This 6-week, 6 day/week training program is sport-specifically designed to improve scores on the US Secret Service Physical Fitness Assessment (USSS PFA).
- Maximum number of push-ups in one minute
- Maximum number of sit-ups in one minute
- Maximum number of chin-ups, no time limit
- Timed one and one-half mile (1.5 mile) run
Click HERE for more details on the USSS PFA, including specific exercise protocols and scoring. See pages 18-21.
This is Version 1 of the plan, designed in December 2022.
DESCRIPTION
This plan follows 6-day per week, format. The Final (6th) week is an unload or “taper” week, with reduced volume to allow recovery before taking the USSS PFA.
You’ll take the complete USSS PFA three times completing this plan … at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. Each time the program uses your most recent PFA scores for the follow-on progressions. In this way the program automatically “scales” the incoming, and improving fitness of each individual athlete and continues to push you as your fitness improves.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Monday Weeks 1, 3, 6: USSS PFA
- Monday Weeks 2, 4, 6: Push-up / Sit-ups / Chin-up Progression
- Tuesday: 800m Repeats
- Wednesday: Push-up / Sit-ups / Chin-up Progression
- Thursday: 800m Repeats
- Friday: Push-up / Sit-ups / Chin-up Progression
- Saturday: 3-5 Mile moderate pace run
PUSH-UP / SIT-UP / CHIN-UP PROGRESSIONS
During this program, every number of calisthenics repetitions you perform is based on the number of repetitions you completed at your most recent USSS PFA.
Example:
Athlete performs 35x Push-ups on USSS PFA No.1 (Session 1).
(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec.
- 30% of your Max Reps Push-Ups from SESSION 1
Which means …..
- – 30% of 35x Push-ups is 10.5 (.3 x 35 = 10.5). Round up to get 11.
- – Set a repeating countdown timer for 75 sec.
- – On Round 1, do 11x Push-ups as fast as possible, then rest for the remaining time in the 75 sec. interval. The faster you finish, the more rest you get before beginning Round 2.
- – When Round 1’s 75 seconds is up, immediately begin Round 2 by completing 11x push-ups with proper form, then rest for the remainder of the 75 second interval.
- – Repeat this through 6 Rounds.
The Sit-up and Chin-up progressions work in the exact same way.
1.5 MILE RUN TRAINING
This plan trains your 1.5 mile run fitness with two approaches:
(1) Speed Over Ground
You’ll run hard, fast or 800m interval repeats, two times/week. Your 800m interval pace will be prescribed for you based on your most recent 1.5 mile run time using the MTI Running Calculator.
(2) Aerobic Endurance
You’ll run an 3-5 miles once per week (Saturday) at a moderate pace.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Stopwatch with a repeating countdown interval timer (smartphone app will work)
- Running area (track or other) with known 1.5 mile and 800m distances
- Pull up bar
- Foam Roller
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.
What if I can’t do the whole session?
If you don’t have enough time to complete the whole session, you can split the session into two.
I can’t make all my rounds of sit-ups, push-ups or chin-ups unbroken. It it okay to break the prescribed reps into sets?
Yes for the sit ups and chin ups. Break as necessary to complete your reps with perfect form, but don’t extend the 75 second interval.
Push ups – rather than breaking the reps into sets, if you are having trouble completing the prescribed reps, go to your knees and try to complete them on your knees before breaking to rest. Don’t extend the 75 second interval unless absolutely necessary. This is a difficult progression … don’t be surprised or embarrassed if you have to go to your knees.
What if I’m having trouble completing the running repeats/intervals?
Extend the rest period by 60 seconds, and try again. Keep fighting. Expect to be pushed.
How much rest should I take between finishing this program and taking the official PFA?
2-3 days total rest. Week 6 of the training plan tapers back the intensity and includes schedules rest days.
How far out from my PFA should I complete this plan?
Complete this training plan the six weeks (plus 2-3 days for rest) before your official PFA.
Can I repeat this program?
Yes, but we recommend you take at least a week full rest if you plan to complete it back to back. Also – don’t expect the same improvement the second time through.
How much improvement should I see?
10-40% in overall score depending upon your incoming fitness. Fitter athletes will see less overall improvement. Less fit athletes will see greater overall improvement.
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 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.
- Stopwatch with a repeating countdown interval timer (smartphone app will work)
- Running area (track or other) with known 1.5 mile and 800m distances
- Pull up bar
- Foam Roller
Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: USSS APAT No. 1
Warm up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
5x Push Ups
5x Sit Ups
Run 50m
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 1 Minute Max Rep Push Ups
** Rest 5 Minutes
(1) 1 Minute Max Rep Sit Ups
** Rest 5 Minutes
(2) Max Rep Strict, Dead Hang Chin Ups Ups - no time limit, but you can't release the bar or touch your feet to the floor or bench.
*** Rest 10 Minutes
(3) 1.5 Mile Run for Time
RECORD RESULTS
Comments: USSS Cadre are very exacting on push up, sit up and chin up form. For proper form and exercise protocols, click HERE and see pages 18-21. For today's assessment and all the following progressions and test, complete the push ups, sit ups and chin ups and pull ups to USSS APAT standards. No shortcuts!
******************************
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Run Intervals
Warm up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
5x Push Ups
Run 50m
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 3 Rounds
Run 800m at your "800m pace" using your SESSION 1, 1.5-mile Run Assessment time and the MTI Run Calculator.
Rest 5 minutes between efforts
(2) 2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Instep Stretch
Pigeon Stretch
******************************
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Obj: Push Up / Sit Up / Chin Up Progression
Warm up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
5x Push Ups
5x Sit Ups
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Use your SESSION 1 assessment results to calculate today's reps.
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 seconds
30% of your Max Rep Push Ups from SESSION 1
So, if you scored 35x Push Ups on Session 1, 35 x .3 = 10.5 or 11 (round up). Set a repeating countdown timer to 75 seconds. On "Go" complete 11x push ups as fast as possible. The faster you finish the more rest you get before the next round begins.
(2) 6 Rounds, every 75 seconds
30% of your Max Rep Sit Ups Ups from SESSION 1
(2) 6 Rounds, every 75 seconds
30% of your Max Rep Chin Ups Ups from SESSION 1
(3) 2 Rounds
Lat + Pec Stretch
Foam Roll Legs, Low and Upper Back
******************************
THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Run Intervals
Warm up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
5x Push Ups
Run 50m
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 3 Rounds
Run 800m at your "800m pace" using your SESSION 1, 1.5-mile Run Assessment time and the MTI Run Calculator.
Rest 5 minutes between efforts
(2) 2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Instep Stretch
Pigeon Stretch
******************************
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Obj: Push Up / Sit Up / Chin Up Progression
Warm up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
5x Push Ups
5x Sit Ups
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Use your SESSION 1 assessment results to calculate today's reps.
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 seconds
35% of your Max Rep Push Ups from SESSION 1
So, if you scored 35x Push Ups on Session 1, 35 x .35 = 12.25 or 13 (round up). Set a repeating countdown timer to 75 seconds. On "Go" complete 13x push ups as fast as possible. The faster you finish the more rest you get before the next round begins.
(2) 6 Rounds, every 75 seconds
35% of your Max Rep Sit Ups Ups from SESSION 1
(2) 6 Rounds, every 75 seconds
35% of your Max Rep Chin Ups Ups from SESSION 1
(3) 2 Rounds
Lat + Pec Stretch
Foam Roll Legs, Low and Upper Back
******************************
SATURDAY
SESSION 6
Obj: Moderate Pace Run
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
Run 50m
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Run 3 Miles, Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = comfortable but not easy
(2) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
(2) 2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Instep Stretch
Pigeon Stretch
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