Get the fitness SEAL of approval
Ever wonder what it would be like to train and work out like a Navy SEAL? Do you ever catch a peek at some of those men, see how buff and in shape they are and think to yourself wow, could I ever look like as tough as they do?
Well, now is your chance, at the Navy Seal Fitness Challenge on Sept. 6 at the University of Illinois Chicago. Go ahead and put down the remote, stretch your arms, legs and every muscle in between to see if you have what it takes to pass this vigorous test, because the Navy SEALs will be there making sure you do.
A Navy Seal is a maritime special operator, the leading agents in the global war on terror. They operate on sea, air and land. Basically, they are the first ones on the beach and need to be prepared both physically and mentally to do just that. They will be here in Chicago to give you the opportunity to have the same test SEAL candidates take to determine if they are ready for SEAL training.
The test consists of a 500-yard swim with a 10-minute rest, then two minutes of push-ups with a two-minute rest, two minutes of sit ups with a two-minute rest, two minutes of pull ups with a 10-minute rest and then the grand finale - a 1.5 mile run.
Are you up for the challenge? Lieutenant Commander Andrew Schreiner was when he decided to join the Navy SEALs.
"I knew for a couple of years that I wanted to join the Navy SEALs so I prepared myself physically and mentally," Schreiner says. "The more physically prepared you are to come train, the less you have to pull from your mental reserves" he says. "That way you can stay focused on your goal and stay prepared physically."
To do this, Schreiner took a master swimming class and did some high-intensity running. He also worked at many ground-based exercises, such as push ups and sit ups, similar to the challenges he knew he would have to endure in the training.
This fitness challenge matches the requirements an actual SEAL candidate would face, which is the No. 1 predictor for SEAL success.
"These tests set the standard for which Americans can judge themselves and see their fitness level," Schreiner says. "We will be there motivating everyone participating to keep going and to do their best."
With more than 400 participants of all ages signed up for the challenge in its fourth and final city of the year, the event keeps growing in popularity and credibility. There will be six more opportunities to join around the nation in the upcoming fiscal year, which runs October to October.
"We have "groupies" that have traveled to all the cities to partake in the challenge," Schreiner says. "It is being viewed by the fitness population as a viable event."
Not only is this challenge taking place to promote fitness, but also to address the awareness of the epidemic of obesity. The idea for the event actually came about because SEALs were concerned about the increasing number of overweight children.
During actual training, the SEALs incorporate endurance and sport specific strength training. They look for people who are capable of accomplishing special missions based on their fitness level.
"The boot camp focuses on becoming more physically fit and building a team," Schreiner says. "We are forced to carry a telephone pole, have a timed four-mile run and swim two miles in the ocean."
Not quite sure if you are ready for all that? Instead, come out and see for yourself if you have what it takes to train like a SEAL, or at least make it through without giving up.
Navy SEALs fitness challenge
Sept. 6
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
U of IChicago campus