PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This is an intense, 7-week, 5 day/week cycle which concurrently trains strength, work capacity, chassis integrity, and endurance. This limited equipment training plan uses a 25# Weight Vest, Sandbag (40 or 60-pound), Pair of Dumbbells (15 or 25 pounds), and Pull Up Bar.
This is Version 3 of the Plan, Updated May 2025
Strength
The Sandbag/Weight Vest/Dumbbell Training Plan trains strength in two ways: (1) a 4-exercise assessment and follow-on progressions, and; (2) Complex training which combines a strength exercise with a fast/explosive bodyweight exercise which deploys the same muscles and movement patterns.
Work Capacity
Trained via 20-minute, multi-modal events, and through the MTI Tactical Athlete Work Capacity Assessment and follow-on progressions.
Chassis Integrity
You’ll complete 10-15 minute TRE Circuits 2 times per week. TRE circuits deploy a Rotation, Total and Extension core exercise in the same circuit.
Endurance
Trained two ways: (1) 1.5-Mile Running Assessment wearing a 25# Weight Vest and follow-on 800m intervals based on your most recent assessment results, and; (2) 2-3 mile moderate-paced unloaded run.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Monday – Strength
- Tuesday – Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Wednesday – Endurance
- Thursday – Strength, Chassis Integrity
- Friday – Work Capacity, Endurance
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
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25 pound Weight Vest
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Sandbag (40 or 60-pound)
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Pair of Dumbbells (15 or 25 pounds)
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Pull Up Bar
MONDAY - SESSION 1
Objective: Strength Assessment
Warm Up (3 Rounds):
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5x In-Place Lunges
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8x Hand Release Push Ups
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1x Pull Up
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Instep Stretch
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Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
Rest 3–5 minutes between events
Lunge Assessment:
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Max Rep In-Place Lunges – in 90 seconds wearing 25# Weight Vest
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Record max reps. Each leg counts as 1x rep.
HRPU Assessment:
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Max Rep Hand Release Push Ups – in 90 seconds wearing 25# Weight Vest
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Record reps.
Weighted Pull Up Assessment:
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Max Rep Pull Up – wearing 25# Weight Vest
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If unable, do unloaded pull-ups and record.
Sandbag Getup Assessment:
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Max Rep Sandbag Getups in 10 minutes @ 40/60# Sandbag
Use alternate shoulders as little or as much as needed. A full hip extension and feet together = 1 rep.
Cooldown:
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1 Round: Foam Roll Complex
TUESDAY - SESSION 2
Objective: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up (3 Rounds):
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10x Squats
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8x Hand Release Push Ups
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4x Prone to 40ft Sprint
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Instep Stretch
Training:
20-Minute AMRAP:
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3x Sandbag Squat Thrust @ 40/60#
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75m Shuttle (down 25m, back 25m, down 25m)
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Walk Back to Start
5 Round Grind:
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3x Sandbag Cross Clean @ 40/60#
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5x Kneeling Slasher to Halo @ 15/25# Dumbbell
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5x Dumbbell Crawl @ 15/25#
“Grind” = work steadily, not frantically
Cooldown:
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2 Rounds: HUG – Hip Mobility Drill
WEDNESDAY - SESSION 3
Objective: Endurance Assessment
Warm Up (3 Rounds):
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10x Squats
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10x Push Ups
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Run 50m
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Instep Stretch
Training:
Weighted Run Assessment:
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Run 1.5 Miles – for time wearing 25# Weight Vest
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Record finish time
THURSDAY - SESSION 4
Objective: Strength, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up (3 Rounds):
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Sandbag Complex @ 40/60#
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3x Scotty Bobs @ 15/25#
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Instep Stretch
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Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
Block 1 – 6 Rounds:
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3x Sandbag Craig Special @ 40/60#
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1x Squat Jump with Sandbag
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Pigeon Stretch
Don’t weight vest if Craig Specials are easy
Block 2 – 6 Rounds:
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5x Sandbag Walking Lunge @ 40/60#
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1x Jumping Lunge
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Toe Touch Complex
Don’t weight vest if Walking Lunges are easy
Block 3 – 6 Rounds:
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5x Scotty Bobs @ 15/25#
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3x Chin Ups
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Lat + Pec Stretch
Don’t weight vest if Scotty Bobs and Chin Ups are easy
Block 4 – 4 Round Grind:
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10x Sandbag Good Morning @ 40/60#
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15/15 Standing Founder
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15/15 Kneeling Founder
“Grind” = work steadily, not frantically
Cooldown:
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Foam Roll Complex
FRIDAY - SESSION 5
Objective: Work Capacity Assessment, Endurance
Warm Up (3 Rounds):
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3x In-line Lunge
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4x 25m Prone to Sprint
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Instep Stretch
Training:
Work Capacity Assessment:
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MTI Tactical Athlete Work Capacity Assessment
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Record reps/score
Easy Run:
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Run 2 Miles, Easy Pace = you can speak in full sentences while moving
"I am in Week 4 into your Sandbag/Weight Vest/Dumbbell Training Plan, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my functional fitness, stamina, and endurance. I originally purchased this routine as a substitute for gym strength training since my college’s gym is always full and desire to continue strength training with limited equipment. I have been using the training plan, on top of the USMC PFT Plan, to improve my PFT score and functional fitness, taking up between 1-2 hours a day for SSD/Military Athlete training. As a result, I have more energy, I am mentally stronger, and my recovery time from PT has dramatically reduced. The training sessions on Mondays and Fridays end up being Two-a-Days with my college’s OCS Preparation program, yet I have noticed a dramatic difference in my physical and mental performance and injury prevention during the grueling 1.5-2 hour PT sessions, thanks to your plans. I am looking forward to continue using this plan in addition to purchasing other plans that require limited or no use of equipment."
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