By Steve MarshburnThe 2017 United States Tennis Open has come and gone and many tennis fans have been left with a pretty bland taste in their mouth after the year’s final Grand Slam championship.In one of the worst men’s draws in recent history we watched Rafael Nadal roll though the tournament without ever having a close match. A simple synopsis – Rafa didn’t have to … [Read more...]
8 Reasons Why it Wasn’t Easy Being Spartan
8 Reasons Why it Wasn't Easy Being Spartan by Nick Koumalatsos The Spartans may have built one of the finest militaries of the ancient world, but their culture was so harsh that the word “spartan” has become synonymous with an austere way of life. Spartan society was carefully constructed around a strict moral code and sense of duty, and its people underwent extreme hardships … [Read more...]
Women and Weights: The Myth Behind the Mass
It's that time of year where so many want to be bikini body ready for their summer in the sun. Army Ranger Christopher Ryan and business owner of Custombuilt Performance Fitness Nutrition sent in this article to educate our audience and start this conversation that continues to transpire daily. After several years of coaching individuals and groups, I have come to … [Read more...]
Physical Fitness and Transitioning Back to Civilian Life
Special Guest Author: Christian LopezAs time passes by, I often recount where my passion for fitness started. It has been tough to put a finger on that exact moment in time, as there have been many instances where fitness has had a major impact on my life. I started my personal training career as a young 18 year old, three years before I decided to enlist.In July … [Read more...]
“Best Ranger” Mentality: Push It To The limit
The author of this article is a former Best Ranger competitor who wishes to remain anonymous. _____ As I crossed that finish line in 2001, I genuinely, and finally knew what it was to be tested. Up until that time, I had conquered most challenges I had thrown myself into without feeling that I had ever, truly, been pushed to my limits.I had won State & National … [Read more...]
An Open Letter to the Future Women of Special Operations
At least once a day I receive a message from someone with aspirations to join Special Operations seeking advice. It occurred to me recently that over the years and thousands of inquiries, I have yet to receive one from a female. Make no mistake, woman have been playing an integral role in not just our military, but also our Special Operations Forces (SOF) for some time already. … [Read more...]
“Give It Over To The Road:” Turning 37, Looking Back, And The Acceptance Of Life
I shouldn’t even be here, but I am.This month I turn 37. It’s been a long 37 years. I have learned much, the first of which is that I have much to learn, but the second (and possibly most challenging) thing I’ve had to embrace is how to be alive. How to live with myself now. How to accept this gift of life when I feel an overwhelming sense of unworthiness every day. How to … [Read more...]
Things You Need To Know About Military And Special Operations Fitness
Time and again in my line of work, people ask me, “What did you do to prepare?” I usually respond with some sort of reference to steel genitalia, eating large amounts of bacon, and shooting nails from my eyes. That usually wows people.After the hilarity that is EVERY encounter with me, I give them an answer that always seems to underwhelm. “I try to be as strong … [Read more...]
What A Runner Could Learn From A Ranger Mom
This article was originally re-posted on Havok Journal on 30 April 2015. _____ by Kenneth PosnerA long time ago, I was a U.S. Army Ranger. It was just about the toughest thing I ever did. Honestly, I wasn’t very good; my path ended up taking me to Wall Street, which was a better fit for my skills. But I’m proud to have served my country as best I could, and I remain … [Read more...]
Are You “Working Out” Or Are You “Training?”
This article first appeared in The Havok Journal on 26 March 2014. _____ I recently read two articles recently that provoked some thoughts on the way we approach fitness in the military. One was written by former Ranger and professional competitive fitness athlete Leo Jenkins and the other by strength training guru Mark Rippetoe. They both give their thoughts on the … [Read more...]