Johnny is the 1st Plan in our Country Singer packet of plans for general fitness and refers to Johnny Cash.
It is a 7-week, balanced, training cycle. Strength, Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity, and Endurance are concurrently trained in equal proportions.
This is Version 2 of the plan, Updated January 2025
Strength
Johnny’s strength work deploys MTI’s classic “TLU” strength programming methodology. TLU programming includes a total, lower and upper body strength exercise each strength training day. This plan uses barbell, dumbbell/kettlebell, and bodyweight strength exercises. You’ll train strength 3 times each week.
Work Capacity
Johnny deploys multi-modal work capacity events over three different durations:
(1) 5 minute event, short rest, then another 5 minute event;
(2) 10 minute event, and
(3) 20 minute event.
Chassis Integrity
ART and Low Back circuits are deployed in Johnny. You’ll train at least one of each type each week.
Endurance
Easy or Moderate-paced short, to mid-distance running, 30-60 Minutes.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Johnny has two alternating weekly schedules – see below. Training sessions are designed to last 60-70 minutes:
WEEK 1
- Monday – Strength, Chassis Integrity
- Tuesday – Endurance (easy-pace run)
- Wednesday – Strength, Work Capacity
- Thursday – Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Friday – Strength, Endurance (moderate-pace run)
WEEK 2
- Monday – Strength, Chassis Integrity
- Tuesday – Work Capacity, Endurance (moderate-pace run)
- Wednesday – Strength, Work Capacity
- Thursday – Endurance (moderate-pace run), Chassis Integrity
- Friday – Strength, Work Capacity
COMMON QUESTIONS
How long should the training sessions take?
Each session should take around 60-70 minutes. Unless indicated, the circuits aren’t “for time.” Work briskly, not frantically, through the sessions.
What about stretching?
Mobility work is included in the warm-ups, and athletes can stretch and foam roll after running, however, overall strength and fitness are emphasized with this plan, not mobility/flexibility. Feel free to complete additional stretching on your own.
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.
More Questions? Email coach@mtntactical.com
Good Luck!
Rob Shaul
Mountain Tactical Institute
Jackson, WY
This plan requires a fully outfitted functional fitness gym with barbells, bumper plates, racks, dumbbells and/or kettlebells, plyo boxes, pull up bars, sandbags, etc.
MONDAY SESSION 1
OBJ: Strength, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
- 4 Rounds:
- 5x Power Clean + Push Press - Start light and increase load as you warm up
- 10x Goblet Squat - 25# dumbbell or 12kg kettlebell
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- 1 RM Power Clean + Push Press
- Work up to 1RM
- How to Work up to 1RM: Add 10-30# to your finishing warm up load and do 3x reps, then add 10-30# and do 2x reps, then add 5-30# and do 1x Rep. Keep adding weight and doing 1x Rep (single) until you reach your 1 Rep Max. Aim to get to your 1RM by your 4th or 5th single.
RECORD 1RM - 5 Rounds:
- 2x Power Clean + Push Press - 85% 1RM
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- 6 Rounds:
- 5x Back Squat - Increase load rapidly each round until 5x is hard, but doable
- 8x Kettlebell Floor Press - Increase load rapidly each round until 8x is hard, but doable
- 15 Minute Grind:
- 5x Kneeling Plate Half Moon - Start at 25# and increase load each round until 5x is hard, but doable
- 5x Sandbag Keg Lift - 40/60#
- 2x Sandbag Getup & Run - 40/60#
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically for the prescribed time or rounds. Pace yourself, but don't stop to rest.
- 1 Round:
- Foam Roll Complex
TUESDAY SESSION 2
OBJ: Endurance
Warm Up:
Training:
- Easy Pace Run:
- Run 60 Minutes, Easy Pace
- "Easy" = you can speak in full sentences. If you have a heart rate monitor, take 180-age and run within 5 BPM on either side.
Example:
- For a 30-year old:
- 180-30 = 150. Run 5 miles at a heart rate between 145 and 155 bpm.
WEDNESDAY SESSION 3
OBJ: Strength, Work Capacity
Warm Up:
- 4 Rounds:
- 8x Front Squat - Start light and increase load as you warm up
- 10x Hand Release Push-up
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- 1 RM Front Squat:
- Work up to 1RM
- How to Work up to 1RM: Add 10-30# to your finishing warm up load and do 3x reps, then add 10-30# and do 2x reps, then add 5-30# and do 1x Rep. Keep adding weight and doing 1x Rep (single) until you reach your 1 Rep Max. Aim to get to your 1RM by your 4th or 5th single. RECORD 1RM
- 5 Rounds:
- 2x Front Squat - 85% 1RM
- Elevated Pigeon Stretch
- 6 Rounds:
- 1-5 Foot Rope Climb or 2/3x Tarzan Pull Ups
- 4x Mr. Spectacular - Increase load each round until 4x is hard, but doable
- Lat + Pec Stretch
- 5 Rounds: Every Minute on the Minute ...
- 5x Power Clean - 65/95#
- 5x Burpees
Rest 5 Minutes, then ...
- 5 Rounds:
- 30 Second 40 Foot Shuttle Sprint
- 30 Second Rest
- 2 Rounds:
- Hug - Hip Mobility Drill
- 5x Shoulder Dislocates
THURSDAY SESSION 4
OBJ: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
- 4 Rounds:
- Goblet Squat - 25# or 12kg
- 8x Push Ups
- Instep Stretch
Training:
- 6 Rounds:
- 60 Second Sandbag Getup - 40/60#, Alternate shoulders each round, then immediately ...
- 60 Second Prone to Sprint - then immediately back to the sandbag getups, etc.
No rest in transition between exercises.
- 15 Minute Grind:
- 20/20 Standing Founder
- 20/20 Kneeling Founder
- 10x Good Morning - Start with an empty barbell and increase load each round until 10x is hard, but doable
- 2 Rounds:
- 3rd World Squat Stretch
- Foam Roll Low Back
FRIDAY SESSION 5
OBJ: Strength, Endurance
Warm Up:
- 8x Bench Press - Start light and increase load as you warm up
- 10x Goblet Squat - 25# dumbbell or 12kg kettlebell
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- 1 RM Bench Press:
- Bench Press - Work up to 1RM
- How to Work up to 1RM: 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 doing 1x Rep (single) until you reach your 1 Rep Max. Aim to get to your 1RM by your 4th or 5th single.
RECORD 1RM - 6 Rounds:
- 2x Bench Press - @ 85% 1RM
- 5x Shoulder Dislocates
- 6 Rounds:
- 3x Hang Squat Clean - Increase load rapidly each round until 3x is hard, but doable
- 2/5x Pull Ups
- Hip Flexor Stretch
Moderate Pace Run:
- Run 30 Minutes @ moderate pace
- "Moderate" = Comfortable but not easy
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Do you have any reviews or testimonials from athletes who have used your Athlete's Subscription
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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.
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This is a common question. Read our answer HERE.
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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