Ready to test your limits with a Navy SEAL? Ever wondered how far you can push your physical and mental boundaries? How about an intense training experience in the heart of a New York winter? Are you daring enough to embark on a 31-day journey with a SEAL, testing your endurance, willpower, and mental toughness?

Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training With the Toughest Man on the Planet

In December 2010, a Navy SEAL moved into Jesse's home to train him during one of New York's snowiest winters. Airports closed, and the city was paralyzed by a storm. Jesse worried the mission would be compromised, but SEAL was unfazed. 

Day 1: The Arrival.
At 6:38 a.m., Jesse's house was ready for SEAL's arrival. Jesse was nervous, doing push-ups and checking the clock. By 7:00 a.m., SEAL knocked on the door, carrying no luggage and dressed for summer despite the freezing weather. His only greeting: "You ready?"

Jesse originally met SEAL at a 24-hour relay race in San Diego, where he stood out—running alone, weighing 260 pounds, and looking like a gladiator. SEAL finished the race with just crackers and water, leaving a lasting impression on Jesse. He had to meet him, so Jesse tracked him down and invited him to train him. SEAL agreed, with the condition that Jesse follow his every command.

Day 2: Nature’s Gatorade.
The next morning, Jesse struggled to sleep, his arms sore from pull-ups. SEAL woke him with intentionally loud noise at 6:00 a.m. They ran six miles in Central Park in silence. Later, they flew to Boston for a meeting with Kevin Garnett about Zico Coconut Water. SEAL was livid about the unexpected trip but joined Jesse anyway.

During a turbulent flight to Boston, SEAL remained calm, reading a magazine. Garnett and SEAL connected over fitness, and though Zico wasn’t discussed, Garnett wanted to be involved. Returning to New York, SEAL insisted on a nighttime run in freezing weather. Jesse's clothes were soaked and uncomfortable, and his nuts started to bleed from the friction. SEAL, unfazed, pushed Jesse to continue.

Day 3: My Nuts.
In Boston, they ran another six miles in the cold. Jesse's bleeding nuts worsened, but SEAL stayed focused. Later, at Logan Airport, SEAL sat motionless for hours, staring at a blank wall. They finally flew back to New York and ran another six miles. Jesse was exhausted but determined.

Day 4: Fitness Test.
SEAL woke Jesse at 5:30 a.m. for a fitness test: "Nickels and dimes" (pull-ups and push-ups), a treadmill incline challenge, and box jumps. They finished with a six-mile run. SEAL did push-ups everywhere, even during mundane tasks like answering the door for the doorman.

Despite the grueling workouts, SEAL's dedication was inspiring to Jesse. He pushed him beyond his limits, showing him what true discipline and mental toughness looked like.

Can You Survive Winter Training with a Navy SEAL?

Day 5: Escape Vehicle.
In New York City at 8 am, the morning starts with a surprise for Jesse. SEAL, his intense houseguest, bursts in with a fifty-pound camouflage backpack and four oars. "This is your escape vehicle out of Manhattan," he declares. Inside the bag? An inflatable raft for emergencies. "Brilliant!" Jesse says, but his wife, Sara, questions the practicality of hauling this heavy pack down 37 floors and paddling to New Jersey. SEAL insists, "Don’t underestimate adrenaline."

Later, SEAL drags Jesse to the gym for a grueling 500-rep workout, where they awkwardly encounter Sting. Post-gym, they meet a friend of SEAL's who lends him a fifty-pound weight vest. They do push-ups until Jesse can barely move. SEAL casually shares a story of running on a torn quad for 24 hours during a race, making Jesse realize he’s far from his limits.

Day 6: That Damn Finger.
At 4am, Jesse finds SEAL cursing out the TV remote. Jesse shows him how to use it, hoping to avoid his wrath. At 6am, SEAL wakes Jesse with a tap and a whisper, "Get up, motherfucker," and they head to Central Park for another intense run.

After the run, Jesse sticks to his morning fruit routine, inspired by his friend Harvey Diamond's book, "Fit for Life." SEAL later interrupts Jesse's workday with a "burpee test," timing how fast he can do 100 burpees. Jesse strips down to his boxers in the office and finishes in 11:45, barely meeting SEAL's standards.

That night, SEAL suggests another run. They escalate their pace every mile and do push-ups along the way. By the end, Jesse's hyperventilating, but SEAL is unfazed.

Day 7: Mix Up Your Runs.
At 05:30am, SEAL criticizes Jesse's predictable running routine. They sprint intervals in Central Park, leaving Jesse with a knife-like pain in his calf and a blister forming. Back home, SEAL insists they do 275 wet push-ups in their sweat-soaked clothes. Jesse learns about SEAL's childhood, pretending to be Rambo in the woods, and it dawns on him how little he knows about him.

Later, they fly to Atlanta on a private jet, where SEAL saves Jesse and a woman from a falling tree branch during a run. At night, SEAL drags Jesse out for a third run of the day.

Day 8: No Peeing Allowed.
After a dehydrating flight, they run six miles, and Jesse desperately needs to pee. SEAL berates him for poor planning, so he holds it in. At breakfast, Sara inquires about SEAL's eating habits. "I like to go to sleep hungry," he explains. He insists on inspecting their lake house for security, suggesting bulletproof glass for $785,000. Sara humorously asks, "When's the last time you saw someone with an M16 at Candlewood Lake?"

The next day, a frantic plumber calls. SEAL had accused him of overcharging them based on their wealth, yelling, "Google me, motherfucker!" The plumber, terrified, offers a 40% discount. SEAL's intensity leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

Living with a SEAL: Intense Workouts, Life Lessons, and Unexpected Encounters

Day 9: Oxygen Deprivation.
Training with SEAL has been an intense journey for Jesse. Despite feeling stiff and sore, he's noticed SEAL never stretches before or after their workouts. When Jesse asks him about it, SEAL's scowling reply is, “What do you want, a fucking leotard?” They head to Central Park for their run, and though Jesse's legs initially feel like concrete, they eventually loosen up. SEAL’s approach is straightforward—just start and finish.

After the run, they stop for pull-ups. SEAL effortlessly does 25 perfect ones, and Jesse struggles to complete 10. Back at home, Jesse soaks in a hot bath with a whole box of Epsom salts to ease his pain. Later, during a business meeting, SEAL pulls Jesse aside to finish their incomplete workout with 100 sit-ups. SEAL doesn’t care about the timing; he just wants the job done.

At night, Jesse discovers SEAL sleeping in a tent in his room, hooked up to a generator that deprives him of oxygen to simulate high-altitude conditions. It’s called an altitude-simulation tent, helping his body produce more red blood cells. As Jesse falls asleep, he's in awe of SEAL’s extreme training methods.

Day 10: The Honor Code.
At 5:00 a.m., SEAL is ready for another grueling workout, while Jesse is struggling to wake up. They do a push-up routine that totals 171 push-ups, 30 pull-ups, and interval runs. SEAL wants Jesse to run 100 miles a week, which sounds like overkill, but he pushes Jesse to his limits.

SEAL informs Jesse he’ll be away for three days for a 75-mile race and some business. He leaves Jesse with instructions to continue their rigorous regimen on the honor code. Jesse is left wondering about SEAL's mysterious activities.

With SEAL gone, Sara plans a romantic dinner for them. Despite Jesse's efforts, he manages to ruin the mood by devouring his food before they even sit down. Sara humorously teaches Jesse the basics of table etiquette, reminding him that fingers aren’t for scooping food.

Days 11-12: Enjoy the Pain.
Jesse sticks to SEAL’s training plan while he’s away, feeling a bit lonely without his intense presence. When SEAL returns, he tells Jesse he completed the 75-mile race despite breaking all the metatarsals in his feet. Instead of seeking medical help, SEAL decides to "enjoy the pain" he earned.

Later, SEAL emails Jesse, stating that training will continue despite his injuries. When he arrives, he limps in with visibly damaged feet. He sits on the couch, savoring his pain, displaying his relentless toughness.

At night, SEAL plays the Rocky theme repeatedly in his room before emerging, drenched in sweat, boasting about completing 2,500 push-ups. Sara is not pleased with the growing sweat puddle on her cherished rug.

They head to the gym for a late workout, doing an intense treadmill routine and more push-ups and sit-ups. SEAL's rigorous and unforgiving training regime is exhausting but oddly exhilarating for Jesse. SEAL's relentless drive and discipline continue to push Jesse beyond his limits.

Can You Survive an Intense Workout Regime with a Navy SEAL?

Day 13: Sick Fuck Friday.
In New York City, despite completing 484 push-ups and getting minimal sleep, SEAL is already up at 8am, preparing for a run. He dubs it "Sick Fuck Friday," noting the eerie emptiness of Central Park. They embark on a grueling five-mile hill run, Jesse's shoulders screaming from yesterday's push-ups. Later, while Jesse's shoulders are incapacitated, SEAL returns from the gym having completed 600 pull-ups, emphasizing resilience by telling Jesse to take a "suck-shit pill."

At 12:30 a.m., SEAL wakes Jesse up for a midnight workout. Running three miles in freezing weather, they perform 800 jumping jacks and 200 push-ups. The park is deserted, and the cold is bone-chilling. Jesse collapses into bed afterward, feeling like he's on a mission in Serbia.

Day 14: Fireman’s Carry.
The day begins with SEAL popping a handful of mysterious pills before they head to the basement for a fireman carry workout. They carry each other, do flutter kicks, and push-ups in a relentless circuit. A resident witnesses their intense session, likely questioning their sanity.

Later, SEAL checks Jesse's burpee progress. Despite Jesse's exhaustion from a punishing day, including a Knicks game, SEAL insists they run six miles at 11:00 p.m. Jesse's shoulders are in agony, but he presses on, finishing the run in silence. SEAL warns, "Tomorrow starts at oh six hundred."

Day 15: It’s All About the Push-ups.
They run eight miles starting at 6am, with SEAL pushing the pace. Afterward, Jesse devours bananas and honey, feeling proud of his progress, though SEAL remains stoic. They fly to Atlanta together for a meeting.

At 10pm in Atlanta, SEAL and Jesse do 350 push-ups, emphasizing proper form. Later, at dinner, SEAL’s hyper-alertness makes him suspicious of their waiter, seeing potential threats everywhere.

Day 16: Stay Lite.
In Atlanta, they run three miles down Peachtree Road. SEAL, shirtless, turns heads, especially among Sara's colleagues. Back in NYC, SEAL's excitement peaks as he unveils a fifty-pound weight vest for their runs, turning an already challenging workout into torture. Despite Jesse's protests, SEAL insists they run with the vest and even includes Jesse's toddler, Lazer, in the training session.

Exhausted and starving, Jesse orders food, but SEAL stays disciplined, opting for a banana and almonds. As Sara checks in, Jesse assures her everything's under control, despite the day's brutal challenges.

Throughout these days, SEAL's relentless drive pushes Jesse to limits he never imagined, transforming ordinary routines into extraordinary tests of will and endurance.

Living with a Navy SEAL: An Extraordinary Test of Will and Endurance

DAY 17: Morning Gym Routine and Bob Costas.
At 5:00 a.m., Jesse heads to the gym with SEAL, only to find Bob Costas on the treadmill. They chat sports between sets. SEAL meticulously sets up their workout stations like a wedding planner. They go through a rigorous routine: dumbbell bench presses, seated rows, military presses, triceps pull-downs, curls, sit-ups, and flutter kicks. Costas is now fixated on their workout as SEAL compliments Jesse's form for the first time.

SEAL makes Jesse wear a weight vest to work. They look like suicide bombers, drawing stares as they walk down Park Avenue. SEAL seems more human during these walks, though he remains hyper-vigilant, sometimes altering their route due to his suspicions. They talk sports and life, and it’s clear SEAL is curious about Jesse's world, just as Jesse is about his simplicity.

After inhaling two veggie burgers, SEAL and Jesse hit the gym again for an interval run. Jesse struggles but pushes through with some gas-induced hilarity. Later, SEAL suggests running to Barneys for holiday shopping. They arrive sweaty, buy gifts, and run back with shopping bags. Another intense workout day: 3 miles, 465 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, flutter kicks, and SEAL circuits.

DAY 18: A Morning Off and a Lesson.
Miraculously, they take the morning off. Jesse plays with his son Lazer, building towers with blocks. SEAL and Jesse walk directly to his office, a rarity. On the way, Jesse shares a story about controlling situations, recalling a nerve-wracking performance at a charity event where he avoided being booed by throwing T-shirts to the crowd. SEAL is impressed, and they head to work.

In the office, SEAL guards the door as Jesse takes a nap. Later, they meet Jesse's nephew Yoni, who’s in excellent shape. SEAL manipulates him into joining their workout, and Yoni regrets not leaving earlier. SEAL even convinces him to consider the Navy, but a grueling run leaves Yoni reconsidering.

DAY 19: Push Through the Pain.
They run 6.1 miles in Central Park. Jesse's shoulders scream from the thousands of push-ups, but he pushes through. Later, they attend a meeting with a major hotel chain, wearing their weight vests. The executives are fascinated by SEAL, leading to a productive discussion.

At Jesse's company’s holiday party, SEAL’s eating habits shock everyone. He answers their questions with terse replies. Despite drinking sake, SEAL insists on night-time push-ups. Buzzed, Jesse manages 200 before collapsing into bed.

DAY 20: Focus on Basics and Unexpected Company.
They start the morning with push-ups and sit-ups. SEAL’s philosophy on fitness and simplicity is sinking in. Jesse's friend Bryan visits, and SEAL challenges them to a five-minute push-up round, impressing Bryan with Jesse's progress.

Despite Jesse's exhaustion, SEAL drags him on an eight-mile run through Central Park. His advice is blunt: if you’re hungry, run faster. His vigilance even extends to imaginary threats. They return home, and SEAL reminds Jesse: “It’s all about the conditions.” They then fly to Atlanta for a quick trip.

In Atlanta, Jesse finds SEAL on the lookout, convinced a white van is surveilling them. He’s determined to catch it, planning to camp out every night. 

Is Bob Costas Secretly Inspired by a Navy SEAL's Intense Workout Routine?

Day 21: One Rep at a Time.
Back in New York City, SEAL and Jesse hit the park for a ten-mile run in reverse order—four miles in the morning and six miles at night. The silence of SEAL during their runs is impressive; he has mastered the art of being present. As they run, Jesse's mind races with countless thoughts, but he's learning to focus, step by step, thanks to SEAL.

After a plain pasta meal, they head out for the second part of their run. Jesse's bloated stomach protests every step, while SEAL effortlessly maintains pace. At around four miles, Jesse discovers that breathing through his diaphragm helps, and he makes it home, completing their ten-mile day.

Days 22-23: Night Training.
Christmas in New York is magical, but they head to Connecticut for the holidays. SEAL and Jesse maintain their routine with a six-mile mountain run. After exchanging gifts, SEAL gives Jesse's son Lazer a miniature camouflage outfit—an unexpected but thoughtful gesture. 

At 2 a.m., SEAL wakes Jesse for a night run, introducing his 4-4-48 challenge: four miles every four hours for forty-eight hours. They start training with four 4.25-mile runs. Running in the freezing, dark conditions is brutal, but SEAL's night vision and relentless pace keep them going.

During the runs, SEAL shares a hilarious story about his desperate attempt to get NBA star Grant Hill to record a commercial. Despite the cold and fatigue, they push through, completing their runs and countless push-ups.

Day 24: Whiteout.
A blizzard hits Connecticut, but SEAL sees it as the perfect challenge. They run 3.5 miles in the mountains, with SEAL wearing a fifty-pound weight vest. Back home, SEAL insists on changing up routines, even when it comes to mundane tasks like getting the mail.

Late at night, Sara hears a noise and finds SEAL on the stationary bike. He rides through the night, determined and relentless. The next morning, Jesse finds him still pedaling, drenched in sweat, embodying his unstoppable spirit.

Conquering Milestones with SEAL

Day 25: Getting Your Balls Wet.
Fear is a powerful motivator, and SEAL knows how to use it. On a freezing day in Connecticut, SEAL takes Jesse on a grueling five-mile run up the nearly vertical Wanzer Hill. Exhausted and in pain from an old basketball injury, Jesse complains about his swollen foot. SEAL's solution? Plunge it into the icy lake.

The lake is partially frozen, and SEAL jumps into a hole in the ice, urging Jesse to follow. Reluctantly, he does, experiencing the excruciating cold up to his waist. Suddenly, SEAL yells about frostbite, and they scramble out, running barefoot up the hill, driven by fear of losing their toes. 

Back home, Jesse's wife Sara is furious with their reckless behavior. SEAL, unfazed, insists they capitalize on the adrenaline rush with 225 push-ups. Later, he pushes Jesse further with a 125-degree steam room session, testing his willpower to the limit. "You don’t even know what suffering is," he tells Jesse, and he’s right. After, he sends Jesse on a solo jog, emphasizing self-understanding. Jesse returns to find him waiting, pushing him to do 100 push-ups in the snow. 

By the end of the day, Jesse is a beaten man, but he’s starting to embrace the challenges. Workout totals: 9.5 miles, 775 push-ups, 125 sit-ups, 21-minute steam, frozen lake.

Day 26: Primary Target.
The next morning, Jesse is fully recovered from the steam room ordeal. Feeling strong, he sets a personal best on their 4.5-mile mountain loop. Back home, Jesse tries to get SEAL to watch TV, but his focus is always on safety. He talks about protecting "the primary"—Jesse's wife and son.

Later, Jesse spends a few hours closing out the year, making donations, and sending holiday cards. SEAL respects Jesse's need for this time but insists they end the day with a high-speed five-mile run. Jesse’s feeling fit, almost immortal. Workout totals: 9.5 miles.

Day 27: 1,000 Push-ups.
"Today is goal day," SEAL announces. The challenge? One thousand push-ups. Jesse starts with ten quick sets of ten. Throughout the day, he pushes through sets of push-ups, his triceps burning with each rep. By the end, his arms are trembling, but he’s done it—one thousand push-ups in one day. 

Jesse feels a sense of pride he hasn’t felt before. SEAL, however, never celebrates victories. To him, it’s just a step towards the next goal. They head out for a 3.5-mile run, and SEAL continues his own push-up regimen late into the night. Jesse realizes that with fitness, there’s no finish line. Workout totals: 3.5 miles and 1,000 push-ups!

Day 28: Up the Ante.
They start the day with an 8.5-mile run, known as the "Big Boy Run" for its grueling hills. Jesse finishes with negative splits, feeling psyched. But SEAL wants more. The lake is frozen solid, so he breaks the ice with a boulder, and they plunge in again. Sara is not happy, but they feel amazing.

Later, they do more push-ups, and as Sara and Jesse pack for a trip to Atlanta, she reveals she’ll miss SEAL and even wants to start working out with him. It’s a testament to the impact he's had on their lives. Workout totals: 8.5 miles, 300 push-ups, frozen lake.

Can You Survive SEAL's Brutal Boot Camp Challenge?

Day 29: Sloppy Seconds.
SEAL and Jesse embarked on a grueling 10.6-mile run in slushy conditions. As usual, he pushed the pace, finishing well ahead of Jesse. After the run, he put Jesse through an intense workout before they rushed to catch their flight to Atlanta. Despite the punishing regimen, SEAL's relentless drive kept them pushing forward.

In Atlanta, their cleaning lady alerted Jesse to two suspicious men in their yard. SEAL dealt with them swiftly and decisively, leaving one of them terrified and unlikely to return. His no-nonsense approach ensured their safety and underscored his protective nature.

During a New Year’s Eve dinner with friends, SEAL declared he had no need for resolutions, aiming only to improve on his already rigorous routine. Later, he engaged with their guests, his tough exterior softening to reveal a more introspective side.

Day 30: Last Run.
Returning to New York, Jesse learned SEAL would leave the next day. Despite the news, they completed their final run together, significantly improving Jesse's pace from their first run a month ago. His training had transformed Jesse both physically and mentally.

Day 31: A Sad Day.
Jesse woke to find SEAL gone, leaving behind only a note. The house felt different without him, but his impact was evident everywhere. Jesse realized he had gained more than just physical fitness; he had adopted his mindset of discipline and minimalism.

Months later, SEAL joined them in the Bahamas but remained focused on his training, even in paradise. A year later, he called to say he was in New York but chose to sleep in Central Park rather than impose on them. His unwavering dedication to his principles left a lasting impression on Jesse.

Living with a SEAL: 31 Days of Grit, Discipline and Transformation

Imagine a grueling winter in New York, and you're training with a Navy SEAL. That's exactly what Jesse experienced in December 2010. SEAL, a 260-pound gladiator-like figure, moved into Jesse's home, challenging him to follow his every command. 

Day after day, they pushed limits. From early morning runs in Central Park to late-night workouts, Jesse's comfort zone was nowhere in sight. SEAL's rigorous training regimen, relentless drive, and intense discipline inspired Jesse. They even had unexpected encounters with celebrities like Kevin Garnett and Sting. 

SEAL introduced Jesse to his unusual training methods, like sleeping in an altitude-simulation tent and wearing a fifty-pound weight vest during workouts. He also shared stories about his extreme endurance, like running on a torn quad for 24 hours. 

Days were filled with challenging workouts, unexpected adventures, and life lessons. For example, SEAL once woke Jesse in the middle of the night to start a 4-4-48 challenge - four miles every four hours for 48 hours. 

They even braved a blizzard, running with a fifty-pound weight vest, demonstrating SEAL's unstoppable spirit. Jesse also learned the power of fear as a motivator when SEAL made him plunge his swollen foot into an icy lake. 

With each passing day, Jesse pushed his physical and mental limits, transforming ordinary routines into extraordinary tests of will and endurance. He witnessed SEAL's vigilance, not only during their workouts but also in ensuring the safety of his family.

By the end of this intense month-long training, Jesse had learned more than just discipline and mental toughness. He had adopted SEAL's simple yet powerful philosophy on fitness and life. His journey with SEAL was a testament to the power of relentless drive and discipline. 

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Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training With the Toughest Man on the Planet

Jesse Itzler

Ready to test your limits with a Navy SEAL?

Ever wondered how far you can push your physical and mental boundaries?

How about an intense training experience in the heart of a New York winter?

Are you daring enough to embark on a 31-day journey with a SEAL, testing your endurance, willpower, and mental toughness?

Key Ideas

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