the task. In addition, you must have the perseverance to continue SEAL workouts for up to a year or more to achieve a SEAL level of physical competence.

Step 1

Acquire a list of the minimal physical fitness standards that are necessary to pass the physical fitness test to become a Navy SEAL. These requirements include the ability to swim 500 yards in 12-1/2 minutes, do at least 42 pushups and 52 sit-ups within two minutes, and run 1-1/2 miles in boots and pants in no more than 11-1/2 minutes. However, these are minimum standards. If you want to become a SEAL, you should complete the swim in eight to nine minutes, do at least 90 pushups and situps, at least 15 pull-ups, and complete the run in nine to 10 minutes.

Step 2

Develop a workout plan that will enable you to meet the physical fitness requirements to become a SEAL. One workout program from Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL and fitness trainer, requires you to do 100 pull-ups in the fewest possible sets and run 1/4 mile in 90 seconds between each set. Then do 200 pushups, running 1/4 in 90 seconds between each set. Finish with 300 situps with 1/4 mile runs in 90 seconds between each set.

Step 3

Hire a coach if necessary. Former Navy SEALS such as Stew Smith teach people how to train to become a Navy SEAL or to become as fit as a Navy SEAL. He takes athletes from a variety of sports and even nonathletes and tailors a program to their individual fitness backgrounds.

Step 4

Persevere and stick with the workout program. Smith says that the right mind set is essential. "The question is will you have the mental toughness to keep moving and not quit." You will not achieve Navy SEAL fitness without months or perhaps a year or more of Navy SEAL workouts.

Tips and Warnings

  • If you want to train with others, sign up for a Navy SEAL-style camp, such as SEAL FIT, to get a taste of Navy SEAL training. You can also become a Navy SEAL certified instructor.
  • Navy SEAL workouts are extremely demanding. You should check with your physician before embarking on Navy SEAL workouts.

Things You'll Need

  • Navy SEAL physical requirements
  • Navy SEAL workout program
  • Workout clothes

References

Article reviewed by Kirk Ericson Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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