Lab Rats Needed to Test Programming Aimed at Increasing 1RM Strength, and Bodyweight Strength Endurance Concurrently

By Rob Shaul

MTI is calling for fit remote lab rats to test three different programming approaches to concurrently increase both 1RM Strength and Bodyweight Strength Endurance.

Lab rats will complete an intense, 3.5 week, 4-day/week training cycle.

The training will begin Monday, May 24, 2021.

The deadline to apply is 1700 Mountain Time, Monday, May 17, 2021.

Details

MTI is interested in testing methods to concurrently train 1RM Strength and bodyweight strength endurance concurrently. This mini study is the first foray into exploring ways to train both types of strength concurrently, efficiently and effectively.

The programming challenge to training both types of strength work using the same muscles and movement partners is fatigue and recovery.

Four 1RM strength exercises will be tested and trained:

1RM Power Clean
1RM Bench Press
1RM Front Squat
1RM Weighted Pull Up

Four bodyweight strength endurance exercises will also be tested and trained:

Max Reps Box Jumps in 2 Minutes
Max Rep Push Ups in 2 Minutes
Max Reps Bodyweight Squats in 3 Minutes
Max Reps Strict Pull Ups

Lab rats will be broken into three groups, and each group will complete the same progression types for the Max Effort Strength work (Rat 6) and the bodyweight endurance strength (density).

Programming will be consistent entirely of gym-based barbell strength and bodyweight strength endurance.

The differences between groups will be scheduling.

Group A Schedule:

Mon: Front Squat, Bench Press, Box Jumps, Pull Ups
Tue: Power Clean, Wtd Pull Ups, Bodyweight, Push Ups
Wed: Total Rest
Thurs: Front Squat, Bench Press, Box Jumps, Pull Ups
Fri: Power Clean, Wtd Pull Ups, Bodyweight, Push Ups

Group B Schedule:

Mon: Front Squat, Bench Press, Bodyweight Squats, Push Ups
Tue: Power Clean, Wtd Pull Ups, Box Jumps, Pull Ups
Wed: Total Rest
Thurs: Front Squat, Bench Press, Bodyweight Squats, Push Ups
Fri: Power Clean, Wtd Pull Ups, Box Jumps, Pull Ups

Group C Schedule:

Mon: Front Squat, Bench Press, Power Clean, Wtd Pull Ups
Tue: Bodyweight Squats, Push Ups, Box Jumps, Pull Ups
Wed: Total Rest
Mon: Front Squat, Bench Press, Power Clean, Wtd Pull Ups
Tue: Bodyweight Squats, Push Ups, Box Jumps, Pull Ups

We’re looking to get 6-10 committed, fit lab rats for each group in this mini-study.

You’ll communicate frequently together during the program which will involve a group-only message board/forum, and may include an occasional zoom call.

You’ll work directly with MTI Founder Rob Shaul for the duration of the study.

Priority lab rat selection will be given to current MTI subscribers, ages 22-40.

What We Hope To Learn

Is effectively and efficiently training max effort strength and bodyweight strength endurance possible?
Is there a difference in Group performance based on the weekly training schedule.

Required Equipment

- Barbell, Rack, Plates, Bench for Bench Press, Front Squat and Power Clean, Pull Up Bar
- Stopwatch and repeat countdown timer (smartphone will work)

Cycle Duration

This study project will take 3.5 weeks. It will begin Monday, May 24, 2021. The program will end Tuesday, June 15 with final re-assessments.

To Participate

- - You’ll need to commit to training 4 days/week for 3.5 weeks, and follow the program as prescribed
  - You’ll need to commit to following only this programming as formal fitness training for the study project period.
  - You’ll need the required equipment (see above)
  - You’ll need to be 22-40 years old, and fit.
  - Priority lab rat selection will be given to current MTI subscribers, ages 22-40.

Want to be an MTI Lab Rat?

Please email rob@mtntactical.com, and put “1RM/Bodyweight Strength Lab Rat” in the subject line.

Please include:

- - Age
  - Bodyweight
  - Current fitness level and your current training plan/regimen
  - If you’re a current tactical athlete (military, LE, Fire/Rescue)
  - If you’re a current MTI subscriber
  - Which MTI plans you’ve completed in the past
  - Verify you have access to the required equipment

We’re hoping to get 6 lab rats for each group in this mini study, or 18 total.