Question from a reader: "Coach, what's the ideal body type for BUD/S?"
Great question — and one I get all the time. Here's the honest answer.
The #1 Body Type That Makes It Through BUD/S
The ideal body type for BUD/S is one that doesn't know how to quit.
I know that sounds like a dodge, but it's the truth. I've seen big guys ring the bell on Day 1 and smaller guys make it all the way through Hell Week. Mental toughness trumps physical build every single time.
That said — if you're asking about the physical sweet spot, here's my honest take after years of coaching SEAL candidates:
The Optimal Physical Profile
- Height: 5'7" – 6'0" range tends to perform best
- Weight: 165 – 185 lbs is the functional sweet spot
- Body fat: Not super lean — you