QUESTION
Just finished 357, made great strength gains (I’m still pretty weak, but I can front-squat my bodyweight of 210 at 6’4" now), which is up from 190.
I get commissioned into the USMC and go to TBS on July 9, in between then what would you recommend doing?
– T.
ANSWER
Operator Sessions, T. Or if you’re hesitant to subscribe, the Work Cap plan: http://militaryathlete.com/page.php?page_ID=12&cart_category_ID=56&&cart_ID=62
– Rob
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QUESTION
Hi Rob,
I’m a young and quite small (162 cm high for 56 kg) athlete. Searching for a good all around training schedule I saw yours and I liked it a lot.
Even if I rock climb and hike I preferred your Military Athlete mindset for many reasons (i.e. the fact that you have to be in shape all time).
Trying some of your workouts I noticed that I easily get tired : it’s because I’m too light for the weights you recommend or ‘cause I’m not so strong ?
I would like to gain more muscle but I cannot gain more body weight (rock climbing is just a hobby so I don’t care to be a skinny guy to climb better but I’ll prefer to be an all-rounded athlete ) . What would you suggest ?
I’m stick with a Mediterrean “diet” cause of my Italian’s origin so I’m a bit discouraged about changing my eating habits (I eat at a least a dish of pasta every day) and I don’t want to alarm my parents eating too much proteins.
Thanks
J.
ANSWER
I’d recommend starting with the Rat 6 Strength Plan from the website store. It’s self-scaling to your individual strength level. Here’s a link to the plan: http://militaryathlete.com/page.php?page_ID=12&cart_category_ID=55&&cart_ID=84
– Rob
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QUESTION
Hey Rob,
I am with the Scout/Sniper platoon of the 501st up in Alaska (you came up here a couple years back to help us prep for Afghanistan). We just completed EIB, but during the train up for EIB I had some stomach pains. At first I did not do anything about it and just muscled through. Long story short, I had appendicitis, my appendix exploded, and after a 9 day stay in the hospital, I am finally out.
My question to you is, do you have any post surgery/ recovery programs?
I am going to be attending SFAS in the fall, and I am hoping that this isn’t going to set me back to far.
I appreciate any help that you can offer.
– C.
ANSWER
I’m sorry C. – I’m not a doctor, and I’m not sure what you’re limitation is or where your recovery schedule is. I wish I could offer more.
We have built an Onramp Plan – but it involves squats and total body exercises – it may not be appropriate for you.
– Rob
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QUESTION
Thanks for the heads up and I’ll definitely be picking up that Selection program.
What’s the difference between the Work Capacity plan and going for your current Ruck-based Selection program?
– J.
ANSWER
The work capacity plan is general fitness focused on improving work cap, J. The Ruck Plan is sport-specific towards SFAS, etc. – It includes some general work cap and strength, and also lots of rucking, etc. Also, it is very intense in terms of volume and loading – much more intense than the work cap plan. – Rob
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QUESTION
Hello Rob,
I am a Supervisory Federal Air Marshal and currently supervise a 10 man Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response team. We are responsible for surface protection and security of transportation venues.
I have been looking for a complete program to take my 48 year old body and put it back into peak fitness. A couple of my guys find your website and I thought your Operator Sessions would do the job.
Quick question, if I start this program is it scaleable, so I do not kill myself with the first workout. LOL! I believe the best deal is the $25.00 per month program, do you agree? Please let me know and I will sign up immediately. Thanks for your time and all the best.
– S.
ANSWER
Most our stuff is scaleable. All the strength sessions are, but we do prescribe loading for some work capacity and other efforts. I’m not sure how fit you are coming in, but please understand the Operator Sessions are designed for the job demands of SOF personnel, and reflect this intensity in loading and difficulty.
One issue I’m running into (I’m 45), is recovery from the sessions. Until now, this has never been an issue, but now, it takes me simply longer to recover, and I’m not sure the intensity of this loading is appropriate for guys our age. How to adjust the programming for guys our age is something I’m considering now.
Given all that, I recommend senior guys coming into our programming start with the 357 Strength Plan, http://militaryathlete.com/page.php?page_ID=12&cart_category_ID=55&&cart_ID=69, then graduate to the Operator Sessions.
– Rob
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QUESTION
Hey Rob. Im currently deployed and want to come back noticeably bigger and stronger….My legs are pretty skinny and I can get my upper body to get bigger but my chest never really grows ….what program should I try and what should I eat…..I want a bigger chest and get rid of these chicken legs……And def wanna be strong and bigger…..Thanks
ANSWER
I’d recommend our Hypertrophy Program for Skinny Guys: http://militaryathlete.com/page.php?page_ID=12&cart_category_ID=55&&cart_ID=35
– Rob
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QUESTION
Rob,
I really enjoy your Operator Sessions. I have what I would call "Program ADD". I lose attention to one program and go on to another. I have tried SOFWODS and Atomic Athlete programing but I always end up coming back to MA for 2 reasons, it keeps me entertained and I experience the best results.
I have read your Q&A and have seen that you offer an opinion on the weight for an athlete performing the Operator Sessions. I am 6′ 2" and weigh 190#. Where would you like to see my weight so that I am performing my best?
Thanks for everything,
– R.
ANSWER
Thanks for the kind words. You’re too light. I’d like to see you at 205-210.
– Rob
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