Special Operations Fitness Tips

The Special Operations, or Special Ops, division of the military is an elite group. They are known for performing their jobs quickly and efficiently. They must maintain a high level of physical fitness in order to be so elite. Keeping fit enough to be in the Special Ops requires dedication to all aspects of physical fitness. Getting to this level of physical fitness may seem out of reach for many people.

  1. Get Through the Phases

    • According to Stew Smith at the Military website, there are five psychological phases of fitness to conquer before beginning a training routine. The first phase is deciding to get fit. This includes beginning habits necessary for fitness. These habits include eating well and scheduling exercise regularly. Those who are in poor physical shape may doubt their ability to get into shape. The second phase involves conquering this self doubt. Writing motivational messages before each exercise can help. The third phase involves using the exercise to improve all aspects of your life. For example, a regular jogger may make social connections with other Special Ops joggers. The fourth phase includes self identification. This is the mental realization that you have become physically fit and are ready to train. The fifth phase involves setting goals and pushing your boundaries constantly. This fifth phase is especially important for the physically demanding aspects of Special Ops training.

    Vary Exercises

    • Special Ops soldiers must be physically strong in order to carry all their combat gear. Their gear includes body armor, communications, ammunitions, weapons and more. To improve overall strength of the body, strength exercise must be varied. For example, bench pressing will improve the strength in your arms, but it doesn't work the muscles in your back or legs. To increase intensity, exercises such as pull-ups, rope climbing, crunches, sit-ups and push-ups can be performed while wearing a weighted pack. Performing and varying stamina exercises is also vital to Special Ops training. Special Ops trainees should run at least four to five times a week, according to former Navy SEAL Stew Smith. He also suggests marching with a ruck sack one to two times a week. Loading the ruck with weight can improve your strength as well as your stamina. Swimming is another exercise that can improve your stamina.

    Foster Teamwork

    • Team work is essential in any military organization. Training as a team can help Special Ops soldiers foster team work. One method of training as a team is playing a team sport such as baseball, football or hockey. Team sports can also serve as recreation and relaxation. Intramural sporting events can be held regularly to keep everyone playing. Physical problem solving exercises can also be utilized to foster team work and fitness. These activities can include relay runs through mazes or obstacle courses and high-speed scavenger hunts around the entire base. Teamwork can also be fostered simply by training as an entire group. Instead of jogging alone, trainees can jog together. Trainees can also lift weights and perform push-ups together. They can cheer each other on and encourage each other to succeed.