Kettlebell Strength – TLU Progression
$29.00
• 4 weeks, 5 days/week
• Focuses on TLU-Strength; contains work capacity and working strength components
• Employs kettlebells only
• This training plan is one of 200+ Plans included with an Athlete’s Subscription.
Description
Strength Focused program for kettlebell enthusiasts using our classic strength progression. TLU stands for Total Body, Lower Body, and Upper Body. Within a TLU strength session, each component is trained (total, lower, upper) but with a differing intensity (loading) and volume (reps to per set and total reps per exercise). We’ve deployed TLU progression for years, and it continues to be our favorite for hybrid athletes like tactical and mountain athletes.
In this plan, we apply our strength programming philosophy kettlebells and bodyweight. You’ll train five days/week for 4 weeks (20x total sessions), performing an assessment at the end of Week 1 and Week 4.
The plan’s focus is Strength, but you’ll also train Work Capacity and Working Strength throughout the cycle.
To complete the program, you’ll need to be familiar with higher level kettlebell exercises including 2-Handed Snatches and 2-Handed cleans.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
You’ll need two kettlebells of each of the following loads:
Men: 12 kg 16 kg 20 kg 24 kg 28 kg
Women: 8 kg 12 kg 16 kg 20 kg
In cases of strong athletes, males may need 32 kg and females 24 kg.
Additional Equipment:
Pull-up Bar
20-inch Plyo Box
5-Foot piece of PVC or Broomstick
COMMON QUESTIONS
How long should the training sessions take?
Each session should take 45-60 minutes. Unless indicated, the circuits aren’t “for time.” Work briskly, not frantically through the training sessions.
What about Stretching?
Each session includes mobility and other durability drills. No additional stretching is necessary.
How do reps count for unilateral and 1-direction exercises?
The prescribed rep count is the count for one limb, so …..
5x Lunges = 5x Lunges each leg, or 10x Total
5x KB Floor Presses = 5x KB Floor Presses each arm or 10x Total 5x Slasher to Halo = 5x each direction or 10x total
What about Swings, Snatches, Cleans and other Kettle Exercises which can be either 1 or 2 hands?
The program indicates if the exercise is 1 or 2-handed. For the purposes of this program, for Swings use 1x kettlebell, and for Front Squats, use 2 kettlebells.
How do you find the prescribed rep count for Friday’s Assessment Progression?
We use Fridays during this cycle to train “Working Strength. The first and last Friday of the program you’ll actually take an assessment. The second and third Friday you’ll complete density training based on your initial assessment numbers. Here’s an example.
Part (1) of the Assessment is Max Reps in 1 Minute of Kettlebell Front Squats. Let’s say you scored 23x Front Squats in 60 seconds at 20kg.
Here is Part (1) from Session 10 (second Friday in the plan):
(1) 5 Rounds every 90 Seconds
35% KB Front Squat Reps @ assessment loading, then Max Reps KB Front Squat in 60 seconds
35% of 23x reps = .35×23 = 8.05. Round to the nearest hole number = 8.
So you’ll set a repeating timer for 90 seconds, and every time the timer goes off, for 5 rounds, you’ll do 8x Front Squats at 20kg. For the 6th Round, when the timer goes off, you’ll do as many front squats as possible in 60 seconds. You can rest – and even put the kettlebells down if needed, but keep going the full 60 seconds.
Use the same methodology for the remaining assessment events.
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 see sample training?
Yes. Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming.
How do I access the plan? Pdf? Online? App?
You can access the plan through our website or app (Mtn Tactical Fitness), both via username and password.
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
Required Equipment
You'll need two kettlebells of each ....Men Women
12 kg 8 kg
16 kg 12 kg
20 kg 16 kg
24 kg 20 kg
28 kg
In cases of strong athletes, males may need 32 kg and females 24 kg.
Additional Equipment:
- Pull-up Bar
- 20-inch Plyo Box
- 5-Foot piece of PVC or Broomstick
Sample Training
SESSION 1
Obj: Strength
Warm up:
4 Rounds
6x 2-Handed KB Snatch @ 8/12kg
6x KB Front Squat @ 8/12kg
6x Push ups
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds
3x 2-Handed Kettlebell Snatch
- increase load each round until
3x is hard, but doable, then immediately ….
1x Burpee (Be explosive!!)
Hip Flexor Stretch
(2) 6 Rounds
5x Walking Lunge holding
Kettlebells - increase load each
round until 5x is hard, but
doable, then immediately …
1x Jumping Lunge (Be explosive!)
Pigeon Stretch
(3) 10-8-6-4-2
2-Handed KB Snatch @ 8/12kg
Jumping Lunges
(4) 4 Rounds
10x Ankles to Bar
10x Poor Man's Leg Curl
5x Slasher to Halo @ 8/12kg
60 Second Farmers Carry @ 24/28kg
(4) 3 Rounds
3x Floor Slide
Frog Stretch
5x Shoulder Dislocate with
PVC
****************
SESSION 4
Obj: Work Capacity/Core
Warm up:
10-1
Air Squat
Pushup
Situp
Training:
(1) 10 Rounds
10x Kettlebell Front Squat @ 12/20kg
Run 200m or 25x Step ups @ 20” Box
30 Seconds Rest (Sprint to the rest each round)
(2) 5 Rounds
5x Kneeling Slasher to Halo @ 8/12kg
20/20 Standing Founder
60 sec Farmer’s Carry 24/28kg
10x Seated Russian Twist @ 8/12kg
(3) 2 Rounds
30 Second Jane Fonda
50x Shoulder Handjob,unloaded
******************
SESSION 5
Obj: Assessment
Warm up:
3 Rounds
10x KB Front squat @ 8/12kg
10x KB Floor Press @ 8/12kg
10x Swings @ 16/20 kg
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) Max Reps in 1 Minute ….
Kettlebell Front Squat
*** Rest 3-5 minutes *******
(2) Max Reps in 1 Minute …
Kettlebell Floor Press
**** Rest 3-5 Minutes ***
(3) Max reps in 1 Minute
Kettlebell Swings
**** Rest 3-5 Mintues *****
(4) Max reps in 1 Minute
Situps holding kettlebell to
your chest @ 8/12kg
Loading:
Men under 180# use 20kg
Men over 180# use 24kg
Women 90-110# use 12kg
Women 110+ use 16kg
RECORD YOUR RESULTS!
Our Stuff Works. Guaranteed.
Athlete's Subscription Package
Need all access programming? The Athlete Subscription gives you 450+ Plans and 13x Daily Programming Streams.
