Navy SEALs are synonymous with strength, endurance, and resilience. Their training ranks among the toughest in the world, designed to test every aspect of physical and mental toughness. It’s easy to see why many former Navy SEALs are seen as ideal candidates to lead fitness programs for athletes and civilians alike. But as recent incidents have shown, military training doesn’t always translate into safe or effective coaching. Despite their elite background, former Navy SEALs may not be the best choice when it comes to training athletes or the general public.
The Tufts University Incident: What Went Wrong?
A shocking incident at Tufts University demonstrates the risks of unqualified training. Nine lacrosse players were hospitalized after a voluntary workout led by a former Navy SEAL resulted in multiple cases of rhabdomyolysis. This dangerous condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney failure and even death if untreated.This situation highlights a fundamental issue: military-style workouts—designed for soldiers in life-or-death scenarios—are not appropriate for college athletes who are unprepared for such intensity. Although rare, rhabdomyolysis has surfaced repeatedly in extreme fitness programs inspired by military training, revealing the dangers of applying such methods to non-military contexts.
SEAL Training vs. Athletic Training: Not the Same Thing
Navy SEAL training is specifically designed to push recruits to their absolute physical and mental limits. Programs like Hell Week, which involve extreme endurance exercises and sleep deprivation, are meant to weed out all but the most resilient. In the process, injuries—and even fatalities—are not uncommon.But while this intensity is crucial for soldiers who might face combat, it’s overkill for college athletes or fitness enthusiasts who aim for health, performance, and longevity—not survival. Many former SEALs struggle to transition from the military mindset to the science of athletic coaching. Athletic training requires expertise in areas such as injury prevention, proper nutrition, and recovery strategies—all of which differ from military conditioning.
CrossFit and the Military-Style Workout Trend: Risk vs. Reward
CrossFit, a popular fitness movement inspired in part by military training, has only added to this issue. CrossFit workouts like the “Hero WODs,” which are named after fallen soldiers, have become incredibly popular but come with risks. These high-intensity workouts were designed for experienced athletes, but beginners often attempt them without properly scaling the intensity to match their fitness level.
Dave Werner, a former Navy SEAL and early CrossFit affiliate, pointed out that many civilians underestimate the intensity of these programs. Military personnel are trained to endure pain and push through exhaustion—qualities that can spell disaster when this same mindset is applied to civilians or athletes who haven’t undergone similar training.
Misconceptions About Military Expertise in Fitness Coaching
There’s a widespread assumption that surviving extreme military training qualifies someone to coach athletes or lead fitness programs. This is far from the truth. Surviving Hell Week and coaching a group of college athletes are vastly different skill sets. SEALs are trained for warfare, not for athletic coaching, and without the necessary knowledge in physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology, they risk pushing trainees too hard, resulting in serious injuries.In the case of Tufts University, the former SEAL leading the session was invited by the lacrosse team, raising questions about oversight. Why was someone without recognized fitness certifications allowed to lead such an intense workout? This incident underscores the importance of ensuring that all fitness trainers, regardless of background, hold certifications that qualify them to safely instruct athletes.
Why Professional Certifications Matter
Coaching is a field that requires professional certifications for a reason. Organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) ensure that certified coaches are well-versed in injury prevention, exercise science, and program design. This knowledge is crucial when working with both athletes and the general public.
By contrast, military training focuses on survival in extreme conditions, which doesn’t translate directly into everyday fitness. This gap in expertise can lead to serious consequences when former SEALs—or any elite military personnel—apply military methods to civilians without proper adjustments.
Conclusion: Choose Qualified Trainers for Your Fitness Goals
The recent incident at Tufts University serves as a stark reminder that an elite military background doesn’t automatically equate to qualifications in athletic training. The objectives, safety protocols, and recovery processes required for coaching athletes differ significantly from military training. Universities, athletic programs, and individuals must prioritize hiring certified fitness professionals who possess the proper skills and knowledge—rather than assuming that military experience guarantees effective or safe training.
