Why You Should Begin the New Year with a Plan B for Military Fitness

Hi Stew!

I just want to say that I really like your latest article: No Excuses: Make a Plan B. This was exactly what I've needed to read before the New Year starts on Friday! 

So, after reading your article, I've decided to, for the New Year, make my plan A  to follow along with your workouts instead of making up my own. I'll also have a plan B on those days when life or circumstances make it impossible for me to follow plan A.

My plan for next year looks as follows:

1st quarter (Jan.-March): Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness -- 12 weeks to BUD/S

2nd quarter (April-June): Navy SEAL Weight Training book

3rd quarter (July-Sept.): Navy SEAL Workout Phase 2 - 3 Book

4th quarter (Oct.-Dec.): Maximum Fitness (Weight Lift Cycle)

Thanks again for a great article!

Kindest regards,

RVR

Thank you, sir. Glad to hear you liked that piece. I still do many of those workouts in the books as well as testing out new ideas every week. I do have some standard fallbacks as well.

Breaking up each quarter with a calisthenics and cardio cycle, followed by a weight-lifting cycle, is a good way to change things up and reduce repetitions and road miles while increasing weight training and non-impact cardio options. Your joints will thank you for the transition.

As it is, in that article, you mentioned, "I don't usually miss a workout, but when I do, I ..."

1. Make it a rest day and move on. Stretch or use the foam roller for 15-20 minutes later in the day.
2. Do a PT Pyramid. It's a classic backup.
3. Do a PT Superset  
4. Walk 10 minutes after every meal or try to get a full 20-30 minutes of cardio in during your lunch break and call it an easy cardio day. Follow with mobility and stretching/foam rolling later in the evening.

These are my top personal fallbacks.  Hope they assist with your training this year.

Happy New Year.

Stew

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

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