A Navy SEAL's Guide to Unconventional Training for Physical and Mental Toughness

This book is freakin' awesome! I am a certified personal trainer & high school track coach. I am using this to shake up my own routine, but also to add alternative workouts for my athletes. It's a good read & full of sage advice. This works you out from the inside out.

This book is great right from the start. As stared ealy on, this is not a "workout" program but a training system. Commander Devine provides mental training that is much needed with the physical training. I felt this was as important if not not more so. I have read the other books and would highly recommend all of them. I appreciate Commander Devine having the insight to see a need and the willingness to put his thoughts on paper for non-military imdividuals lile myself to benefit frim his experience and knowledge.

I hope to become a Navy Seal and this book has helped me immensely in my mentality and kokoro spirit. I will not fail! This book will put you in your place and show you you and only you have the power to break your limits

Really awesome book. Its workouts are simple enough you could do them with very little equipment, but they are very hard to do. I actually struggled with the squats because I didn't do them that much. Mark Divine really put every workout in the book that will leave all your muscles aching. He does touch in a little about mental and spiritual awareness but mostly a workout book.

The concept of the book is good. The issue I have is you have to be in descent physical condition to complete the 8 weeks. With that being said you could get a baseline of your current physical conditioning, and adjust accordingly. By adjusting you can pretty much discard the title of the book.

Loved the book so much I have signed up for the online program.

Great information, very readable and something I'm confident I can follow although its no walk in the park.

Would recommend anything by Mark.

I bought this as a companion book to Mark Divine's other book The Way Of The Seal. Compared to other SEAL fitness books, this one is easy to understand and follow, is to the point, isn't filled with lengthy fitness mumbo-jumbo, and has pics for demonstration guides so there is no confusion as to how to do the exercises.

I am in my 40's and have been working out at an average level for years. This is the book I've been waiting for. But be warned, it's only for those ready to commit to a mental and physical makeover. Not just a flip through book. It's structured and complete. Is say the whole program takes 4-5 months, which is the way it's supposed to be (no quick fix workout. This breaks you down sand builds you back up). I'm thrilled to be doing this program (one month in so far and huge mental and physical breakthroughs). Don't even hesitate to buy this book. But again, only if you are committed. Also, they haven't been lengthy workouts yet (under an hour) and mostly body weight but I know this changes and can be accomplished in any gym).

My son used this along with an elevation mask to prepare to enter the Seals. He absolutely loved the workouts. Perfect for someone who is wanting to and willing to seriously push themselves to get into shape.

Excellent to go past any civilians fitness program on Earth! A extremely informational guide to obtain Max. Results! I can't do it all because of disability, but its still the best u can obtain-- goals. That are tangible! Us Navy vet.

Great book for beginners and Advanced alike. It provides exercises and routines with minimal to o equipment. Especially valuable for busy individuals that want to ensure they continue to forge their body with the mind and spirit.

It is a straight to the point book. The exercises and associated exercise programmes are for those with a standard of fitness. No fancy equipment needed, no Zen are inner enlightment either. I am following the routine in the book for the past month and I feel it has benefited my fitness. A good buy.

I bought this book with the intention of understanding inspiration and motivation for working out. Due to disabling disease I could not complete all the workouts however my intention was really working on my mindset when I can workout, which I found it in this book. The experiences and stories are both motivational and inspirational especially the understanding of what the mind is capable of with the right information. A great read if you struggle to understand how to show up 100% for your workouts and life in general (just the stories alone were unbelievable) !

Great guide to physical training and nutrition. What sets it apart is the the mental training that the author guides and encourages you to harness. 80% mental 20 % physical is my motto. Buy the guide, you'll thank yourself later

Excellent program. Some of the links to videos do not work in the electronic book and this is the reason I took a star off. You will need to either make or buy some equipment even if you belong to a gym

I sort of started reading this thinking "Ho hum. It's just going to be another fitness book" but it isn't. It immediately reminded me of what I'd preached years ago when someone would ask me to help them get into shape. I'd say the first muscle you need to tone up is between your ears. Or if you really want it then you'll achieve what you want. Words to that effect. Suffice to say this book isn't about getting ripped or having great pecs or killer abs. Well it is but it's much more than that. Those results are only the outward indicators of what changed inside you beginning with your melon.
So here is my dilemma and I may have to contact the author. Always been a fitness nut. Tri's, marathons, centuries, long ocean swims, rock climbing, snow sports, surfing and even paddling from Molokai to Oahu twice. But I'm 68. I have a reconstructed shoulder from a total rotator cuff tear along with three tendons (2012). 3000+ pullups per month will do that. Also a recent (2015) surgery for a total rupture
of my triceps tendon by attempting to draw too much weight with my compound bow. Oh and three knee ops. Next knee op is a replacement.
I'm crazy enough to try this program but 7 orthopedic surgeries makes me pause. WTH!
So it is NOT P90x or CF or KBs or Brazil Butt Lift and certainly not your standard gym aerobic class............groan on that last one.
But for me anyway I'll give it an honest try even if I have to modify some of it to accommodate my current disabilities. Like row vs run, work into pushups again with a still "sore as ****" arm.
So yeah! The author is a step above anyone else, like from another galaxy and the book is worth buying.

Great book for anyone! Especially good for people looking to be in special operations. Just takes discipline and following the techniques to a tee and you will start seeing results almost immediately mentally as well as physically! No complaints here!

For me I like everything Mark Devine has for fitness, body/mind. its not for pussy.s but if you want to get serous results not just in body but in mind and happiness this is a good book to have but the real work is when you same as me take the action daily to change your life and body/core power to a level most of us will never attain unless we put in the hard work and this book has a good basic outline where to get started . This my opinion I like it , your mileage may very

Mark Divine is a genius. This book is timeless. It emphasizes the mental component of leading a healthy lifestyle which is often ignored. The steps are logical and the explanations very easy to understand.

At the time of purchasing this book I was just looking for a way to get fit and have a great routine to get me there. After reading the first chapter I really started thinking hard about making positive changes in life and developing a better mentality in general.

The workouts are phenomenal and take some dedication and practice, but I enjoy it. Also you don't have to have a desire to join the Navy(military ) to follow the principles and routine Marc Devine outlines, just an open mind.

I just finished reading SEALFIT for the second time. The workouts are excellent and the nutrition advice is sound. I have trained all of my life for different sports, military, triathlons, and trail marathons. I have completed insanity and the P90x workouts. I do not feel there is a "one size fits all" to any training routine, and this book offers good advice, which I have blended with other workouts. More importantly, SEALFIT is a book about self discovery. As I reflect on the readings, I think daily about which "dog" I'm feeding, and I strive to feed my "Courage Dog." There are so many tools that Mark Divine offers for everyone in this book. It's really just a good way to live your life. Embrace the suck!

Divine does a good job of inspiring the reader to dig deep and push themselves physically with the promise it will result in higher achievements in other areas. His accomplishments are impressive. I especially enjoyed the nutrition section and found that diet easy to follow. However, I started the workout program and thought it was just okay. The biggest drawback was the need to purchase additional equipment. He tries to put substitutions in the back section, but you still need to buy things like a sandbag, dumbbell and jump box. If you are into Crossfit, you will probably like this book. I completed the 8 week challenge, although modified because I refused to spend more money on fitness equipment. I think the book "You Are Your Own Gym" by Mark Lauren - another special forces trainer - is great for anyone wanting a challenging workout that doesn't require much in the way of space or additional equipment. I didn't even finish the library book, but instead bought his app for $2.99 finding it provides a challenging, quick and, I believe, a better overall workout.

There aren't many people who write fitness books like this. If you don't REALLY care about getting fit, joining the military, or taking control of your life, you probably shouldn't bother. It's difficult, it's grueling, it's blatantly honest, but it's all necessary. If you do what he says, if you work the way he tells you to work, if you eat the way you should, then you will see better results than you'd get almost anywhere else, even from a real trainer. It's a book, alright. But listen to him, and live the way he says, and this may be the biggest return on investment you could make in your life. Good luck.

Absolutely a beautiful book. It tells you what you need to know, it makes it fast and has different approaches to each subject so that you can't miss the point. If you are familiar with this kind of physical/mental training it is a great guide, if you are not, STOP, click buy and have your life changed. Period.

I've never been in the military, but it's always been a passion of mine. Mark Divine is the real deal! Divine was a Navy SEAL and he covers the mental, physical, and other aspects of being overall "healthy" in this book. From your diet, to what you should be doing to get into shape. It's just a really great book written by someone who knows what they're talking about. I coupled this book with his other book: "The Way of the SEAL"...which is also an absolutely amazing book! 8 Weeks to SEALFIT gives you what you need for a healthy body and mind. I could go on and on, but it's a great book! I have the paperback, and it's a big book! I leave it on my coffee table and it always sparks conversation. Great illustrations and it's easy to read.

Divine does a good job of inspiring the reader to dig deep and push themselves physically with the promise it will result in higher achievements in other areas. His accomplishments are impressive. I especially enjoyed the nutrition section and found that diet easy to follow. However, I started the workout program and thought it was just okay. The biggest drawback was the need to purchase additional equipment. He tries to put substitutions in the back section, but you still need to buy things like a sandbag, dumbbell and jump box. If you are into Crossfit, you will probably like this book. I completed the 8 week challenge, although modified because I refused to spend more money on fitness equipment. I think the book "You Are Your Own Gym" by Mark Lauren - another special forces trainer - is great for anyone wanting a challenging workout that doesn't require much in the way of space or additional equipment. I didn't even finish the library book, but instead bought his app for $2.99 finding it provides a challenging, quick and, I believe, a better overall workout.

There aren't many people who write fitness books like this. If you don't REALLY care about getting fit, joining the military, or taking control of your life, you probably shouldn't bother. It's difficult, it's grueling, it's blatantly honest, but it's all necessary. If you do what he says, if you work the way he tells you to work, if you eat the way you should, then you will see better results than you'd get almost anywhere else, even from a real trainer. It's a book, alright. But listen to him, and live the way he says, and this may be the biggest return on investment you could make in your life. Good luck.

Absolutely a beautiful book. It tells you what you need to know, it makes it fast and has different approaches to each subject so that you can't miss the point. If you are familiar with this kind of physical/mental training it is a great guide, if you are not, STOP, click buy and have your life changed. Period.

I've never been in the military, but it's always been a passion of mine. Mark Divine is the real deal! Divine was a Navy SEAL and he covers the mental, physical, and other aspects of being overall "healthy" in this book. From your diet, to what you should be doing to get into shape. It's just a really great book written by someone who knows what they're talking about. I coupled this book with his other book: "The Way of the SEAL"...which is also an absolutely amazing book! 8 Weeks to SEALFIT gives you what you need for a healthy body and mind. I could go on and on, but it's a great book! I have the paperback, and it's a big book! I leave it on my coffee table and it always sparks conversation. Great illustrations and it's easy to read.

Great book...I'm on week 2 and I've done all the workouts so far. I have gained a great deal of inspiration and deeper/harder workouts from this book. My pushups/pullups/air squats were atrocious before this and I can tell already that I've gotten much stronger. Love the variety and ease of tools. You can do most of them without any equipment. They use a rower a lot, so I just substitute running or jumping jacks for that.

I like how hard I have to work to complete this. I go home dripping wet with sweat and dead tired. I know this stuff is making me stronger.

If you like Cross Fit this is the book for you. In addition, Mark gives you an insight into the Seal mindset to help you complete the workouts. Like how he breaks the workouts into different phases like strength and endurance.

I read a review in Readers Digest and ordered this book for my alcohol dependent son. I can't begin to tell you how this book set my struggling son the right path. It changed his life.I really credit it with the change it made in my child's life. I ordered several other of Mark Divine's books and my son is simply a different person. Sometimes it takes someone like Mark Divine to make a statement that young people actually listen to! Love Mark Divine and ALL his books:)))

Not being from the military, the superiority attitude of the author ended up chaffing me the wrong way.

The exercises, by themselves, look OK though I personally would like a bit more explanations in the book, though nothing you can't solve by going to the site or doing a quick google search.

These are though routines, be warned!

Awesome book! Ass-kicking and wonderful at the same time! Great tips/advice but will get you in amazing shape! It does require being able to get a good amount of equipment you will need weights a and other gear *cough* ruck *cough* but I love it and take it anywhere with me

I am going to give this 3 stars for now, due to just getting the book. In 3 months I'll let yall know what I think. I have a selection for my agencies SOG unit, and it's one of the hardest. Just the initial test is hard. If you pass those 3 days, you move onto a week of hell to see if they select you for a month of preparation training, and then off to 5 weeks of hard work. At 32, I need all the help I can get. 8 years in the Marines beat my body down, as well as 6 years on this job. I am also going to look into SF selection for the national guard. I'll let you all know my progress with this

Its ok.If you want to buy into the program.Me not so much.Im not into the.You gotta be into... The you gotta be like me tought guy s*** There is a lot of other deals alot better. P90X ex.Not anything new.Dont waste Your money

Most of what Divine has previously written was motivational oriented, so it is not surprising that the mental / motivation factor is stressed so much. But simply being preached to and encouraged along while "challenged" with "months of exercise programs" that are lower to mid level Intermediate levels at best does NOT make one physically even remotely a SEAL or SEAL comparable.

Because actually, the workouts aren't that exceptional or time consuming and that is a part of the problem. This program is NOT even remotely SEAL training. Neither the demands made physically nor mentally... but that is the inference being made repeatedly. Entry level Marine Corps Boot Camp is 1000 times tougher than this. And real SEAL training (whether BUDS or maintenance) is at least 10 times more tougher than that. No, this is really a mid level Intermediate program that "could" be pushed into the lower levels of an Advanced level by adding reps, sets, exercise cycles to each workout.

So it suffers from being too much for an absolute Beginner to not enough for a truly Advanced trainee (other than at the lower Advanced level with some strong modification). It truly is a situation where Walter Mitty type wanna-be SEALs are the market for what is a CrossFit clone program (and on the mild end at that with some mIlitary oriented exercises thrown in).

I would strongly suggest that anyone read the 1-star review by "Kyle" for more specific details as to this program.

One other negative area that basically no one covers (but is mentioned by a Commenter here) is the dietary recommendations. The recommendation for following a TRUE diet based upon the Paleolithic Diet is actually pretty good (not the best choice, which would be LCHF, but that can be mimicked with a STRICT Paleolithic Diet program). Unfortunately the author completely misses some of the key points of Paleo Diet concepts. Divine is himself not one with a nutritionalist background, but (by his own admission) follows the recommendations of Paleo advocate Loren Cordain who builds himself up as THE expert on Paleo Diet but himself misses KEY aspects of what Paleolithic Dieting really entails. While often played up as an "inventor" of Paleo, Cordain actually came into the Paleo picture much later but with an enthusiastic fan base and commercialized approach soon became a "leader" in the field - but unfortunately spreading a very incomplete message! Which Divine now repeats, only DILUTED way down in Divine's concept.

The author would have been very much better off to have simply suggested one follow a STRICT Paleolithic Diet and let it go at that (and actually while a good option, the Low Carb High Fat - LCHF - Diet is even a much better option - read the book "Low Carb High Fat Diet Revolution" for more details of the diet that is now the official national recommendation of Sweden and already being used by some Olympic medalists - who are assuredly in better shape than anyone who is following the specifics of this book as written).

As far as details, an excellent fitness book should have pictures of EVERY exercise (not just "most"). And multiple pictures that show the proper steps of exercises. And also variations of doing exercises that make it EASIER for Beginners and TOUGHER for Advanced trainees. And even (to be an exceptional book) pictorial examples of variants of the different exercises. How many variations of push-ups are there (each working body parts in a different way)? Pull-ups? Free squats? Planks? There's like 2 pages in the back that deal with "Substitutions" and "Scaling" (with no pictures and minimal text descriptions... yes, a more advanced trainee would likely figure out what was being described very readily - but then such an individual would likely have access to better training materials than this).

Then there's things like "required" equipment, training "partners", swimming pool access, etcetera, for many of the individual programs. Providing detailed substitutions (not only for those who can't afford such things, but if traveling, etcetera).

I would have to strongly recommend "You Are Your Own Gym" by Mark Lauren (a special operations trainer and himself a triathlon competitor and MMA fighter) - in fact any of the books / DVD by Lauren. Stew (Stewart) Smith - former SEAL and currently the Special Ops Training Coach at the Naval Academy - has a couple of good books also.

I would admit that it is very definitely better than "The U. S. Navy SEAL Guide to Fitness and Nutrition" (which is a real reach)....

The thing is that - like Divine's other two books on the mind and on motivation - I checked this book out of the library (twice now) with hopes that I would really, really like this. Unfortunately - as with those two - I just couldn't quite get into it. I think that was due to a number of reasons, but a major one being the anticipation that it could have been an exceptional training aid - instead of just "okay".

I might end up- at some point - purchasing this from a Marketplace dealer just to round out my library (although there was literally not one exercise that jumped out at me that I had not ran across before, so not sure why at this point so we'll see).

Over the years, I've read many fitness books; including some with a military flavor. This is by far the best. It is a comprehensive, holistic approach to fitness. It doesn't just give you a list of workouts and say "push em out!" There is much more within this book that will, if you apply it, change you're outlook on fitness and in your everyday life. The mental/spiritual aspect is what is lacking in many other fitness guides, which in my opinion is a very serious gap; a crucial missing piece of the puzzle. This book also gives you workouts from beginner to advanced and the online resources/videos are indispensable when learning new exercises and routines.

If you're just looking for a list of sets and reps, you can find that anywhere. If you're looking for a way to improve yourself and to create a better life for yourself, consider starting with 8 Weeks to SEALFIT.

I skipped the 5 weeks and just went into the 8 weeks. I completed the 8 weeks while going to college, working 2 jobs, and going through the day to day mundane stuff. Words cannot even describe. This book truly helps you unlock that warrior" inside. It helps you become a man who can take so much bulls*** with a grin on your face. I remember Day 31 just smiling as I grudged through 5 rounds of 25 burpees at the end of the workout despite being close to vomiting. Hell, I even keep up with the monthly challenges posted on his website now. 24 hour ruck marches and one mile of one arm overhead 25lb lunges is guaranteed to make a man (or woman) out of you.This program was a good old fashioned time. If you can manage to get through it day by day, this program can bring out a deep strength within you. Thanks Mark Divine.

I was given this as a gift and is an incredible tool Ixuse not only to incorporate more exercises into my own regiment but also to come up with new ideas on how to give my clients the intense workout they deserve and pay for.

I have been working out for about 3 years in a row. This is the longest time that I have gone in one period. I would not say that I am a fitness nut but I do and have seen the benefits of my workouts. I work out hard 5 days a week. I do a mixture of weights and cardio. Recently, I have been checking out the web and books for new ideas to spice up my workouts. No so much of a machine and run on the treadmill type of gal. Not to say that there is anything wrong with running on the treadmill as I have done it many times when I was working out on my own. However it gets real old quick. Plus I find that if I am in a class that I push myself harder and I am competitive. So this factor motivates me a lot.

So back to the book. I was curious to see what type of workout the SEALs do to keep in shape. I know they were really hard both physically and mentally. I was actually surprised to see how many of the featured exercises in ths book, I was familiar with and am currently already performing in my workout classes. I agree with everything that Mr. Divine said about the mental aspect. It is not just purely about the physical but mental as well. I know there are times when I want to just give up but then the teacher is asking if I got a little more and knowing I am almost to the end gives me that little extra strength to continue and show myself that I could do it. Mr. Divine writes this book in a very easy and understandable way. The way that the 8 weeks are broken out by daily quads or WOD (Workout of the Day) is excellent. I do this when I take my Crossfit class. Plus, it is easy to follow if you are on your own. This is a good book to give a fitness person that wants a challenge.

Maybe I was just looking for something different but I found this book was far to evangelistic in terms of WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH etc etc and didn't have the details on training programs, nutrition that i was looking for.

Mark did a remarkable job turning a life time of awareness into a 8 week program that can take you from where you are to where you want to be.... I wrote the forward to this book and train at his facility daily. The man walks his talk.... Joe Stumpf author of Willing Warrior - my story of how I became one of the oldest guys to survive KOKORO the civilian version of the Navy SEAL hell week.

Mark Divine's book is good for any athlete or would be athlete of any age or starting level. It's an easy to follow program mixed with philosophies and stories. Much better than most books of this nature.

I've been training with SEALFit for 3 years now. There is a reason for that. CDR Mark Divine knows what he is doing and this book is him sharing his knowledge. I highly recommend this book. I read the original version and I have just finished this newer version. I would tell anyone to buy it. It's worth it's weight in gold.

This book is fantastic! It has a great mixture of training for the person that wants to be a better athlete and better thinker. It is the best crossfit book out there. It's also the closest you will ever get to training like a Navy Seal.

Love this Book! Much more than simply a great way to get in shape, get Seal Fit. This fantastic book explains the mental, emotional, intuitive skills needed to be a successful operator, businessman, parent and maps out a path to make it happen. I highly recommend this book.

If you do not have access to swimming pool or rowing; I do not want to hear your excuses.
If you cannot spend hours to complete certain aspects because you have real world
responsibilities like a job or family; I do not want to hear your excuses. It seems that
the success stories he shares are from people that were in pretty good shape to begin with.
If you need a year to get in shape Before this program, that is an excuse I do not want to hear.
This book is for SEAL wannabes who will abandon all else to say they are SEALFIT. If you are
average and only want (or have the time) to become only above average; this book is not for you.

I feel so sorry for this sell-out of a book. Look everybody, i was in the Navy. Some of my buddies were going to BUDS. This book is a joke. In no way shape or form will this book help you to achieve SEAL fitness. I have physically trained with SEALs and had my butt kicked in the gym by them. Mark may have been a great SEAL, but his book does little to honor their way of life except the first chapter about mind-over-matter mental determination. Here is why i call his book a sell-out. Not because it sold a lot of copies either...
Let me explain a little about myself first. I have a personal trainer certification, degree in psychology, and i repeat, i have worked out with SEALs. A few years ago i quit doing a psuedo "sport" known as CrossFit. I was into CrossFit for 18 months. The CrossFit franchise charges 10% to use their name brand in your gyms (Box) if you own one. Many ambitious people do not want pay the 10% to Greg Glassman's CrossFit.com. So they make up a bullsh*t name and call it something else. Like IronTribeFitness has done in the Southern states of the U.S. and many others. IronTribe is upfront about having no intentions of paying out some earnings to CrossFit even though their gyms are very similar to CrossFit "boxes". MUV Fitness and many other gyms are jumping on the CrossFit-esque style of working out, but not calling it CrossFit. 8 Weeks to SealFit is no exception. It is as if Mark has scraped off the CrossFit logo and printed his own brand name over it. How do i know this...? Like i said, for all you that don't know CrossFit, the "sport" claims to get you in such incredible athletic shape to be ready to compete in any sport like an expert by completing HIIT-style "WoDs" typically 5 days/week. CrossFit is full of crap of course. Their workouts last between 10-40 minutes depending on skill level and the type of WoD. Navy SEALs workout for MANY hours EVERY day (except Sundays) practicing high endurance training and HIIT of calisthenics like Push-ups, pull-ups, dips, sit-ups, leg raises, jump squats, holding a raft above your head while marching around the beach, holding a log on the shoulders while hiking up a hill with your buddy, rowing around in the boat, swimming and running tons of miles every week! Absolutely rediculous to compare CrossFit to Navy SEAL training. Let me get right down to it...EVERY single exercise in Mark's book (excluding running and swimming because CrossFitters don't do much of that) is a CrossFit exercise and even the ones INVENTED by CrossFit are in his book. Some of the movements are very contraindicated. 8 Weeks to...Some More Injuries, is what this book should be titled. It is not safe for beginners or intermediated athletes, only experts should try some of the movements. The same thing could be said about CrossFit. I sustained more injuries in a shorter period of time than any other competive sport during the 18 months of unecessary torture. If you want safer methods of athletic fitness check out Jeff Cavalier AthleanX on YouTube for free or Mike Mathews on the store. If you want real SEAL fitness check out Stew Smith. He has a traditional SEAL book published that actually shoes how the SEALs train and even though SEAL training sustains a lot of injuries i bet the CrossFit "Boxes" have even higher rates of injury. Save your money. Buy the Perfect Pull-up, Gymnastic Rings to attach to the bar, a yoga mat, tight swim shorts :), a good pair of running shoes and buy some sand bags to carry around on your back! That is closer to SEAL fit than this steaming pile.

I absolutely love this book. Mark Divine makes sealfit training seem like an attainable goal for anyone...and that is a feat within itself. 8 Weeks to Sealfit is easy to read and makes you want to try all of the exercises.