This 7-Week, 5 day/week fire academy workout plan is sport-specifically designed to meet the fitness demands of Fire Academies. The programming is progressive – it increases in intensity, volume, and difficulty as you work through it. This training plan is designed to be completed 7 weeks directly before you report to the academy. Week 7 is an unload/taper week which will allow to report to the academy fit and rested.
This is Version 2 of the plan, updated in November 2020.
FITNESS DEMANDS
While each state/department is different, in our research we found these common fitness demands:
- Morning PT – Pull Ups, Push Ups, Sit Ups, Dips, and other bodyweight calisthenics, as well as unloaded running at a threshold to moderate pace.
- Fire Grounds Training – Multiple hours in turn out gear conducting fire suppression, ladder, rescue, emergency egress, and other drills.
- Low Movement – Advancing hose line and conducting searches in an IDLH environment
- Tower Training – Up and downstairs all day
- Chassis Integrity – Functional, transferable core/mid-section strength and strength endurance for mission performance and overall durability.
- Multi-Modal Work Capacity – Prepares candidates for hard, intense, threshold rescue and other evolutions
- Overall Endurance and Stamina – Often in turn out gear and under load during long days of frequent fire grounds training
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Monday: Morning PT Fitness Assessment or Pull Ups, Push Ups, Sit Ups, Dips, and Running work
- Tuesday: Strength, Fire Ground Endurance
- Wednesday: Work Capacity, Shuttle Sprints, Chassis Integrity
- Thursday: Stair Endurance, Moderate Run
- Friday: Strength, Fire Ground Endurance
FIRE ACADEMY WORKOUT PLAN VS OTHER FIRE RESCUE PLANS
The Fire Academy Workout Plan is a mission-direct, seven-week program designed for candidates preparing to enter or currently attending a fire academy. You’ll complete multiple assessments, high-volume sandbag circuits, long endurance work, and job-specific “fire-ground” sessions like stair climbs, step-ups under load, and chassis-integrity grinds to simulate real call-outs.
In contrast, the On-Ramp Fire/Rescue Plan builds your base fitness – introducing strength, work capacity, and aerobic foundation work for firefighters and first responders who aren’t yet ready for academy-level intensity. It’s ideal if you’re returning to training or need to establish durability before taking on the Fire Academy program.
Choose the Fire Academy Plan if you’re academy-bound and ready for heavy sandbag work, ruck-style endurance, and performance testing. Start with On-Ramp if you’re rebuilding fitness or preparing months out from selection.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How long are the fire academy workout plan sessions?
50-75 minutes.
What does 2/4x Pull Ups mean?
2x for female athletes, 4x for men.
What does 15/25# mean?
Female athletes use 15#, male athletes use 25#.
What if I miss a day?
Begin where you left off when you return to training. This program is progressed – each session builds upon the prior session – so don’t skip a session or skip around. Follow the training sessions in order, regardless.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run/Ruck Calculator is listed as an exercise.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Yes. Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming.
How do I access the plan?
Access is online, via username and password. You can log in either through our website or through our app (Mtn Tactical Fitness) available for IOS and Android.
Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time.
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.
This is a limited equipment training plan. The following equipment is needed:
- Stopwatch with repeating countdown interval timer (smartphone will work)
- Sandbag (60# sandbag for men, 40# sandbag for women) MTI sells sandbags here. As well, • you can make your own out of an old duffle bag or purchase one by clicking here..
- 25# Weight Vest (We recommend this one)
- Pair of Dumbbells (Men - 25#, Women - 15#)
- 15-18” bench or box for step ups
- Foam Roller
Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: Physical Fitness Test #1
Warm-up:
3 Rounds
4/8x Push-ups
4x Walking Lunges
8x Sit-ups
100m Run
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Max reps Pull-ups.
** Rest 3 Minutes
(2) Max reps Push-ups in 60 sec.
** Rest 3 Minutes
(3) Max reps Sit-ups in 60 sec.
** Rest 3 Minutes
(3) Max reps Dips in 60 sec.
** Rest 5 Minutes
(4) Run 1.5 miles for time.
RECORD RESULTS
******************************
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Strength, Fire Ground Endurance
Warm-up:
3 Rounds
4/8x Push-ups
4x Walking Lunges
8x Sit-ups
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
1) 5 Rounds
3x Quadzilla Complex @ 15/25#
3x Scotty Bob @ 15/25#
Hip Flexor Stretch for 60 seconds
2) 30 Minute Grind ...
Sandbag All Fours Drag @ 40/60#
5x Sandbag Getup and Run @ 40/60#
5x Sandbag Clean & Press @ 40/60#
20x Step Ups @ 15-18” Box
3) Foam Roll Legs/Low Back
******************************
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Obj: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
5x Walking Lunges
5x Burpees
10x Sit-ups
4x 40-Foot Shuttles
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds for Time
3x Sandbag Getups @ 40/60#
6x Burpees
Alternate Shoulders each round for the Sandbag Getups
Record Finish Time
(2) 6 Rounds
150m Shuttle Sprint every 1:15
150m Shuttle = set two cones 25m apart. Set a repeating countdown timer for 1 min 15 sec. On “Go” Sprint back and forth between the cones for 6x lengths or 3x round trips. Touch the line at each turn. The faster you finish, the more rest you get before the next round begins.
(3) 10 Minute Grind …
15/15 Standing Founder
5x Standing Slasher @ 15/25# dumbbell
15/15 Kneeling Founder
10x Sandbag Good Morning @ 40/60#
(4) 2 Rounds
Pigeon Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Foam Roll Low Back
******************************
THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Endurance
Training:
(1) 20 minute Step Ups for Reps @ 25# backpack or weight vest, 15-18” Box
RECORD YOUR SCORE
(2) Run 3 Miles, Moderate Pace
Moderate = comfortable but not easy
******************************
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Obj: Strength, Fire Ground Endurance
Warm-up:
3 Rounds
4/8x Push-ups
4x Walking Lunges
8x Sit-ups
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
1) 5 Rounds
3x Quadzilla Complex @ 15/25#
3x Scotty Bob @ 15/25#
Hip Flexor Stretch for 60 seconds
2) 30 Minute Grind ...
3x Sandbag Side to Side Push Press
3x Sandbag Clean + Run @ 40/60#
12x Dumbbell Crawl @ 15/25#
200m Run
3) Foam Roll Legs/Low Back
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