IN TRAINING

Local Personal Trainer shares Navy SEAL experience with Hollywood hot bods and civilian fitness buffs

North County Times

E'Louise Ondash - Staff Writer

Scott Helvenston may have been born good looking, but he acquired his body the old fashioned way - he earned it.

The Carmel Valley man spent 12 years in the Navy's elite commando force known as the SEALs.  To qualify and maintain that status, SEALs must stay in top physical condition.

You can attain that same level of fitness, Helvenston says, but not with pills or fancy equipment.  You've got to do the work, and Helvenston just happens to have an exercise video to show you how it is done the SEAL way.

"I do exactly what you see on my video to stay in shape," said the 32 year old father of two.  "If you're looking for a gimmick, buy something else.  Getting in shape is not as hard as you think, but does take some work."

So far, hard work is what it has taken to make and market the video, titled "Navy SEAL Total Body Workout."

"I've been a one-man operation" Helvenston said, but folks are finally taking notice because of the debut of "G.I.Jane."  The movie stars Demi Moore, who portrays the first female to enter SEAL training.   Helvenston spent three months last year training and preparing her and other actors for the rigors of their roles.

SEAL is a acronym for sea, air and land.  Those who are accepted into the training must endure hellish conditions to survive and graduate.

"Demi played the part the whole time," Helvenston said.  "I was impressed with her persistence and dedication."   He may have had his doubts early on, however.

"It was the first hour of the first day of training," Helvenston recalled.  "We had had calisthenics -- push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and squat thrusts -- then did a one mile run.  After that, Demi lost it.  I'll always remember that picture.  She was bent over on her knees losing her cookies."

Moore remained in character, though, so Helvenston followed suit.

"I yelled, "Hey can you hang, Petunia, or what?" and she said, "Hoo yah.'"  Helvenston also had a small part in the movie.   He played -- what else? -- a SEAL instructor.

Helvenston joined the Navy at age 16, a decision that changed the course of his life.  His father died when he was 7, he said, and he was at constant odds with his mother.  During his teen years, he lived in 37 foster homes and a few other unconventional dwellings.

"I did a lot of bumming around.  I even lived in a Goodwill drop-off box.  They make cozy houses -- there are always blankets and jackets in there.  The element of survival has been in my life a long time."

Moving from place to place meant "I didn't have that much structure or guidance in my life while I was growing up.  The Navy provided me with the guidance I needed."

Helvenston left for boot camp on his 17th birthday.   Initially discouraged from entering the SEAL program, he tried out anyway.   His class numbered 103 at the beginning; 19 finished.  He was the youngest candidate to complete the program, he said.

"I don't consider myself a special (among SEAL ranks).   A lot of the SEALs were in my same situation.  I found a troubled childhood makes you independent and tough."

Helvenston spent his first eight years of service in Europe, Central America and South America, then the last four as an instructor.  He also earned a spot on the pentathlon team for the military version of the Olympics.

"This period of my life is where the seed of fitness was planted," he said.  "Fitness was going to be a part of my life in some way, shape or form for the rest of my life."

The "Total Body Workout" tape is an hour long, and the routines, which include stretching, bending and calisthenics, are structured into 15 minute segments.

"You can do a couple of routines each day," Helvenston said.  On the tape, Helvenston and two others demonstrate the routine.  Each one represents a different level of achievement : beginner, intermediate or advanced.

"They are basic exercises -- not unique," said Al Jones, a physical therapist and sports medicine specialist of Jones Sports Training and Rehabilitation in Vista, California.  "The exercises are good, and if you follow them, you'll improve."

Jones does have a word of caution for those with back problems though.  The exercises that involve bending forward and twisting could be detrimental, as well as those that strengthen the abdominal muscles.  The video warns at the start against trying the routine without consulting a doctor or physical therapist.

It will take some discipline to stick with the regimen, Jones said, "but if they had more programs like this in the schools, the kids would be more fit.  I think PE instructors could learn from it.  there should be some element of regimentation in physical education programs."

The "Total Body Workout" should be accompanied by some aerobic exercise, Jones said, and Helvenston has an accompanying video for that.  A third video is designed solely to strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Helvenston would eventually like to own a fitness center and host a television show.  "I'd talk about fitness with athletes and ask them how they stay in shape.  I've even got a name for the show. I'd call it 'Training Camp.'"

In the meantime, Helvenston's other talents other talents (underwater diving and demolitions expert) keep him in demand in Hollywood.  He was responsible for water safety during the shooting of several recent movies, including 'Face Off' and 'Raise the Titanic'.  He also is an actor and stunt man, and has appeared in television's 'Renegade,' 'silk Stalkings' and other shows.

And when ESPN staged the nationally televised X Games, Helvenston was at work behind the scenes advising on the technicalities of cross-country "adventure racing."

Just name a daredevil sport -- parachuting, free-falling, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking -- and Helvenston has taught it.

"My philosophy is that fitness is a mental thing," he said.  "Many people want to depend on outside entities to remain fit, but I don't like them to be dependant on equipment or another person.  As a personal trainer, I keep clients for four to six weeks.  They can pay me to do more, but in the end they must do the work.  They must look within themselves for inspiration."

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