Stew Smith's New Book

Tactical Strength

 

For the tactical athlete, tactical strength is an absolute must. Having a strong and stable core (the shoulder girdle, spine, and hips) is critical to your growth in other elements of fitness as well, including your ability to lift and carry your weight. You can build strength a variety of ways, including lifting barbells, kettlebells, and/or sandbags; TRX exercises; calisthenics; and heavy manual labor.

When it comes to tactical fitness,  you do not need to be great in one element of fitness (like a pro athlete), especially if it results in neglecting other areas of fitness. However, you do need to be good at all the elements of fitness, including strength/power, speed/agility, cardiovascular endurance, muscle stamina, and flexibility/mobility.

Testing Tactical Strength

The new book Tactical Strength is designed to build strength in the upper body, legs, and core to prepare you for any load-bearing activity such as rucking, boat carry, log PT, etc. The program also does not neglect cardiovascular activity and will end workouts with rucking or swimming (or other non-impact options like rowing, biking, or elliptical if needed). The cardio workouts will be quick and fast, focusing more on speed and agility than long and slow for distance.

My new book prepares you for what we call the "Tactical Strength Test." Mastering these events will help prepare you for the rigors of any tactical profession and selection program. This test features the following events:

1. 25-Pound Pull-Up: 
2. Max 1- to 2-Rep Bench Press: 
3. Dead Lift (1.5 to 2 times bodyweight):
4. Squat: Can you squat 1.5 to 2 times more than your own bodyweight?
5. Strongman Pull-Up Hang: This will test your grip.
6. 300-Yard Shuttle Run:
7. 5-10-5 Pro Agility Test: 
8. 50-Pound Ruck: Rucking 4 miles with 50 pounds 
9. Kettlebell Swing: 5 minute test using the kettlebell swing or snatch movement.
10. 500 Meter Swim with Fins: Any stroke.
    

Chances are, you will have an element of fitness weakness from the list above. Take a hard look at your past athletics. Consider your previous injuries: are they healed and in balance with other muscle groups/joints? Ask yourself hard questions about your own weaknesses.

It may also be helpful to take a fitness test and see for yourself. Consider the books "Tactical Fitness" and "Tactical Strength" if you need to thoroughly engage all the elements of fitness into your training program. Knowing what weaknesses to focus on in your training can save you time and undue hardship during your actual tactical training/selection.

If you would like to see any of the books or downloadable workouts that have worked for several clients of the StewSmith.com PT Club please click the Store link:  Stew Smith PT Club