Navy SEAL workouts are superior for burning belly fat and building functional strength. However, the downside to them is that they don’t develop muscle size. For me, this is NOT a legitimate complaint.
Last week some friends and I finished our training in the gym and we were discussing what we could do to improve our strength. One of the boys suggested bringing in a couple of dollars each and buying a Navy SEAL training DVD to get some ideas for putting together a routine. This seemed like a great idea to me, but our other friend said, “Those SEAL workouts don’t do anything but get you in shape.”
What what? Isn’t that what we wanted to do? What he meant was that, however, we would get stronger, we would burn belly fat, we would define ourselves more … it wouldn’t be BIG.
That’s the crux of polarized opinion and the two decisive arguments for using (or not using) Navy SEAL workouts in your personal fitness program.
What exactly are the Navy SEALs … and what do they do?
The United States Navy SEALs are an elite commando combat unit that engages in covert combat operations. SEAL is an acronym for Sea, Air, Land … the three environments where these small teams gather intelligence, destroy targets and perform rescues, all undetected. Their missions include small unit patrolling, high speed boat operations, combat swim operations, urban warfare, SDV and dry deck operations (using small mini-submarines to launch from a main submarine) and even winter warfare operations. They work in small units from two men, to a platoon of 16, in harsh elements of heat and cold.
How is Navy SEAL training focused on its training programs?
These special forces train in extreme hot and cold environments. Its conditioning takes place in jungles, deserts and urban environments. Everything is focused on the objectives of its unconventional warfare mission, fight against terrorism, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense and direct action. Simply put, Navy SEAL fitness is geared toward maximizing mission-related performance. They must be able to carry a substantial amount of equipment, in addition to two weapons and ammunition, over varied, rugged and unforgiving terrain. (Loads of 70 pounds to 80 pounds per man are roughly standard.) Walk over fences, walls, and destroyed buildings. Swim long distances with and without fins. Handle heavy equipment underwater and on land, and raise and lower rope cargo nets or caving ladders.
What are the main components of your workouts?
Running, swimming and bodyweight exercises are the foundation of conditioning for this elite combat unit. Volume sets (like 10×30 pushups, 10×20 dips, or 10×10 chin-ups) are the backbone for maintaining and increasing functional strength. Swimming and long-distance running are combined with speed interval training in both. Exercise is continuous with relatively short recovery breaks.
How does Navy SEAL training suit you?
The conditioning routines followed by the Navy SEALs expend a great deal of calories. They want to be as lean and strong as possible to complete the arduous tasks of their missions. If your focus in your personal training program is lifting 300 pounds, lifting 400 pounds, or gaining 15 pounds in weight over a 6-month period, this exercise program will only frustrate you. However, if you intend to burn belly fat, increase your muscular endurance, and raise your functional strength, it will be worth committing to Navy SEAL workouts.
