Stew Smith: How to Master the CSS and Crush the PST - Ep. 45

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL Lieutenant and an NSCA CSCS who graduated from the US Naval Academy and Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, also known as BUD/S. For over 25 years, he has been writing workout books that prepare people to ace fitness tests and selection programs. People from all fitness levels use his military preparation products for help with everything from losing weight and getting ready for basic training to preparing for special operations. 

Stew founded StewSmithFitness.com and Heroes of Tomorrow Fitness – an online fitness resource for people seeking to join the Military, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting professions.

He and his team train over 5,000 young men and women who wish to serve their country and communities locally for free each year.

In this episode, we discuss his career, his approach to coaching everything from the specifics of the CSS to big-picture SOF prep training, and what he's learned about successful SOF candidates in his 25+ years of coaching. 

Timestamps:

• 00:00:22  Intro
• 00:01:12 Background
• 00:03:50 What Have You Learned Since You Started
• 00:06:31 Approach to Coaching CSS
• 00:08:49 Technique Preference
• 00:13:23 Working on Range of Motion
• 00:16:25 Alternating Breaststroke Kick
• 00:17:50 What Are You Currently Doing
• 00:19:03 How Far do People Travel to Train With You
• 00:20:05 How Does Your Coaching Change From Person to Person
• 00:24:20 Helping People Prepare For The PST
• 00:29:12 Most Common Beginner-Level Issues
• 00:34:34 Balance of Treading Training
• 00:37:01 Biggest Differences in Prep Strategies
• 00:41:12 Reasons Attrition is High
• 00:43:29 Have They Been Doing the Work
• 00:45:21 Main Variables in Prep for Individual Characteristics
• 00:48:09 Advice for Talking to Recruiters
• 00:51:48 Scruff Duty
• 00:54:10 Best and Worst Advice You’ve Ever Received
• 00:58:21 Learn More About You
• 00:59:24 Outro