Master the Ultimate Navy SEAL Workout: Train Like a Warrior
Discover the rigorous and inspiring Navy SEAL workout routine designed to build elite fitness, endurance, and mental toughness. Learn how to train like a Navy SEAL with this comprehensive guide.
Navy SEALs represent the pinnacle of physical and mental endurance within the United States Special Forces.
Renowned for their unmatched athletic prowess, unwavering mental resilience, and exceptional toughness, these warriors undergo some of the most demanding training in the world.
This guide dives into the essential fitness tests required to enter the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and outlines how you can adopt their workout regimen to elevate your own fitness levels.

Understanding the Navy SEAL Entrance Fitness Test
Becoming a Navy SEAL demands exceptional cardiovascular endurance and solid calisthenic strength across multiple disciplines.
The official entrance test includes:
- Swimming: Complete a 500-yard swim using breaststroke or sidestroke in under 12 minutes and 30 seconds; elite candidates finish in less than 8 minutes. Follow with a 10-minute rest.
- Push-ups: Perform at least 50 push-ups in 2 minutes, with competitive candidates targeting 80–100 reps. Rest for 2 minutes.
- Sit-ups: Complete a minimum of 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes; 80–100 reps is competitive. Then rest for 2 minutes.
- Pull-ups: Achieve at least 10 pull-ups without time constraints; 15–20 reps are competitive. Rest 10 minutes afterward.
- Running: Run 1.5 miles (2.4 km) in under 10 minutes and 30 seconds; top performers aim for 9–10 minutes.
Success requires proficiency in each component and the ability to maintain performance with minimal rest between exercises.
The Navy SEAL entrance exam rigorously tests swimming, calisthenics, and running capabilities within strict time limits.
Core Elements of Navy SEAL Workouts
Training like a Navy SEAL is both physically intense and mentally challenging, pushing you beyond perceived limits.
Since SEALs often operate in environments with limited equipment, their workouts emphasize bodyweight exercises.
One unique aspect is training with a weighted rucksack, simulating the gear carried during missions. This adds resistance during runs, push-ups, and pull-ups.
Additionally, strength training is incorporated to maintain the power necessary for sustained military operations.
Navy SEAL workouts focus on high-intensity bodyweight exercises combined with weighted resistance to build endurance and strength.
Weekly Navy SEAL Training Routine
To prepare for the demanding entrance exam and BUD/S training, the Naval Special Warfare Physical Training Guide recommends a 26-week schedule including:
- One slow, long-distance session for both running and swimming
- One continuous high-intensity session for running and swimming
- One interval training session for running and swimming
- Four to five calisthenics workouts
- Four to six strength training sessions, split between upper and lower body
- Four to five core strengthening routines
- Daily flexibility exercises
- Injury prevention drills
This comprehensive weekly plan balances cardiovascular training with strength, core, and flexibility work to optimize SEAL readiness.
Intensive 6-Week Navy SEAL Workout Program
While the official program spans 26 weeks, beginners can start with this intense 6-week adaptation to build foundational fitness.
Slow Long-Distance Cardio (40–90 minutes)
Perform at a low intensity, using the Talk Test to ensure you can maintain a conversation without gasping for air.
Schedule:
- Monday: Run increasing distances from 3 to 5.5 miles over 6 weeks.
- Thursday: Swim progressively longer distances from 1,000 to 2,000 yards.
Continuous High-Intensity Cardio (15–20 minutes)
Maintain an intensity level of 8–9 out of 10, challenging but sustainable.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: Swim timed sessions, increasing duration weekly.
- Friday: Run timed sessions, aiming to beat previous distances.
Interval Cardio Training
Alternate short bursts of intense effort with rest periods twice as long as the work phase.
Schedule:
- Wednesday: Run intervals starting with 1/4 mile repeats, increasing intervals weekly.
- Saturday: Swim intervals starting with 100-yard repeats, increasing intervals weekly.
Calisthenics Routine
Focus on push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups to boost test performance.
Schedule:
- Monday: Max reps to failure, recording totals.
- Wednesday: Moderate sets with consistent reps.
- Friday: Weighted push-ups and pull-ups to enhance strength.
Strength Training
Build balanced muscular strength and prevent injuries with compound lifts.
Schedule:
- Monday: Back squats, overhead presses, dumbbell rows.
- Wednesday: Incline barbell presses, lunges, Romanian deadlifts.
- Friday: Front squats, dips.
Gradually increase weights or reps weekly, avoiding excessive volume to maintain recovery.
Incorporating diverse training methods focusing on SEAL test skills is key to success.
Seven Essential Exercises for Navy SEAL Fitness
Regardless of equipment availability or training duration, ensure your routine includes:
- Distance swimming
- Distance running
- Push-ups
- Pull-ups
- Sit-ups
- Weighted hikes or trail runs
- Daily stretching
Core calisthenics and endurance exercises form the foundation of Navy SEAL physical conditioning.
Practical Tips and Adjustments
The SEAL workout is demanding and may require modifications to fit your fitness level and schedule.
Reduce set counts or swap high-intensity cardio sessions for low-impact activities like walking or hiking if needed.
Begin with assisted variations of challenging exercises and progress toward unassisted forms.
Track your performance consistently to stay motivated and ensure steady improvement.
Maintain proper nutrition and sufficient rest to fuel recovery and progress.
Final Thoughts
Training to become a Navy SEAL demands relentless effort and commitment, but adopting their workout principles will transform your fitness and mental toughness.
This guide offers a practical 6-week program to kickstart your journey, while the official 26-week plan provides a comprehensive path to peak performance.
Even if you’re not pursuing SEAL qualification, integrating these training elements can elevate your strength, endurance, and resilience.
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