Navy Seal Fitness Requirements

The Navy SEALs consist of an elite fighting force created by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, according to the U.S. Navy. The physical fitness standards for the Navy SEALs are high. Besides possessing certain physical attributes to qualify for the training program, known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs or BUD/S, the recruit must pass an initial test before advancing in the training process.

Part of the eligibility requirements include being fit enough to pass the physical examination required for divers. If the recruit passes this examination and meets the qualifications for fitness, he may complete the Physical Screening Test requirements. The first test, according to the Navy, involves a 500-yard swim completed in 12 minutes, 30 seconds or less. Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL and a certified strength and conditioning specialist, says in Military.com that only three types of strokes are allowed: combat swimmer stroke, sidestroke and breaststroke. To remain competitive, Smith recommends completing the trial in eight to nine minutes. Recruits receive a 10-minute rest after completing the swim before the next task.

The remainder of the test takes place on land and begins with completion of 50 pushups in two minutes, according to the U.S. Navy. Smith recommends completing at least 100 pushups going as fast as the recruit can, while maintaining proper form. During the test the SEAL instructor will not count any pushup that is not properly executed.

After a two-minute rest, recruits complete situps, doing at least 50 in two minutes. Smith recommends doing at least 100 situps to remain competitive, but warns that the recruit should pace himself. To be in the 80- to 100-situps-in-two-minutes range, do 20 to 30 situps in 30 seconds.

Following two more minutes of rest, recruits complete 10 pullups in two minutes. Smith says the recruit should complete at least 15 to 20 pullups to stand out. Recruits are not allowed to not touch the ground or let go of the bar during the exercise.

The final physical fitness test, a 1.5 mile run, takes place after a 10-minute rest. The recruit must complete the run in 10.5 minutes or less. Smith says the exercise must be completed wearing boots and pants. A competitive time is in the 9- to 10-minute range. Aim for 90-seconds every quarter mile if you want to complete the run in nine minutes.