By Rob Shaul, Founder BLUF Max effort strength training improves Sandbag Strength Endurance more than Sandbag Strength Endurance training improves Max Effort Strength. We conducted a 4-week Mini-Study using remote lab rats to cross-test the effect of Max Effort barbell strength training to improve Sandbag Strength endurance, and the effect of Sandbag Strength Endurance […]

By Rob Shaul, Founder BLUF MTI has two training plans specifically designed to train for the Army Combat Fitness Test, the Fully Equipped Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) Training Plan, and the Limited Equipment ACFT Training Plan. We conducted a 4-week Mini-Study using remote lab rats to test the effectiveness of each training plan to […]

By Jeff Sonderegger   BLUF This 3-week mini-study compared the improvements in 2-mile run times between individuals training with a run-emphasis and those training with a strength-emphasis program. Lab rats, all of whom are currently serving in the United States Army, were broken into two groups, with Group A performing a plan focused on running […]

By Rob Shaul, Founder BLUF Fewer and shorter (45-minute) training sessions achieved similar results for strength, work capacity, and endurance improvement as more and longer (60-minute) training sessions. We conducted a 4-week Mini-Study using remote lab rats to test the effect of training volume across three training measurables: Strength (barbell and bodyweight), Sprint-Based Work Capacity, […]

By Rob Shaul BLUF This 5-week Mini-Study compared three programming methodologies to increase rucking speed. Lab Rats were be broken into three groups. All groups performed a Strength Assessment, 6-Mile Ruck for Time @ 45 pounds, and 6-Mile Run Assessment during Week 1 of the mini-study, and repeated these assessments on Week 5 of the […]

By Rob Shaul   BLUF This 3.5-week Mini-Study investigated the transfer of biking/cycling/spinning to uphill movement under load. Anecdotally we have heard that biking/spinning improved uphill movement, and designed this mini-study to test this theory. Remote, volunteer athletes were divided into two groups, A and B. At the beginning of the cycle, both groups completed […]

By Rob Shaul BLUF This 3.5 week, 3-day/week Mini-Study compared the effectiveness of two progression methodologies (Density and Grease the Groove) to improve 75-second max rep Hand Release Push Ups and Pull Ups (no time limit). The results found that the Grease the Groove progression (Group B) out-performed the Density progression (Group A) in both […]

By Rob Shaul BLUF This 4-week Mini-Study compared the programming effectiveness of (1) threshold-only running and (2)  multi-paced running (threshold, moderate, easy) to improve 6-mile running times. The results found both programming approaches improved average 6-mile run times 7-8%, with no significant difference between the programming approaches.   BACKGROUND & STUDY DESIGN For years, MTI […]

  By Tyler Sylvia, 1stLT, USMC   Background This paper provides information on the re-enlistment rates of the U.S. and NATO allies’ military services. It also examines the reasons and factors that contribute to why re-enlistment rates may be relatively high or low.   Key Findings Highest re-enlistment rate: Coast Guard ~68% Lowest re-enlistment rate: […]

By Rob Shaul, Founder BLUF We conducted a 3.5-week Mini-Study using remote lab rats to test the effectiveness of a hybrid Big 24/Density progression to increase 3RM (3 Repetition Max) Trap Bar Deadlift Strength. Study participants saw an average 9.58% gain in 3RM Trap Bar Dead Lift strength over the course of the study period. […]