SGPT Interview with Everyday Warrior athlete Jay Shepard

Check out this interview with Everyday Warrior Jay Shepard as he trains with SGPT Navy SEAL styled workouts and gets big results.

SGPT: Tell us about yourself? Where are you from and where do you train?

JS: My name is Jay Shepherd. My house in Kensington, Maryland is exactly 10.0 miles to the White House in Washington, DC and is my home base for all my training. Ever since COVID, I’ve transitioned from working out in an indoor gym to an all outdoor, all functional training program using the tools from SealGrinder PT.

SGPT: How did you hear about SGPT and get started?

JS: After my 20XL attempt in 2019 I was looking for a cadre of teammates that could help me recover and grow in areas that I needed to be successful in crucibles. I participated in a pushup challenge in the Summer of 2019 on SGPT and was hooked.

SGPT: Which program did you start with and why did you chose that one?

JS: I started with the SGPT 30 Day Bodyweight Program. I chose that one because it seemed challenging, could be done anytime/anywhere, and reinforced the functional training I felt I needed after participating in the SEALFIT 20XL.

SGPT: Do you work out at home or local gym? What equipment do you use for workouts?

JS: Home and at neighboring parks. I rely heavily on my pullup bar, sandbags (50#, 100# and a smaller 30# KB style), 28.5mm Olympic barbell and rubber plates, a homemade box for step ups, a 50# slamball for log simulations, yoga mat, 15’ x 2” manila rope, Olympic rings, a homemade sled (need to find something better) a boxing heavy bag (80#), and a pair of LALO shadow amphibians.

SGPT: How long have you been on that workout series and what were your results?

JS: I’ve since switched to a variety of SealGrinder PT workouts. One of my favorites was the Controlling the Chaos course and the 45 Day Tier 1 with simulated Hell Week. I know I have grown stronger in every way as a result of these programs, but the biggest difference is in the daily discipline I’ve developed as part of these programs. I write in my journal after every workout. And have finally developed a morning and evening ritual to help clarify goals and prepare my body for rest.

SGPT: How has your nutrition been during the workout series?

JS: Nutrition is the cornerstone for athletic performance. It allows for growth, sustaining energy, and recovery. Fueling with foods rich with what the body needs is not just good for athletic performance, but also for dealing with stress and chaos in our lives. During heavy training, I boost my intake of food to try to keep up with the calorie expenditures. Am reminded that Michael Phelps would consume up to 10,000 calories/day during the Olympics and though not nearly at that level in any regard, your body needs fuel to operate at a high level, regardless of the sport.

SGPT: How has your sleep averaged and are you getting enough rest days?

JS: Rest is a priority and it begins with having a consistent disciplined routine before bed. I try to limit water intake about 2 hours prior to sleep and always now read at least 10 minutes before bed – not to help me sleep (although it does) but to build mental discipline. I usually average between 7.5 and 8 hours/night. I also have developed some techniques for getting back to sleep if/when I wake in the middle of the night. I avoid checking the mobile phone at least 30 mins prior to bed time to control content and avoid blue screen issues.

SGPT: What is one thing that you would like to see in future workouts?

JS: This past year included a mission-style focus to our training which I greatly enjoyed and thrived under. Mental focus under strain is something I could see working on this year. When tired, exhausted, etc. and still be sharp in the mental game is tough and takes practice.

SGPT: Thanks for the interview and great job on pushing forward 1% and making gains!

JS: Thank you so much Coach!

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