OVERVIEW
Apollo is the 2nd Plan in the Greek Hero Series.
Appollo is a 7-week cycle with strength emphasis. In addition to strength, Apollo concurrently trains work capacity, chassis integrity, and endurance. Tactical agility is not trained this cycle.
This is Version 3 of Apollo, updated December 2024.
Strength:
Apollo deploys a MTI’s Density strength progression for a full session, three days/week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Our Density strength methodology deploys an initial strength assessment, then a follow-on progression based on your assessment results.
The first half of Apollo’s strength programming is built around the following strength exercises:
- Front Squat – Lower Body Push
- Bench Press – Upper Body Push
- Hinge Lift – Lower Body Pull
- Weighted Pull Up – Upper Body Pull
The second half of Apollo’s strength programming is built around the following strength exercises:
- Back Squat – Lower Body Push
- Push Press – Upper Body Push
- Walking Lunget – Lower Body Pull
- Weighted Chin Up – Upper Body Pull
Work Capacity
10-Minute, mulit-modal efforts.
Chassis Integrity
You’ll complete 15 minute Chassis Integrity circuits once per week following work capacity.
Tactical Agility
Not trained this cycle
Endurance
Moderate-paced, unloaded running, 3-6 miles.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Monday – Strength
- Tuesday – Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Wednesday – Strength
- Thursday – Endurance
- Friday – Strength
COMMON QUESTIONS
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. The Run/Ruck Calculator is listed as an exercise.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
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
Good Luck!
Rob Shaul
Mountain Tactical Institute
Jackson, WY
- Fully-equipped functional fitness gym including barbells, dumbbells, racks, bumpers, plyo boxes and sandbags (40/60/80#)
- Stop Watch
- Recommended: GPS watch to help with long run distances
Monday - Session 1: Strength Assessment
Objective: Strength Assessment
Warm-Up:
- 3 Rounds:
- 8x Front Squat (Start at 45/65# and add weight as you warm up)
- 3x Scotty Bob (15/25#)
- 8x Hinge Lift (Dumbbell/Kettlebell - Start at 25/35# and increase load as you warm up)
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- Front Squat 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Front Squat:
- Add 10-30# to your finishing warm-up load and do 5 reps.
- Add 10-30# and do 3 reps.
- Add 5-30# and do 1 rep. Keep adding weight until you reach your 1RM. Aim to be at your 1RM by your 4th or 5th single.
- Record 1RM Front Squat
- Work up to 1RM Front Squat:
- Bench Press 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Bench Press (same progression as the front squat).
- Hinge Lift 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Hinge Lift (same progression as above).
- Weighted Pull-Up 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Weighted Pull-Up:
- Do 1-2 pull-ups to warm up, then use a backpack and add weight, starting with 1 rep (single). Keep adding weight until you reach your 1RM. Aim to be at your 1RM by your 4th or 5th single.
- Work up to 1RM Weighted Pull-Up:
- Cooldown:
- Foam Roll Legs/Low Back
Tuesday - Session 2: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm-Up:
- 3 Rounds:
- 10x Step-Ups (12” Bench)
- 8x Goblet Squat (12kg)
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- 10-Minute AMRAP:
- TAC SEPA Tactical Burpee Box Jump Drill (Walk back to start).
- 15-Minute Grind:
- 4x Prone to 40ft Sprint
- 20x Step-Ups (16”-20” Bench)
Cooldown:
- 2 Rounds:
- 3x Toe Touch Complex
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Wednesday - Session 3: Strength Progression
Warm-Up:
- 3 Rounds:
- 8x Front Squat (Start at 45/65# and add weight as you warm up)
- 3x Scotty Bob (15/25#)
- 8x Hinge Lift (Dumbbell/Kettlebell - Start at 25/35# and increase load as you warm up)
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- Use Session 1 Strength Assessment results to calculate today’s loading:
- Front Squat Warm-Up:
- 5x Front Squat @ 50% 1RM
- 4x Front Squat @ 70% 1RM
- 5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Front Squat @ 80% 1RM
- Bench Press Warm-Up:
- 8x Bench Press @ 50% 1RM
- 5x Bench Press @ 70% 1RM
- 5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Bench Press @ 80% 1RM
- Hinge Lift Warm-Up:
- 8x Hinge Lift @ 50% 1RM
- 5x Hinge Lift @ 70% 1RM
- 5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Hinge Lift @ 80% 1RM
- Weighted Pull-Up Warm-Up:
- 1x Pull-Up (Unloaded)
- 1x Weighted Pull-Up @ 50% 1RM
- 5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:
- 3x Weighted Pull-Up @ 80% 1RM
- Cooldown:
- 2 Rounds:
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- 5x Shoulder Dislocates
Thursday - Session 4: Endurance
Objective: Endurance
Warm-Up: None
Training:
- Moderate Run: 4 Miles (Moderate Pace)
- Note: “Moderate” = comfortable but not easy.
Friday - Session 5: Strength Progression
Warm-Up:
- 3 Rounds:
- 8x Front Squat (Start at 45/65# and add weight as you warm up)
- 3x Scotty Bob (15/25#)
- 8x Hinge Lift (Dumbbell/Kettlebell - Start at 25/35# and increase load as you warm up)
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- Use your Session 1 Strength Assessment results to calculate today’s loading:
- Front Squat Warm-Up:
- 5x Front Squat @ 50% 1RM
- 4x Front Squat @ 70% 1RM
- 5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Front Squat @ 80% 1RM
- Bench Press Warm-Up:
- 8x Bench Press @ 50% 1RM
- 5x Bench Press @ 70% 1RM
- 5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Bench Press @ 80% 1RM
- Hinge Lift Warm-Up:
- 8x Hinge Lift @ 50% 1RM
- 5x Hinge Lift @ 70% 1RM
- 5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:
- 4x Hinge Lift @ 80% 1RM
- Weighted Pull-Up Warm-Up:
- 1x Pull-Up (Unloaded)
- 1x Weighted Pull-Up @ 50% 1RM
- 5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:
- 3x Weighted Pull-Up @ 80% 1RM
- Cooldown:
- 2 Rounds:
- Hug Mobility Drill
- 3x Floor Slide
- Is the programming working?
Absolutely. I started in March with the The Lower Back Rehab Plan, Gym Closure 1, Military On Ramp, Hector, Relative Strength (I wasn't able to complete it due to deployment travel and quarantine), and now I'm in the middle of Apollo. My strength has made solid improvements, I surpassed my 24 year old Dead lift PR of 355 last week (365 for Hinge lift in Apollo Week 4). I also went from 175 on the power clean to 195 on the Craig Special. I've also maintained my endurance and most importantly stayed injury free. I appreciate the focused stretching and chassis integrity. I really appreciate the focus on simple exercises that can be performed without fancy equipment. COVID has made me more of a home gym user than ever, so it's great not to be searching for substitutions for more of the random exercises that require special equipment.
- Is the training session flow confusing?
They've all been very clear and easy to follow. I'm averaging about 55-65 minutes for the density sessions on Apollo depending on how much hustle I have that day.
- Are you accessing the programming okay?
Yes. The app is good and easy to use. If you could add a feature so that the bookmarked workout would still display when you're offline that would be helpful for when I'm deployed or traveling. Certain locations that I've been in over the past 9 months have varied connectivity. Thanks for adding the green check mark to the app view.
- Are you finding the exercise videos for unfamiliar exercises?
The exercise videos are great, I really appreciate that you've filmed them all in house. I've paid for other programming that used random videos from across the internet."
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