This 5-week, 4 session/week training plan is specifically built to increase performance on the MTI 45+ Fitness Assessment.
This fitness assessment is designed for older mountain and tactical athletes, ages 45 and older, with high training ages, who are beginning to experience joint issues – especially knees.
All mountain and tactical athletes will experience noticable physical decline in their late 40s and into their 50s. Many come to this age with significant mileage already on their joints, and most will begin to experience knee pain common to athletes this age. Others, will come with injury history such as knee, ankle and hip operations.
The exact age this begins to signficantly impact training isn’t universal, but in general, by 50, most find joint pain limits range of motion, some activities and especially, loaded, deep squatting.
This assessment has 4 events, spread over 2 days:
Day 1
- Event 1: 3RM Hinge Lift (3 Rep Max) – assesses overall total body strength
- Event 2: Max Rep Arms Extended Had Release Push Ups in 2 minutes – assesses upper body and core strength
- Event 3: Max Rep Sandbag Keg Lift in 90 seconds – assesses chassis integrity strength and strength endurance, explosive power, work capacity upper body pulling strength and grip strength.
Day 2
Athlete’s Choice ….
- Run 3 Miles for Time, or …
- Row 5000m for Time, or
- Stationary Bike 9 Miles for Time, or…
- Swim 1500m for Time
This training plan is assessment-based. You’ll take the MTI 45+ Fitness Assessment three times over the course of the plan – beginning, middle and end. The follow-on training sessions and progressions are based on your most recent fitness assessment results. In this way the plan automatically scales to the athlete’s incoming fitness, and continues to push him/her as their fitness improves.
Scroll to bottom to see how the assessment is scored.
Required Equipment
- 60# Sandbag for men, 40# sandbag for women
- Barbell and plates for the Hinge Lift
- 48″ ledge of some type for the Sandbag Keg Lift
- Stopwatch and Repeating Interval Timer (smartphone will work)
- Known 3-mile and 1 mile distances if you chose the run, Stationairy bike, rowing erg or pool for the other endurance options.
Weekly Training Schedule:
- Monday : Hinge Lift, HR Push Ups, SB Keg Lift assessment or progression
- Tuesday: Endurance Assessment or Threshold Endurance Intervals
- Wednesday: Rest Day
- Thursday: Hinge Lift, HR Push Ups, SB Keg Lift progression
- Friday: Moderate Pace Endurance
- Saturday: Rest
- Sunday: Rest
Common Questions:
What equipment is required?
- 60# Sandbag for men, 40# sandbag for women
- Barbell and plates for the Hinge Lift
- 48″ ledge of some type for the Sandbag Keg Lift
- Stopwatch and Repeating Interval Timer (smartphone will work)
- Known 3-mile and 1 mile distances if you chose the run, Stationairy bike, rowing erg or pool for the other endurance options.
Who is this plan appropriate for?
This is an intense training plan not appropriate for athletes with questionable fitness. It is appropriate fit, tactical and mountain athletes age 45+.
How long do the training sessions last?
Training sessions are designed to last 40-60 minutes.
- What does “4/8x” mean? How about “15/25#”?
First number is for women, second is for men, both for reps, and loading. Examples:
4/8x Chin Ups = Women do 4x, Men do 8x
15/25# = Women us 15#, Men us 25#.
What does “40/60#” mean?
Women use a 40-pound sandbag, men use a 60-pound sandbag
What does “Grind” Mean?
Work briskly, not frantically. Keep moving and work steady through the circuit(s).
What if I miss a training day?
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.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
On our “Exercises” page HERE
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
SCORING
3RM Hinge Lift
Divide your 3RM Hinge Lift by your bodyweight and see the chart below. For example, a 150 pound athlete scores a 3RM Hinge Lift of 225 pounds. 225/150 = 1.5 or 2 points for this event.
| Male 3RM Hinge Lift Relative Strength
(3RM load / bodyweight) |
3RM Hinge Lift Event Score | Female 3RM Hinge Lift Relative Strength
(3RM load / bodyweight) |
3RM Hinge Lift Event Score |
| <1.35 | 0 Points | <.9 | 0 Points |
| 1.36-1.45 | 1 Point | .91-1.05 | 1 Point |
| 1.46-1.55 | 2 Points | 1.06-1.2 | 2 Points |
| 1.56-1.65 | 3 Points | 1.21-1.35 | 3 Points |
| >1.65 | 4 Points | >1.35 | 4 Points |
Max Rep Hand Release Push Ups in 2 Minutes
| Male Athletes | HR Push Up Event Score | Female Athletes | HR Push Up Event Score |
| <15 Reps | 0 Points | <10 Reps | 0 Points |
| 16-25 Reps | 1 Point | 11-20 Reps | 1 Point |
| 26-37 Reps | 2 Points | 21-30 Reps | 2 Points |
| 38-50 Reps | 3 Points | 31-40 Reps | 3 Points |
| >50 Reps | 4 Points | >40 Reps | 4 Points |
Max Rep Sandbag Keg Lift @ 40/60# in 90 Seconds (48″ Ledge)
| Male Athletes | SB Keg Lift
Event Score |
Female Athletes | SB Keg Lift
Event Score |
| <10 Reps | 0 Points | <10 Reps | 0 Points |
| 11-20 Reps | 1 Point | 11-20 Reps | 1 Point |
| 21-30 Reps | 2 Points | 21-30 Reps | 2 Points |
| 31-40 Reps | 3 Points | 31-40 Reps | 3 Points |
| >40 Reps | 4 Points | >40 Reps | 4 Points |
3 Mile Run, 5000m Row, 1500m Swim, 9 Mile Stationary Bike
3-Mile Run
| Male Athlete Finish Time | Points | Female Athlete Finish Time | Points |
| >31:30 | 0 Points | >38:14 | 0 Points |
| 34:29-28:51 | 1 Point | 38:13-32:30 | 1 Point |
| 28:50-24:41 | 2 Points | 32:29-28:10 | 2 Points |
| 24:40-21:37 | 3 Points | 28:09-24:53 | 3 Points |
| <21:37 | 4 Points | <24:53 | 4 Points |
5000m Row
| Male Athlete Finish Time | Points | Female Athlete Finish Time | Points |
| >23:50 | 0 Points | >28:52 | 0 Points |
| 23:49-22:26 | 1 Point | 28:51-26:34 | 1 Point |
| 22:25-20:58 | 2 Points | 26:33-24:22 | 2 Points |
| 20:57-19:36 | 3 Points | 24:21-22:21 | 3 Points |
| <19:36 | 4 Points | <22:21 | 4 Points |
1500m Swim
| Male Athlete Finish Time | Points | Female Athlete Finish Time | Points |
| >34:40 | 0 Points | >35:02 | 0 Points |
| 34:39-27:38 | 1 Point | 35:01-28:37 | 1 Point |
| 27:37-21:47 | 2 Points | 28:36-23:09 | 2 Points |
| 21:46-17:11 | 3 Points | 23:08-18:44 | 3 Points |
| <17:11 | 4 Points | <18:44 | 4 Points |
9-Mile Stationary Bike
| Male Athlete Finish Time | Points | Female Athlete Finish Time | Points |
| >45:00 | 0 Points | >54:00 | 0 Points |
| 44:59-37:00 | 1 Point | 53:59-48:00 | 1 Point |
| 36:59-41:00 | 2 Points | 47:59-42:00 | 2 Points |
| 40:59-34:00 | 3 Points | 41:59-38:00 | 3 Points |
| <34:00 | 4 Points | <38:00 | 4 Points |
Overall Scoring Chart:
| Score | Point Range |
| Poor | 0-7 |
| Good | 8-11 |
| Excellent | 12-16 |
Example:
180# Male Athlete Results:
| Event | Result | Points |
| 3RM Hinge Lift | 305 Pounds (1.69) | 4 |
| Max Rep HR Push Ups | 32 Reps | 2 |
| Max Rep Sandbag Keg Lift | 45 Reps | 4 |
| 5000m Row | 20:30 | 3 |
| Final Score | 13 |
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.
- 60# Sandbag for men, 40# sandbag for women
- Barbell and plates for the Hinge Lift
- 48" ledge of some type for the Sandbag Keg Lift
- Stopwatch and Repeating Interval Timer (smartphone will work)
- Known 3-mile and 1 mile distances if you chose the run, Stationairy bike, rowing erg or pool for the other endurance options.
MONDAY
SESSION 6
Obj: Hinge Lift, Hand Release Push Up, Sandbag Cross Clean Progression
Warm-Up:
4 Rounds
8x Hinge Lift @ 65/95#
4x Hand Release Push Ups
10x Situps
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
USE YOUR SESSION 1 ASSESSMENT RESULTS TO CALCULATE TODAY'S HINGE LIFT LOADING AND HR PUSH UP AND SB KEG LIFT REPS
Training:
(1) 5x Hinge Lift @ 50% 3RM, then 3x Reps at 75% 3RM, then ....
5 Rounds
3x Hinge Lift at 85% 3RM
Hip Flexor Stretch
(2) 5 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds ...
30% Max Rep Hand Release Push Ups
Example - you scored 42 HR Push Ups on SESSION 1. 42 x .3 = 12.6 or 13 (round up). On "go" complete 13x HR Push Ups. The faster you finish the more rest you get before the next round begins.
(4) 5 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds ...
30% Max Rep Sandbag Keg Lift @ 40/60#
Split the reps between sides.
(4) Foam roll legs, low back
TUESDAY
SESSION 7
Obj: Endurance Repeats
COMPLETE THE SAME MODE OF EXERCISE (RUN, SWIM, BIKE, ROW) AS YOU COMPLETED IN THE SESSION 1 ASSESSMENT
Warm Up:
Easy 10-minute Run, Swim, Spin or Row, as applicable
Training:
(1) As Appropriate ...
2 Rounds:
Run 1 Mile at a your "1-Mile Interval Pace" using your SESSION 2, 3-mile run assessment time and the MTI Running Calculator
Rest 10 Minutes Between Efforts
OR ....
2 Rounds
Stationairy Bike 3 Miles at a Threshold Pace
Rest 10 Minutes Between Efforts
"Threshold" = fastest possible without straining
OR ....
2 Rounds
Row 1666m at your "1666m Interval Pace" using your SESSION 2, 5,000m Row assessment time and the MTI Row Calculator
Rest 10 minutes between efforts
OR ...
2 Rounds
Swim 500m at your "500m Interval Pace" using your SESSION 2, 1500m swim assessment time and the MTI Swim Interval Calculator
Rest 10 Minutes Between Efforts
(2) 2 Rounds
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec 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