By Rob Shaul, Founder, MTI
We’ve studied Pull Ups, Push Ups and the different ways to improve performance multiple times over the past decade of MTI’s existence.
“Grease the Groove” is made popular by kettlebell guru Pavel Tsatsouline, and involves completing multiple sets of both Hand Release Push Ups and Pull Ups each day, but far below max effort. More HERE on the general theory. This program deploy’s MTI’s take on the general Grease the Groove idea.
In a 3.5 week mini-study completed March, 2020, we found MTI’s version on Grease the Groove outperformed our Density progression for Hand Release Push Up and Pull Up max rep improvement.
This 5-Week plus one day Push Up / Pull Up Improvement Training Plan deploys of MTI’s version of the Grease the Groove progression.
This is an assessment-based program. You’ll assess max push ups (2 minutes) and pull ups three times (beginning, middle and end) during this cycle. You’ll train 5 days/week during this plan.
Your follow-on progressions are based on your most recent assessment results. In this way, the plan automatically “scales” to your incoming fitness and continues to push you as your fitness improves.
This is not a general fitness program … it’s sole focus is on push ups and pull ups. You’ll be completing sets of push ups and pull ups multiple times during the day. For this reason, to complete the pull up portion of the plan, you’ll need ready/easy access to a pull up bar of some type.
Weekly Schedule
- Mon: Max Rep Assessment or Grease the Groove Push Up / Pull Up Progression
- Tues: Grease the Groove Push Up / Pull Up Progression
- Wed:Grease the Groove Push Up / Pull Up Progression
- Thurs:Grease the Groove Push Up / Pull Up Progression
- Fri: Grease the Groove Push Up / Pull Up Progression
- Sat: Rest
- Sun: Rest
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Pull Up Bar – easy access throughout the day
- Stop Watch
COMMON QUESTIONS
What Equipment is Required?
- Pull Up Bar – easy access throughout the day
- Stop Watch
How much improvement should I expect to see?
This depends primarily on your incoming fitness. Less fit athletes will see a greater improvement. More fit athletes will see less improvement. In our work with the MTI Lab Rats, we’ll see a 5-20% improvement over 3 weeks deploying this progression methodology. For more specifics, see the mini-study results here.
Can I repeat this training plan?
Yes … but we only recommend repeating it once, back to back. Also – the second time through your gains will be less than the first time.
How Long do the Sessions Last?
Grease the Groove Progression will have you completing multiple sets of push ups and pull ups throughout the day. You’ll only complete one set of push ups and one set of pull ups each time, but the total time commitment does add up.
Can I complete these plans in conjunction with other training?
Yes – just be smart. Replace any upper body strength work in another program with the progressions in this program. Don’t double up.
What if I miss a training day?
Ideally, you will train 5 days in a row, and take 2 full days off for rest. If for some reason miss a session, do not skip ahead. Start again where you left off and complete the sessions in order throughout the plan.
What style of push ups does the plan deploy?
As written, the plan deploys MTI’s Hand Release Push Ups, but you can use any style of push up with this progression – regular push ups, ACFT Hand Release – Arms Extended Push Ups, etc…. as long as you use the same style of push up for the assessments and throughout the plan.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.
How do I access the plan? Pdf? Online?
Plan access is online, via username and password.
Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time.
What if I have more questions?
Email coach@mtntactical.com
DISCLAIMER
Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure that you are in proper health. Physical training contains inherent risks including, but not limited to, muscle strains, tears, physical and bodily injury up to and including death. This training program is not meant to provide medical advice; you should obtain medical advice from your private health care practitioner. If you are unable to assume these risks then you should not engage in this training program. No liability is assumed by Mountain Tactical Institute, Inc, its owners or employees, and you train at your own risk. Mountain Tactical Institute makes no warranty, express or implied, of any kind in connection with this training program.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Pull Up Bar - easy access throughout the day
- Stop Watch
Below is the entire first week of programming from the plan:
*********
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: Assessment
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
Training:
(1) Max Hand Release Push Ups in 2 Minutes
You can stop and rest in the down position if needed, just keep working for the entire 2 Minutes
*** Rest 5 Minutes
(2) Max Rep Pull Ups - no time limit, but you can only rest in the down position - elbows fully extended, feet hanging, both hands holding onto the pull up bar.
Comments:
The specific style/type of push up you complete for today's assessment is not important - as long as you use the same style/type throughout the plan. This can include a regular push up (like for the APFT, FBI PFT, etc.), and the ACFT Hand-Release - Arms Extended Push Up.
***********
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Push Up, Pull Up Progression
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds
- 40% Max Rep Hand Release Push Ups, spread throughout the day. Not more than 1 Round every hour.
So, if you scored 42 Hand Release Push Ups in the SESSION 1 assessment, 42x.4 = 16.8 or 17 (round up)
8 Rounds per day, no more than 1 round per hour, complete 17x Hand Release Push Ups.
Use the same methodology to complete your pull ups below...
(2) 8 Rounds
- 40% Max Rep Pull Ups, spread throughout the day. Not more than 1 round every hour.
Comments:
It's okay to complete your hand release push ups and then follow after 3-5 minute rest with your pull up reps
So for your 9am Round, you could do your push ups, wait 3 minutes, then do your pull ups.
*************
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Obj: Push Up, Pull Up Progression
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds
- 40% Max Rep Hand Release Push Ups, spread throughout the day. Not more than 1 Round every hour.
So, if you scored 42 Hand Release Push Ups in the SESSION 1 assessment, 42x.4 = 16.8 or 17 (round up)
8 Rounds per day, no more than 1 round per hour, complete 17x Hand Release Push Ups.
Use the same methodology to complete your pull ups below...
(2) 8 Rounds
- 40% Max Rep Pull Ups, spread throughout the day. Not more than 1 round every hour.
Comments:
It's okay to complete your hand release push ups and then follow after 3-5 minute rest with your pull up reps
So for your 9am Round, you could do your push ups, wait 3 minutes, then do your pull ups.
***********
THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Push Up, Pull Up Progression
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds
- 40% Max Rep Hand Release Push Ups, spread throughout the day. Not more than 1 Round every hour.
So, if you scored 42 Hand Release Push Ups in the SESSION 1 assessment, 42x.4 = 16.8 or 17 (round up)
8 Rounds per day, no more than 1 round per hour, complete 17x Hand Release Push Ups.
Use the same methodology to complete your pull ups below...
(2) 8 Rounds
- 40% Max Rep Pull Ups, spread throughout the day. Not more than 1 round every hour.
Comments:
It's okay to complete your hand release push ups and then follow after 3-5 minute rest with your pull up reps
So for your 9am Round, you could do your push ups, wait 3 minutes, then do your pull ups.
***********
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Obj: Push Up, Pull Up Progression
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds
- 45% Max Rep Hand Release Push Ups, spread throughout the day. Not more than 1 Round every hour.
So, if you scored 42 Hand Release Push Ups in the SESSION 1 assessment, 42x.45 = 18.9 or 19 (round up)
8 Rounds per day, no more than 1 round per hour, complete 19x Hand Release Push Ups.
Use the same methodology to complete your pull ups below...
(2) 8 Rounds
- 45% Max Rep Pull Ups, spread throughout the day. Not more than 1 round every hour.
Comments:
It's okay to complete your hand release push ups and then follow after 3-5 minute rest with your pull up reps
So for your 9am Round, you could do your push ups, wait 3 minutes, then do your pull ups.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Do you have any reviews or testimonials from athletes who have used your Athlete's Subscription
Yes. Click HERE.
Is it true you guarantee your stuff works?
Yes. If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
How is MTI programming different than CrossFit?
This is a common question. Read our answer HERE.
You have a lot of competitors. Why should I choose MTI?
MTI is driven to improve mountain and tactical athletes' mission performance and keep them safe. This emphasis and focus on mission performance sets us apart. Read about more that sets us apart HERE.
If I purchase a plan or subscription, how do I access the programming?
All of our plans are online, accessible via username and password.
You can log in through our →Website or Mobile App →IOS and Android.
Do you have downloadable .pdf's of the training plans?
No. But you can print the programming, by week, from your browser. You access individual training plans online via a username and password.
Do you have a mobile app?
Yes, we do. Available for IOS and Android.
What is the difference between purchasing an individual training plan, packet of plans or an Athlete's Subscription?
- Plan - Like purchasing the DVD of the first Star Wars movie. You own it forever, including any updates we make to the plan.
- Packet - Like purchasing the DVD's of all the Star Wars movies. You own them forever, including any updates we make to the plans.
- Athlete's Subscription - Like subscribing to Netflix. You get access to all 200+ plan in our library, but lose access if you unsubscribe.
If I purchase an Athletes Subscription Can I cancel on my own, anytime?
Yes.
Do I have to contact MTI to cancel or can I do it myself?
You can do it yourself. Instructions HERE.
If I purchase a subscription and have questions about where to start or what plans(s) to use for my goals, will you help?
Yes. We answer dozens of training questions from athletes weekly. Email coach@mtntactical.com.
If you add new plans or update existing plans after I subscribe will I have access to them?
Yes. We are continuously adding training plans and packets (2-5/month) and updating plans. With your subscription you'll have access to all new plans, new courses and plan updates.
What Equipment is Required?
Click the "Required Equipment" tab to find out what equipment is required for the specific plan you are interested in.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run and Ruck Calculators are listed as exercises.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.
What if I have more questions?
Email rob@mtntactical.com