Big 36 is an intense 8.5-week, 5 Day/week strength training cycle build around classic barbell strength training exercises. The strength methodology in this programming is a further evolution of our classic Big 24 progression and tested favorably in a 2021 Mini-Study. Learn more about the study results HERE. One note about this specific program, it begins on a Friday with 1 Repetition Max assessments.
This is Version 1 of the plan, designed in November 2021.
FITNESS ATTRIBUTES
Assessment-Based Strength Programming
Big 36 is an assessment-based, progressive, strength training program.
In this way, the plan automatically “scales” to the incoming strength of the individual athlete and continues to push him/her as strength improves.
The first half of the program is built around these exercises:
- Back Squat
- Bench Press
- Hinge Lift (Dead Lift variation)
- Push Press
- Craig Special (hang squat clean + front squat)
The second half of the program is built around these exercises:
- Front Squat
- Military Press
- Power Clean
- Weighted Chin Up
- Box Squat
The power of Big 36 comes through these exercises and a simple but aggressive progression. The name “Big 36” is derived from the number of total reps (36 reps – 6×6 set/rep scheme) you will perform for most of these exercises during the training sessions.
As you work through the program, be sure not to push the loading progression. Be patient, not greedy, and complete the training sessions as prescribed.
Also, don’t skip ahead. Complete the training sessions in order.
Finally, the training plan also includes a short, 1x/week work capacity/chassis integrity training session build around 20-30 minute grinds.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Monday – Lower/Total Body Strength
- Tuesday – Upper Body Strength
- Wednesday – Work Capacity/Chassis Integrity Grind
- Thursday – Lower/Total Body Strength
- Friday – Upper Body Strength
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Fully Equipped functional fitness weight room including barbells, plates, squat rack, bench.
- 16-20″ box or bench for step ups
- Pull Up Bar
- Sandbag – 40# for women, 60# for men
COMMON QUESTIONS
How long will sessions last?
Strength sessions are designed to last 50-70 minutes. Wednesday’s work capacity/chassis integrity sessions are designed to last 30-40 minutes.
Any modifications for women?
These are prescribed in the training plan. For example, if the session calls for front snatches @ 45/65#, the first load – 45# – is for women, and the second load – 65# – is for men. If the plan calls for 5/10x Push Ups, this means women do 5x push ups, men do 10x push ups.
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.
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.
- Fully Equipped functional fitness weight room including barbells, plates, squat rack, bench.
- 16-20" box or bench for step ups
- Pull Up Bar
- Sandbag - 40# for women, 60# for men
Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Obj: 1RM Strength Assessments
Warm-up:
3 Rounds
8x Back Squat @ 65/95#
5x Scotty Bobs @ 15/25#
5x Shoulder Dislocate
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Work up to 1RM Back Squat
(2) Work up to 1RM Bench Press
(3) Work up to 1RM Hinge Lift
(4) Work up to 1RM Push Press
(5) Work up to 1RM Craig Special
RECORD ALL 1RM's
******************************
MONDAY
SESSION 6
Obj: Lower, Total Strength 6RM Assessment
Warm-up:
4 Rounds
8x Back Squat @ 65/95#
8x Push ups
8x Situps
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds
6x Back Squat - increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable.
3rd World Stretch
RECORD FINAL LOAD
(2) 6 Rounds
6x Hinge Lift - increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable.
Hip Flexor Stretch
RECORD FINAL LOAD
(3) 6 Rounds
3x Craig Special - increase load each round until 3x is hard, but doable.
Pigeon Stretch
RECORD FINAL LOAD
******************************
TUESDAY
SESSION 7
Obj: Upper Strength Assessment
Warm-up:
3 Rounds
8x Bench Press @ 45/95#
3/5x Pull Ups
8x Dumbbell Push Press @ 15/25#
5x Shoulder Dislocate
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds
6x Bench Press - Increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable
Lat + Pec Stretch
RECORD FINAL LOAD
(2) Max Rep Pull Ups
Men - wear a 15# Backpack/Women - Unloaded
Lat + Pec Stretch
RECORD MAX REPS
(3) 6 Rounds
6x Push Press - increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable.
Foam Roll Low Back
RECORD FINAL LOAD
******************************
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 8
Obj: Chassis Integrity, Work Capacity
Training:
(1) 20-Minute Grind ....
5x Sandbag Getup @ 40/60# - alternate shoulders each round
3x Sandbag Cross Clean @ 40/60#
25x Step Ups @ 16-20" Box
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically, through the exercises in this circuit again and again for the prescribed time.
(2) Foam Roll Quads/Low Back
******************************
THURSDAY
SESSION 9
Obj: Lower, Total Strength
Warm-up:
4 Rounds
8x Back Squat @ 65/95#
8x Push ups
8x Situps
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds
6x Back Squat - See below for loading.
3rd World Stretch
(2) 6 Rounds
6x Hinge Lift - See below for loading.
Hip Flexor Stretch
Loading for Parts (1) and (2): Drop 10# from SESSION 6’s finishing load and use this load for rounds 4-6. (see below & comments)
Round Reps Load
1 6x 65% of Finish Load
2 6x 75% of Finish Load
3 6x 85% of Finish Load
4-6 6x Finish Load - 10#
(3) 6 Rounds
3x Craig Special - See Below for Loading
Pigeon Stretch
Loading for part (3): Drop 10# from SESSION 6’s finishing load and use this load for rounds 4-6. (see below)
Round Reps Load
1 3x 50% of Finish Load
2 3x 60% of Finish Load
3 3x 75% of Finish Load
4-6 3x Finish Load - 10#
Comments:
Example for Part (1) - assume your Back Squat finishing load from SESSION 6 was 225. Here’s would be your loading for Part (1) today:
Round Reps Load
1 6x 145# (65% of 225#)
2 6x 170# (75% of 225#)
3 6x 190# (85% of 225#)
4-6 6x 215# (225 - 10)
Use the same methodology for Parts (2) & (3).
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