[Fire Rose]

Hi, I’m a 22 year old woman and I’m training to become a US Navy SEAL.

How should a woman prepare for BUD/S (US Navy SEAL training)? Do you have any advice for preparation? Which training plan should I use? What books or websites would you recommend? There’s never been a female SEAL.

SEAL candidates have to run 40 to 60 miles per week on sand, run 4 miles in 30 minutes weekly, swim 2 miles in 75 minutes in Scuba fins weekly, carry boats and logs, do rucking with heavy gear, complete an obstacle course weekly, etc.

According to what some SEALs have told me, most female SEAL candidates struggle with carrying the boats and logs, doing pull ups and having grip strength. Also, a lot of female SEAL candidates break their legs or develop stress fractures.

Topic

[Jane Mackay]

Jane Mackay on July 28, 2023 at 9:32 am #80013

Hi Fire Rose,

As a starting point, have you looked at our archive of articles for tactical athletes? https://uphillathlete.com/tactical-training/

The ideal of course, would be 1:1 coaching, but I know that’s not an option for everyone. Have you thought about booking a one-off phone consultation with a coach? You could ask all your questions and get detailed answers for your specific needs and situation. I’ll also reach out to the coaches to see if they have any general recommendations.

This is an article by coach Alexa Hasman about the physiological factors in play for women doing strength training: https://uphillathlete.com/female-athlete/strength-training-female-athlete/

Here’s one on training grip strength: https://uphillathlete.com/ice-climbing/ice-climbing-training-grip/

Does that help?
Jane