MTIs PRENATAL PROGRAMMING
Academic Research has found that women who trained through pregnancy have been found to have healthier outcomes for both mother and child.
In doing our research prior we were unable to find professionally designed, prenatal programming designed for tactical athletes, mountain professionals and other fit women experienced in functional fitness.
As part of our research we reached out to current female Tactical Athletes and Mountain Professionals with specific questions surrounding prenatal and postpartum training experiences and input. Below are the highlights from the responses we received from military officers, professional mountain guides, etc:
- Most don’t know they are pregnant until Week 6 – so start the programming at week six and go through week 40
- Training cycles/programming should generally align with pregnancy trimesters in terms of volume, intensity, and exercise selection
- Daily programming needs daily scalability – especially early in the pregnancy when training is often interrupted or shorted due to morning sickness, and later in the pregnancy when training is affected by fatigue and discomfort.
- Most continued to strength train using free weights (dumbbells, barbells, etc.) throughout the pregnancy – even into the third trimester. However, exercises were avoided later because of belly size/discomfort – i.e. no barbell power cleans at 8 months
- A few ran through all 40 weeks of pregnancy, but in the latter weeks, most pulled back on running because of discomfort.
- All avoided super intense max effort work capacity, strength and endurance work after learning they were expecting. Other than avoiding max efforts, first trimester training was little changed.
- Most engaged in yoga or stretching for flexibility during pregnancy, but did this outside fitness training but didn’t want that included in fitness programming.
- Most engaged in Kegel and other pelvic floor work during pregnancy, but not as part of their daily fitness training and recommended any work in this area not be included in fitness programming.
- Most trained / were active every day of the week, but gym-based daily training duration generally decreased as the pregnancy advanced. All wanted a daily training scheduled 7 days/week.
- Focused and consistent postpartum training for most began 6-8 weeks after delivery. Programming needs to start easy, and progress in difficulty.
MTI’s Prenatal and Postpartum programming incorporates this feedback.
- The 34 weeks of Prenatal programming is broken into seven training plans, each 4-6 weeks long. Programming Highlights:
- Programming intensity and volume, and training session duration, decrease as the pregnancy advances
- Programming is 7 days/week. Weekend work is endurance.
- Each individual training session includes an option to scale down based on how pregnancy is impacting the athlete that day. We call this the “Not feeling it” Flex.
- Max efforts are avoided across all fitness attributes – strength, work capacity, endurance, chassis integrity
- Strength, work capacity, endurance and chassis integrity are all trained throughout the pregnancy
- Programmed endurance modes include running, spinning and rucking
- Chassis Integrity programming has a slight low back/extension emphasis
- Postpartum Programming begins at 6 weeks after childbirth, and is gradually progressive in intensity and volume
PRENATAL WEEKS 13-18
MTI’s prenatal programming is designed for fit, female tactical athletes, mountain professionals, or similar. The assumption is you’re arriving at the programming fit, and familiar with functional fitness. As the programming develops and you move deeper into your pregnancy, the programming in the packet decreases in overall volume appropriately.
This is the fifth training plan in the MTI’s Prenatal Training Packet, designed to be completed weeks 29-32 of your pregnancy.
The programming is designed to allow professional female athletes to continue to train professionally, while pregnant and experiencing the physical changes pregnancy involves. At all times remember you are not training for only yourself, but also your baby. Listen to your body, don’t be stupid, and put you and your baby’s health first.
This is a multi-modal training plan which concurrently trains strength, work capacity, chassis integrity (functional core), and endurance (run/spin, ruck). Overall, this has a slight work capacity and chassis integrity emphasis.
Gym-based sessions are designed to last 45-50 minutes. Endurance programming is 45-90 minutes long.
Again, this plan is designed to be completed weeks 29-32 of your pregnancy.
The final week of this plan is an unload week.
This is Version 1 of this plan, built February 2021.
FITNESS ATTRIBUTES
Strength
Trained via free weights (barbell, dumbbell/kettlebell) and bodyweight exercises using MTI’s “Efficient Strength” strength progression/methodology. Each strength day you’ll train a total, lower and two upper body strength exercises in the same, extended circuit. The plan deploys “hard” but doable progression … which means the loading will automatically scale to the individual athlete in general, and how she is feeling that day, specifically.
Work Capacity
Trained via 12-minute, multi-modal events deploying sandbags, dumbbells, step ups, etc.
Chassis Integrity
You’ll complete 12-minute, “ARE” circuits. Each circuit contains an Anti-Rotation, Rotational and Extension core exercise, often deploying sandbags.
Endurance
Trained via time using running, spinning and rucking wearing a 25# backpack. Pacing is either moderate or easy.
“Not Feeling it” Flex
Each training session in this plan includes a “Not Feeling It” Flex” option for days when morning sickness, above-normal fatigue or other is affecting you that day. This “flex” option allows you to easily cut down on that day’s training volume as appropriate and needed.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Monday – Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Tuesday – Strength, Work Capacity
- Wednesday – 60-Minute Endurance
- Thursday – Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Friday – Strength, Work Capacity
- Saturday – 45-Minute Endurance
- Sunday – 90-Minute Endurance
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Pull Up Bar
- 25# Sandbag
- Backpack with 25# of Filler
- Squat Rack, Bench, Barbell, Plate, dumbbells and/or kettlebells
- Foam Roller
- 12″ bench or box for step ups
- 8″ to 12″ bench/box for hippity hops
COMMON QUESTIONS
How long will sessions last?
Gym-based training sessions are specifically designed to be completed in 60 minutes. Endurance sessions take 60-90 minutes.
What if I miss a day?
Skip ahead to the next training session.
How do I know if I’m fit enough to begin this programming?
Click the “Sample Training” tab above to see the entire first week of programming. Try it and see how you do. If you can’t complete it, email coach@mtntactical.com for a programming suggestion.
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.
- Pull Up Bar
- 25# Sandbag
- Backpack with 25# of Filler
- Squat Rack, Bench, Barbell, Plate, dumbbells and/or kettlebells
- Foam Roller
- 12" bench or box for step ups
- 8" to 12" bench/box for hippity hops
Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:
PRENATAL WEEK 29
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
10x Goblet Squat @ 8kg
10x Step Ups
Training:
(1) 12 Rounds @ 75% of your Max Effort Pace
20 Seconds Swings @ 12kg
20 Seconds Squats
20 Seconds Rest
(2) 12 Minute Grind ...
5x Kneeling Plate Half Moon @ 25#
5x Sandbag Keg Lift @ 25#
10x Sandbag Good Mornings @ 25#
(3) 2 Rounds
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Drop each circuit down to 8 minutes. If you're still not feeling it after 8 minutes of Part (1), quit for the day.
******************************
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Strength, Work Capacity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
Dumbbell Complex @ 10#
Training:
(1) 4 Round Grind ...
3x 1-Arm Thruster - Increase load each round until 3x is hard, but doable
6x Incline Dumbbell Bench Press - Increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable
8x Dumbbell / Kettlebell Hinge Lift - Increase load each round until 8x is hard, but doable
6x Horizontal Pull Up - Adjust the bar heigh as necessary so you can perform 6 good reps. The higher the bar, the easier it is.
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time or number of rounds. Expect this circuit to take 25-30 minutes.
(2) 12 Minute Grind ....
3x Sandbag Clean & Squat @ 25#
20x Step Ups @ 12"
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically, through the exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time or rounds. Aim for 75-80% of your max effort pace.
(3) 2 Rounds
Foam Roll Hip Flexors and Low Back
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Drop Part (1) down to 2 rounds and part (2) down to 8 minutes. If after 2 rounds of Part (1), you're still not feeling it, quit for the day.
******************************
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Strength, Work Capacity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
Dumbbell Complex @ 10#
Training:
(1) 4 Round Grind ...
3x 1-Arm Thruster - Increase load each round until 3x is hard, but doable
6x Incline Dumbbell Bench Press - Increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable
8x Dumbbell / Kettlebell Hinge Lift - Increase load each round until 8x is hard, but doable
6x Horizontal Pull Up - Adjust the bar heigh as necessary so you can perform 6 good reps. The higher the bar, the easier it is.
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time or number of rounds. Expect this circuit to take 25-30 minutes.
(2) 12 Minute Grind ....
3x Sandbag Clean & Squat @ 25#
20x Step Ups @ 12"
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically, through the exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time or rounds. Aim for 75-80% of your max effort pace.
(3) 2 Rounds
Foam Roll Hip Flexors and Low Back
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Drop Part (1) down to 2 rounds and part (2) down to 8 minutes. If after 2 rounds of Part (1), you're still not feeling it, quit for the day.
******************************
THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
8x Goblet Squat @ 8kg
8x Hinge Lift @ 65#
5x Hippity Hops @ 8-12" Box
Training:
(1) 12 Minute Grind ....
8x Hinge Lift @ 75#
10x Hippity Hops @ 8-12" Box
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically, through the exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time or rounds. Aim for 75-80% of your max effort pace. Be smart.
(2) 12 Minute Grind ...
5x Cauldron @ Empty Barbell
5x Sandbag Keg Lift @ 25#
20/20 Standing Founder
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically, through the exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time.
(3) 2 Rounds
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Drop each circuit down to 8 minutes. If you're still not feeling it after 8 minutes of Part (1), quit for the day.
******************************
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Obj: Strength, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
Sandbag Complex @ 25#
Training:
(1) 4 Round Grind ...
6x Dumbbell Hang Squat Clean- Increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable
6x Incline Bench Press - Increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable
6x Walking Lunge- Increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable
6x Horizontal Chin Up - Adjust the bar heigh as necessary so you can perform 6 good reps. The higher the bar, the easier it is.
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time or number of rounds. Expect this circuit to take 25-30 minutes.
(2) 12 Minute Grind ...
5x Sandbag Keg Lift @ 25#
20/20 Low Back Lunge
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically, through the exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time.
(3) 2 Rounds
Foam Roll Hip Flexors and Low Back
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Drop Part (1) down to 2 rounds and part (2) down to 8 minutes. If after 2 rounds of Part (1), you're still not feeling it, quit for the day.
******************************
SATURDAY
SESSION 6
Obj: Endurance
Training:
(1) Ruck 45 minutes @25# Pack, Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = comfortable but not easy, but walking only. No ruck running.
Comments:
You can replace today's programming with 45+ minutes of recreation like hiking, MTB, etc.
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
If you start out today and aren't feeling it, drop down to an Easy Pace and give it another 10 minutes. If you are still feeling lousy, quit for the day.
******************************
SUNDAY
SESSION 7
Obj: Endurance
Training:
(1) Run or Spin 90 minutes, Easy Pace
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
(2) Foam Roll Low Back
Comments:
You can split this 90 minutes into, two, 45-minute efforts, if needed because of scheduling. As well, you can replace today's programming with 90 minutes of recreation like hiking, MTB, etc.
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
If you start out today with the Run or Spin and aren't feeling it after 10-15 minutes, quit for the day.
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