We’ve studied Pull Ups, Push Ups and the different ways to improve performance multiple times over the past decade of MTI’s existence.
Over the years we’ve developed four distinct programming methodologies for pull up improvement:
1. Density
2. Volume
3. Eccentric
4. Weighted
This 3-Week Push Up / Pull Up Improvement Training Plan deploys of our “Density” progression methodology. This is the same programming methodology MTI deploys in our tactical fitness assessment training plans such as the USMC PFT Training Plan and the FBI Special Agent Training Plan.
MTI’s Density progressions utilize percentages of the athlete’s max pull up effort on a running clock in order to automatically scale to the athlete’s level of fitness. A single training session only takes 20 minutes and has proven to be an effective method of improving push ups and pull ups for MTI’s Lab Rats in Wyoming and mountain/tactical athletes around the world.
You’ll assess max push ups (2 minutes) and pull ups 2 times (beginning and end) during this cycle. You’ll train 4x/week in this 3-week plan.
How to find your prescribed push up number:
Example: Athlete performs 54x push ups during the 2-minute push up assessment.
Session 4 calls for…
(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec.
30% of your Max Reps Push Ups from SESSION 1
Which means …..
30% of 54x pull ups is 16.2 (.3 x 54 = 16.2). Round up to 17.
Set your timer to 75 sec. On Round 1, do 17x push ups as fast as possible with proper form, then rest for the remaining time in the 75 sec. interval.
When Round 1’s 75 sec. is up, immediately begin Round 2 by sprinting through 17x push ups as fast as possible with proper form, again resting for the remainder of the 75 sec. interval after completing all 17 reps. Repeat this through 6 Rounds.
How to find your prescribed pull up number:
Example: Athlete performs 12x pull ups on the max pull up assessment.
Session 4 calls for…
(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec.
30% of your Max Reps Pull Ups from SESSION 1
Which means …..
30% of 12x pull ups is 3.6 (.3 x 12 = 3.6). Round up to 4.
Set your timer to 75 sec. On Round 1, do 4x pull ups as fast as possible with proper form, then rest for the remaining time in the 75 sec. interval.
When Round 1’s 75 sec. is up, immediately begin Round 2 by sprinting through 4x pull ups as fast as possible with proper form, again resting for the remainder of the 75 sec. interval after completing all 4 reps. Repeat this through 6 Rounds.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Mon: Density Push Up / Pull Up Progression
- Tues: Density Push Up / Pull Up Progression
- Wed: Rest
- Thurs: Density Push Up / Pull Up Progression
- Fri: Density Push Up / Pull Up Progression
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- PVC Pipe
- Pull Up Bar
- Wrist Watch or Timer
COMMON QUESTIONS
What Equipment is Required?
- PVC Pipe
- Pull Up Bar
- Wrist Watch or Timer
What if I can’t make the prescribed number of push ups for the progressions?
It’s ok to break up push up reps during a round. If you hit absolute failure, complete the remaining reps on your knees by doing knee push ups. Don’t quit.
What if I can’t make the prescribed number of pull ups for the progressions?
It’s ok to break up pull up reps during a round. If you hit absolute failure, complete the remaining reps with eccentric pull ups instead (Jump up, and lower yourself to a slow 5-second count). Don’t quit.
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.
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?
Approximately 20 minutes.
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.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run Calculator is listed as an exercise.
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 can’t do the whole session?
If you don’t have enough time to complete the whole session, you can split the session into two.
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.
- PVC Pipe
- Pull Up Bar
- Wrist Watch or Timer
Below is Week 1 From the Training Plan:
*************
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: Assessment
Warm Up: 3 Rounds
- 5x Hand Release Push Ups
- 5x Sit Ups
- 5x Squats
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 2 Min. Max Push-Ups
RECORD TOTAL REPS
(2) Max Reps Pull-Ups
RECORD TOTAL REPS
(3) 4 Rounds, every 75 sec
- 30% of your Max Reps Push-Ups
(4) 4 Rounds every 75 sec
- 30% of your Max Reps Pull-Ups
(5) 2 Rounds
- 5x Shoulder Dislocate
- 15x Shoulder Hand Job
- Unloaded (15x Each Arm)
Comments:
Parts (3) & (4) - You can break your sets of if needed. As well, you can go to your knees to finish push ups if necessary, and complete eccentric pull ups, if needed.
*****************
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Push-Up Progression
Warm Up: 3 Rounds
- 5x Push Ups
- 5x Sit Ups
- 5x Lunges
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec
- 30% of your Max Reps Push-Ups from SESSION 1
(2) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec
- 30% of your Max Reps Pull-Ups from SESSION 1
Comments:
Parts (1) & (2) - You can break your sets of if needed. As well, you can go to your knees to finish push ups if necessary, and complete eccentric pull ups, if needed.
***********
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Obj: Rest
**************
THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Push-Up Progression
Warm Up: 3 Rounds
- 5x Hand Release Push Ups
- 5x Sit Ups
- 5x Squats
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec
- 30% of your Max Reps Push-Ups from SESSION 1
(2) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec
- 30% of your Max Reps Pull-Ups from SESSION 1
(3) 3 Rounds
Unloaded (15x Each Arm)
Comments:
Parts (1) & (2) - You can break your sets of if needed. As well, you can go to your knees to finish push ups if necessary, and complete eccentric pull ups, if needed.
************
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Obj: Push-Up Progression
Warm Up: 3 Rounds
- 5x Push Ups
- 5x Sit Ups
- 5x Lunges
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec
- 35% of your Max Reps Push-Ups from SESSION 1
(2) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec
- 35% of your Max Reps Pull-Ups from SESSION 1
Comments:
Parts (1) & (2) - You can break your sets of if needed. As well, you can go to your knees to finish push ups if necessary, and complete eccentric pull ups, if needed.
2/18/22
I purchased the 3 week push up/pull up improvement plan to prepare myself for an upcoming SWAT team tryout this summer with my department, which involves a simple push/pull up test. After completing the plan, I tested myself and noticed immediate results. My numbers in both exercises increased by approximately 40%. I have no significant recommendations and will continue using the plan. As well as recommending it to others. Its simplicity and lack of gym equipment is great for anyone who is looking to increase their upper body strength in a simple manner.
__________________________________________
"The push up pull up improvement plan is great! Just 20 mins per day and you can greatly improve your upper body strength in such a short time. It's week 1 but am already making progress"
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