This 6-Week, 6 day/week training plan is designed specifically to increase or maintain 1-Repetition Max (1RM) strength for the Back Squat, Bench Press and Hinge Lift (Dead Lift) while concurrently training rucking fitness. You will also train to increase your max number of strict Pull Ups.
Please note that in general, research has shown that endurance programming negatively effects strength, but that strength programming does not negatively effect endurance.
This plan is the result of several requests from soldiers and other tactical athletes who have taken up power lifting, but have seen a subsequent decline in their rucking fitness as well as civilan and other athletes who want to concurrently train strength and rucking fitness.
This is Version 2 of the plan, updated October, 2024.
FITNESS ATTRIBUTES
Strength Programming
This training program deploys MTIs Density Strength Progression, which deploys 1RM assessments for the Back Squat, Bench Press and Hinge Lift, as well as a max rep effort for Pull Up, and follow-on percentage-based progressions based on your most recent assessment results. Over the years we’ve found Density progression and intense, and efficient method for improving or maintaining strength.
By using beginning and mid-cycle assessments, and assessment-based follow-on progressions, this training plan automatically “scales” to the incoming strength of the individual athletes, and through the mid-cycle assessment, continues to push him/her through the entire 6 weeks of programming.
Run Programming
The rucking programming in this plan revolves around a 3-mile ruck assessment carrying a 45# Ruck, and individually-scaled follow on speed over ground intervals. For the speed over ground intervals, you’ll ruck threshold 1-mile intervals, 2-days/week. The interval paces are scaled to your individual, incoming running speed/fitness. As well, the plan deploys a mid-cycle, 3-mile ruck reassessment, so it continues to push you as your ruck fitness improves. On Saturdays, you’ll complete an easy-paced 3-5 mile ruck.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Training Week
Ideally, you will train Monday through Friday, and take Saturday and Sunday as full rest days. If for some reason you cannot keep this schedule, do not skip any sessions, do them exactly in order as they are designed.
- Monday: Strength Assessment or Strength Progression
- Tuesday: Rest or 1-Mile Ruck Intervals
- Wednesday: Ruck Assessment or Short Work Capacity + Chassis Integrity
- Thursday: Strength Progression
- Friday: Rest or 1-Mile Ruck Intervals
- Saturday: Easy Pace, 3-5 mile ruck.
- Sunday: Full Rest
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Stopwatch and track or known 3-mile and 1-mile distances
- Barbells, Plates, Rack and Bench for Back Squat, Bench Press and Dead Lift
- Pull Up Bar for Pull Ups
- Ruck (backpack) with 45# of filler
COMMON QUESTIONS
I’ve heard it’s bad on your joints to run with a ruck. Should I ruck-run while completing this program?
We doubt that ruck running is good for joints, however, MTI programs for the mission-direct fitness demands of the athlete – and for tactical athletes, running and even sprinting with a ruck is demonstrate fitness demand both real-world, tactical situations and many military and law enforcement schools and selections. So we ruck run …. but it’s up to you.
How long should the training session take?
In general, all sessions should take approximately 60 minutes to complete – excpect Saturday’s Easy Run Effort, which may push beyond 60 minutes.
Why are there two numbers listed for the exercises with assigned loads?
The lower weight is the prescribed weight for women, and the higher is for men, for example, Barbell Complex @ 45/65# means women use 45# and men use 65#.
What if I can’t make the prescribed reps for the strength exercises, or the prescribed interval times for the interval runs?
Do your best, and be sure to do the total number of rounds, even if you can’t make the reps or the time. If necessary for the strength exercises, it’s okay to break the sets and/or increase the interval as needed to complete the required reps and load.
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 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.
- Stopwatch and track or known 3-mile and 1-mile distances
- Barbells, Plates, Rack and Bench for Back Squat, Bench Press and Dead Lift
- Pull Up Bar for Pull Ups
- Ruck with 60 pounds of load for rucking.
SESSION 1 - MONDAY
Objective: Strength Assessment No.1
Warm Up:
4 Rounds:
- 8x Back Squat - Start at 45/65# and increase load each round as you warm up
- 4x Scotty Bob - 15/25#
- 8x Dumbbell/Kettlebell Hinge Lift - Start at 25/35# and increase load each round as you warm up
- Instep Stretch
- 5x Shoulder Dislocates
Training:
- Back Squat 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Back Squat
- Add 10-30# to your finishing warm-up load and do 5x reps, then add 10-30# and do 3x reps, then add 5-30# and do 1x rep (single). Continue to add weight and do singles until you reach your 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM). Aim to reach 1RM by your 4th or 5th single. RECORD 1RM BACK SQUAT
- Work up to 1RM Back Squat
- Bench Press 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Bench Press
- Start at a light load that you can easily complete 8x reps. Then add 10-30# and do 5x reps. Then add 10-30# and do 3x reps. Then add 5-30# and do 1x rep (single). Continue to add weight and do singles until you reach your 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM). Aim to reach 1RM by your 4th or 5th single. RECORD 1RM BENCH PRESS
- Work up to 1RM Bench Press
- Hinge Lift 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Hinge Lift
- Start at a light load that you can easily complete 8x reps. Then add 10-30# and do 5x reps. Then add 10-30# and do 3x reps. Then add 5-30# and do 1x rep (single). Continue to add weight and do singles until you reach your 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM). Aim to reach 1RM by your 4th or 5th single. RECORD 1RM Hinge Lift
- Work up to 1RM Hinge Lift
- Max Rep Pull Ups
- Max Rep Strict Pull Ups
- No time limit, but both hands must remain on the bar and feet can’t touch. RECORD MAX REP PULL UPS
- Max Rep Strict Pull Ups
1 Round:
- Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
SESSION 2 - TUESDAY
Objective: Total Rest
Warm Up:
- TOTAL REST
SESSION 3 - WEDNESDAY
Objective: Ruck Assessment No.1
Warm Up:
4 Rounds:
- 10x Squats
- 10x Push Ups
- 5x Walking Lunges
- Run 100m
- Instep Stretch
Training:
- Ruck Assessment
- Ruck 3 Miles for Time - 45# Ruck
- RECORD FINISH TIME
- Ruck 3 Miles for Time - 45# Ruck
2 Rounds:
- Instep +
SESSION 4 - THURSDAY
Objective: Strength Progression
Warm Up:
4 Rounds:
- 8x Back Squat - Start at 45/65# and increase load each round as you warm up
- 4x Scotty Bob - 15/25#
- 8x Dumbbell/Kettlebell Hinge Lift - Start at 25/35# and increase load each round as you warm up
- Instep Stretch
- 5x Shoulder Dislocates
Training:
You'll use your SESSION 1, Strength Assessment results to calculate today’s loading:
Back Squat Warm Up:
- 8x Back Squat - @ 50% 1RM, then...
- 5x Back Squat - @ 70% 1RM, then...
5 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Back Squat - @ 80% 1RM
Set a repeating, countdown timer to 90 seconds. On "GO" complete your prescribed number of reps as fast as possible. Faster you finish, the more rest you get before the next round begins.
Bench Press Warm Up:
- 8x Bench Press - @50% 1RM, then...
- 5x Bench Press - @ 70% 1RM, then...
5 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Bench Press - @ 80% 1RM
Hinge Lift Warm Up:
- 8x Hinge Lift - @ 50% 1RM, then...
- 5x Hinge Lift - @ 70% 1RM, then...
5 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Hinge Lift - @ 80% 1RM
5 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds:
- 3x Max Rep Pull Ups
1 Round:
- Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
SESSION 5 - FRIDAY
Objective: Ruck - Speed over Ground Intervals
Warm Up:
4 Rounds:
- 10x Squats
- 10x Push Ups
- 5x Walking Lunges
- Run 100m
- Instep Stretch
Training:
2 Rounds:
- Ruck 1 Mile, 45# Ruck - at your “1-Mile Interval Pace” using your SESSION 3, 3-Mile Ruck Time and the MTI Ruck Calculator
- Rest 8 Minutes between efforts
- Ruck Calculator
2 Rounds:
- Instep +
SESSION 6 - SATURDAY
Objective: Easy Ruck
Warm Up:
- Training:
- Easy Pace Ruck
- Ruck 3 Miles, Easy Pace - 45# Ruck
- "Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving - Zone 2 Training
2 Rounds:
- Instep Stretch
- Frog Stretch
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