PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This 8-Week, 6 day/week training program is specifically designed as day-to-day general fitness for Peri and Post Monopausal women according to Dr. Stacy Simms, author of “Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond.” I received several requests from middle-aged MTI female athletes for a training program deploying Dr. Simms’ recommendations.
This training program has 3 general objectives:
(1) Increase Max Effort Total Body Strength (Heavy lifting)
(2) Increase short, High Intensity Work Capacity
(3) Increase Aerobic Base for Endurance
This is Version 1 of this plan, built May 2023.
Strength Programming
This plan deploys Max Effort strength training – Heavy Loads and 1-3 reps per set. For the first four weeks, the plan deploys MTI’s classic 8×3 max effort strength programming – where after an exercise-specific warm up, the athlete works through 8 sets of 3 rep efforts – increasing load rapidly until 3 reps is hard, but doable. Beginning week 5, the plan switches to 1 Rep Max efforts followed by 5 “working rounds” of 2 reps at 85% of your 1RM.
Strength exercises deployed are classic and proven: Back Squat, Bench Press, Hinge Lift (Dead Lift), Front Squat, Push Press, Walking Lunge.
HIT Work Capacity
The plan deploys multiple types of High Intensity Work Capacity efforts, ranging from 5 – 20 minutes long. These include shuttle sprint repeats, interval efforts, and multi-modal Rounds for Time and AMRAP circuits.
Endurance
“Easy” aerobic base building is the focus the plan’s endurance programming. Efforts range from 45-120 minutes, and the mode is the “athlete’s choice” – run, bike, hike or swim.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Mon: Rest
- Tue: Heavy Strength, HIT Work Capacity
- Wed: Yoga or Mobiliy
- Thu: Heavy Strength, HIT Work Capacity
- Frii: Rest Day or light active recovery
- Sat: Endurance Base Training
- Sun: Endurance Base Training
Required Equipment
- – Barbells, Rack and Plates for classic barbell strength exercises including back squats, bench presses
- – Full set of Dumbbells
- – Pull Up Bar
- – Smartphone APP with stopwatch, repeating countdown timer and interval timer
- – Foam Roller
- – Heart Rate Monitor is Optional
COMMON QUESTIONS
How Long do the Sessions Last?
60-120 minutes. Longest days will be the easy-pace endurance efforts on Saturdays
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. The programming is progressive – it builds upon itself. Don’t skip ahead.
Can I see a sample of the training?
Click the “Sample Training” button above to see the entire first week of programming.
How do I access the plan? Pdf? Online?
Plan access is online or through the MTI smartphone app, via username and password.
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.
What if I have more questions?
Email coach@mtntactical.com
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.
Required Equipment
- - Barbells, Rack and Plates for classic barbell strength exercises including back squats, bench presses
- - Full set of Dumbbells
- - Pull Up Bar
- - Smartphone APP with stopwatch, repeating countdown timer and interval timer
- - Foam Roller
- - Heart Rate Monitor is Optional
Below is the entire first week of programming from the plan:
************
SESSION 1
MONDAY
Obj: Heavy Strength, Work Capacity
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
- 8x Back Squat @ 45# (empty barbell)
- 5x Push Ups
- 10x Sit Ups
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds
- 3x Back Squat - increase load rapidly each round until 3x is hard but doable.
- Hip Flexor Stretch between rounds
For Part (1) Increase load rapidly until you reach your "hard but doable" load. Aim to be at this load by your 4th or 5th rounds. For example:
Round Load
1 65#
2 95#
3 115#
4 135#
5-8 145#
(2) 10 Rounds
- 40 Second Touch/Jump/Touch
- 20 Second Rest
(3) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
***********
SESSION 2
TUESDAY
Obj: Mobility
Training:
Yoga or ...
(1) 4 Rounds
(2) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
**************
SESSION 3
WEDNESDAY
Obj: Heavy Strength, Work Capacity
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
- 8x Hinge Lift @ 45# (empty barbell)
- 5x Push Ups
- 10x Sit Ups
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds
- 3x Hinge Lift - increase load rapidly each round until 3x is hard but doable.
- Hip Flexor Stretch between rounds
For Part (1) Increase load rapidly until you reach your "hard but doable" load. Aim to be at this load by your 4th or 5th rounds. For example:
Round Load
1 65#
2 95#
3 115#
4 135#
5-8 145#
(2) 5 Rounds
- 30 Second Burpees
- 30 Second Rest
Rest 5 Minutes, then ...
(3) 5 Rounds
- 30 Second Burpees
- 30 Second Rest
(4) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
*************
SESSION 4
THURSDAY
Obj: Aerobic Base Endurance
Training:
(1) 60 Minute Run, Bike, Hike or Swim at an "Easy Pace"
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
If you have a heart rate monitor, keep your heart rate within 10 beats per minute of 180 minus your age.
So, if you are 45 years old, 180-45 = 135. Complete today's endurance effort at a heart rate between 130 and 140 BPM.
*************
SESSION 5
FRIDAY
Rest Day or Light Active Recovery (walk, etc.)
*************
SESSION 6
SATURDAY
Obj: Aerobic Base Endurance
Training:
(1) 60 Minute Run, Bike, Hike or Swim at an "Easy Pace"
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
If you have a heart rate monitor, keep your heart rate within 10 beats per minute of 180 minus your age.
So, if you are 45 years old, 180-45 = 135. Complete today's endurance effort at a heart rate between 130 and 140 BPM.
*************
SESSION 7
SUNDAY
Obj: Aerobic Base Endurance
Training:
(1) 45 Minute Run, Bike, Hike or Swim at an "Easy Pace"
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
If you have a heart rate monitor, keep your heart rate within 10 beats per minute of 180 minus your age.
So, if you are 45 years old, 180-45 = 135. Complete today's endurance effort at a heart rate between 130 and 140 BPM.
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