PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This 6-week training program is designed to improve short to moderate distance (25-1500m) swim performance and build water treading and underwater swimming capability.
Only a stopwatch, fins, goggles, face mask (if required by job/desired job), and a pool of known length are required to perform this program.
This is version 3 of the plan, updated June 2025.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
There are three objectives in this plan:
1. Improve swim speed and endurance
2. Improve swim efficiency
3. Build and improve underwater swimming capability
4. Build and improve water treading capability
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday: Short Swim Assessment or Short Swim Intervals, Treading
Tuesday: Long Swim Assessment or Long Swim Intervals, Treading
Wednesday: Kicking and Pulling Drils
Thursday: Short Swim Intervals, 25m underwater swims
Friday: Long, Moderate Paced Freestyle Swim – 1500-2000m
Long Swim Assessment
There are two distances of swimming assessments in this plan. You’ll use the freestyle stroke (front crawl) for the 500m swim assessment.
The stroke used for the 1500m Swim Assessment is the Athlete’s Choice – either Freestyle, or Combat Side Stroke with Fins
Athletes attending schools and/or selections (PJ, CCT, BUD/s, Rescue Swimmer, BORSTAR, Combat Diver, etc.) which have a combat side stroke in fins assessment or large component should use the Combat Side Stroke with Fins for the 1500m assessment. Wear a mask as well, if one is worn at school or the selection.
All others, complete the 1500m assessment using the freestyle (front crawl) stroke.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What if I miss a day?
If you miss a day, make up the session you missed the next day and follow the programming as prescribed. If this happens, we recommend training on a Wednesday or Saturday to stay on schedule.
My pool isn’t 25m, it’s 25yds., can I do all the distances in yards?
Yes.
Why can’t I make all of my interval times?
Swim as fast as possible, and the take the full prescribe rest between efforts.
What if I have more questions?
Contact rob@mtntactical.com
Good Luck!
Rob Shaul
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.
Only a stopwatch, fins, goggles, face mask (if required by job/desired job), and a pool of known length are required to perform this program.
SESSION 6
Obj: Speed intervals/Hypoxic Swimming
Warm up:
4 Rounds
50m Swim - use the same
stroke you’ll assess with
5x Push-ups
10x Squats
Instep Stretch
(1) 10 Rounds
25m Swim Sprints - these are all out efforts in your assessment stroke.
Rest 30 sec. between efforts
(2) Perform the following hypoxic ladder:
1x50m @ 2 strokes/breath
1x50m @ 3 strokes/breath
1x50m @ 4 strokes/breath
1x50m @ 5 strokes/breath
Rest 1 min. between swims
*********************
SESSION 7
Obj: Swim Intervals/Treading
Warm up:
3 Rounds
50m Swim w/ assess. stroke
25m Freestyle
25m Stroke of choice
Rest 30 sec.
(1) 4 Rounds
125m swim interval using assessment stroke @ SWIM TABLE pace Rest 2 min. between efforts
(2) 3 Rounds
250m swim interval using assessment stroke @ SWIM TABLE pace
Rest 3 min. between efforts
(3) 3 Rounds Treading:
20 sec both hands
20 sec L arm out of water
20 sec R arm out of water
20 sec no arms
************************
SESSION 10
Obj: Long Swim
Warm up:
100m Freestyle
Rest 1 min.
100m Side Stroke
Rest 1 min.
100m Breast Stroke
Rest 1 min.
100m Stroke of Choice
Training:
(1) 1500m Swim using assessment stroke @ SWIM TABLE pace
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