Last week’s capture of Bin Laden brought closure for many, and a plethora of reporting from different news agencies. Just as prominent in the headlines was how the operation took place. Some of the nation’s best special forces did what they do time and time again, working with precision and know-how that only comes with high levels of training in a variety of skill sets.
I am proud, not only as an American, but as a military special operations member as well. And as a personal trainer, I can’t help but marvel at the amount of mental and physical dedication required to carry out this daring mission.
Being a certified trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, I’ve had the opportunity to learn through their Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC) program. TSAC takes the science and methodology used in training elite sport athletes and applies them to the tactical operator.
After completing the TSAC facilitator’s course last year, I came away with a desire to apply these same training principles to the general population. Of course the performance requirements for the typical gym-goer aren’t as high as those required of elite special forces, but there are requirements nonetheless. The levels of performance may differ, but the principles are the same.
The tactical operator must be prepared to perform at any time. There is no off-season. Similarly, the activities of daily life occur on a continuing basis. Something as simple as lifting a heavy box requires fundamental aspects of strength to avoid injury.
Special operators are trained to adapt to unpredictable situations. While you may feel that the activities in your life are predictable, unpredictability is still present. You may not realize the engagement of your core muscles that prevent a muscle strain when you misstep off the sidewalk. You also may not notice the almost reflex action of your glute and quad muscles allowing you to spring into action when your small child reaches for something harmful.
The ability to act, without injury, during these unpredictable yet important moments, is enabled by your training and level of fitness. Your S.E.A.L. training should incorporate these foundational principles, as they are the basis of any fitness program…
1. Strength and Stability are required to move and manipulate your own body weight as well as required loads.
2. Elasticity (Flexibility) is important in injury prevention, joint movement and function.
3. Aerobic Fitness equates to cardiovascular health. Take care of your most important muscle – the heart.
4. Lumbar/Abdominal development, also known as core development, is vitally important as all movement begins and ends here.
The elite sport athlete has access to athletic trainers and knowledgeable coaches. Tactical operators benefit from the knowledge and training of those they work with. I’m here to provide you with the know-how to train safely and effectively. Apply the S.E.A.L. acronym to increase performance and reduce the risk of injury.
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