QUESTION
I am a monthly subscriber to your program, and it has done wonders for my physical fitness as a soldier. I recently signed up for the Norwegian Foot March event in October. If you do not know what it is, it is an 18.6 mile foot march with a 25 pound pack to be completed in under 4 hours and 30 minutes depending on the age and gender bracket. My problem is that I have a record APFT at roughly the same time, and I am worried about focusing too much on one event and neglecting the other. Is there a program or series of programs I can use to ensure the best result for both events?
ANSWER
The Ranger School Training Plan brings this all together fairly well. The only change I’d recommend is to decrease the rucking load in the plan to 25#. Problem is right now the Ranger School Plan isn’t included in your subscription.
Another Option is to combine the APFT and Ruck Improvement Training Plan.
To do this, drop the Tuesday and Thursday sessions from the APFT Plan.
Doing this, you could combine the plans like this (after doing the initial assessments)
Mon: APFT
Tue: Ruck Improvement
Wed: APFT
Thurs: Ruck Improvement
Friday: APFT
Saturday: Ruck Improvement
– Rob
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QUESTION
Hi I saw your fat loss plan, and I’m interested, but still healing from acl meniscus surgery, could I maybe get with you about tailoring this plan a bit?
ANSWER
Sir/Ma’am – This plan involves running, etc. A better plan to begin with may be the Leg Injury Post-Rehab Training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/post-rehab-leg-injury-training-plan-ssd/
- Rob
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QUESTION
I have totally bought into your program and training approach. In the next week I will be wrapping up the Helena dumbbell training plan and feel I have made significant improvements across the board. I wanted to try a free program of yours first before I bought one, but now I’m sold on your theories and concepts! They just make sense for a military athlete.
Currently I am an ROTC cadet seeking to commission as an 11A. I believe whole heartedly in physical fitness and need to be a physical specimen. Right now I need to improve my running and rucking performance. My benchmark goals are to hit 1100-1130 in the 2 mile run, but really become more of a rucking monster because I think that is one of the more important finesse levels an 11A needs. I struggle with trying to become a runner, but keeping up my strength. I fully believe in strength and I know you cannot really become an elite runner with elite strength. Its not in my genetics. What plan do you suggest for me to improve my running, rucking, and strength aspects across the board after completing the Helena plan? As an athlete I want to become pound for pound, the strongest I can be, with being able to run (a sub 7 pace for 8-10 miles), an elite rucker, all while maintain my strength. In the future I have huge aspirations in becoming an 11A, getting into special operations, and winning the Best Ranger Competition. I am willing to do whatever it takes to put myself in the best position to succeed. Thanks for your time and I look forward to your input.
ANSWER
Start with Fortitude, then do Valor.
Fortitude focuses on strength and military endurance (running, ruck running).
Valor focuses on work capacity and military speed over round (running and rucking fast intervals).
Fortitude: http://mtntactical.com/shop/fortitude/
Valor: http://mtntactical.com/shop/valor/
- Rob
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QUESTION
I was briefly exposed to your training program at Ft. Carson thru a friend in 4/4id and I really enjoyed it. I remember you had a free on ramp for Soldiers deploying to Afghanistan. I just arrived in Korea (a very hilly country) I would like to know if you have a basic on ramp course I could use to train the Soldiers here.
I would like it to center on the apft, if I’m going to sell this to the command I need to put up some measurable numbers at first. After the initial round I believe I can get into more job performance based metrics.
If you have a program that would fit my needs here please let me know. Thank you.
ANSWER
A couple options:
APFT training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/apft-plan/
Purely focused on the APFT and it’s events. Uses an initial assessment and assessment results for follow on progressions. This way it automatically scales to the incoming fitness of the athlete. No equipment needed.
Bodyweight Foundation: http://mtntactical.com/shop/bodyweight-foundation-training-plan/
Also includes an initial assessment and follow on progressions. Bodyweight and running only, but a must greater array of bodyweight exercises.
Humility: http://mtntactical.com/shop/humility/
A significant step up in intensity – includes dumbbell strength training and IBA running.
- Rob
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QUESTION
I wanted to reach out to see what your thoughts were on using the TACP training prep for SFAS? I originally purchased the program as I was accepted into one of the units and was going through the transfer process from the Army to the Air Force. Long story short it was denied and I am now back on to my original plan of attending SFAS.
Can I use the TACP prep with success for SFAS? I know they are different beasts but both are ruck and run based selections with regular smoke sessions. I saw you offer the 9 month SFAS program but I don’t think it will benefit me as I have a SFRE (4 day pre selection) Sept 15-18.
Would it be feasible to run the TACP program starting tomorrow twice through (or close to it….I have 14.5 weeks until SFRE) or is there a better option?i am currently on day 8 of the 369 work capacity cycle.
ANSWER
I’d recommend the Ruck Based Selection Training Plan – which is the last plan in the SFAS packet.
Here’s the link: http://mtntactical.com/shop/ruck-based-selection-training-program/
– Rob
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QUESTION
I’ve used your APFT & Rat 6 plans before and I loved them both. When I was a PL and a CO I encouraged my PT failures to use your APFT plan to get up to standard, and for the ones that actually did the work, they did! Many kudos on that.
Back in Dec, I had surgery to fix my achilles and my heel. I’d torn it the year before, but that surgeon didn’t shave the heel bone smooth enough, so over that year the achilles wouldn’t heal up b/c the bone was cutting into it. I got another surgeon, this time a top ranked one in the country, to do my surgery in Dec to fix it. Just had a checkup 2 weeks ago and he said I can get back to normal activities (though I am trying to “ease” into it).
I’ve not done anything for working out in almost 2 years, and I am a fatty Mcfatterson right now, which is not good since I’m an Infantry Officer looking at making CPT sometime soon.
For a dude like me, 6’1″ 250lbs (most of it in the gut,I have no ass – think Hank Hill), do you think starting on the rat 6 or possibly get on that on-ramp/rookie program?
ANSWER
Start with the Fat Loss Training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/fat-loss-training-program/
– Rob
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QUESTION
I’ve got your new online backcountry big game hunter program. I’ve got 4 weeks until I hit the 8 week mark before my hunt.
Thoughts on pre-work/scaling workouts in the next 4 weeks before I start the 8 week program?
ANSWER
Best would be to begin training some strength and endurance now – in prep for the backcountry hunting plan.
A good choice for both would be Fortitude.
– Rob
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QUESTION
Wanted to run a few quick questions by you in regards to training for alpinism/ice climbing and rock climbing. I’ve been active all my life, but I’m at a point where I’d like to be more systematic about my training. My dad lives out in Jackson and had great things to say about your gym (intense, elite, ass-kicking workouts were the words he used), and I’m stoked to see you all have training plans available for all of us outside J Hole.
Wanted to ask what your thoughts are generally on heart rate monitors and more specifically, if they’re a necessary component for following the workout plans. I’m looking at Garmin’s Fenix3, which is overkill if I just want a heart rate monitor, but its feature set for outdoor athletes (weather, elevation, compass, etc.) makes it an attractive purchase. It’s also $600, so I wanted to ask for your opinion before I made the investment.
And second, I wanted to ask if you had any further resources for system boards. I’m relocating in 10 days to Nelson, New Zealand, so I’m unsure as to what facilities I’ll have available there. There is a climbing gym, but I am not sure if they’ll have anything available for tool work. I very well may have to build my own, so while I had you I thought I’d ask.
A few brief notes about me: On rock, I climb 5.10d sport now. My goal to be sending 5.12a on sport and multi-pitch by this time next year. I’m just now getting into alpinism and ice climbing, so its hard to say my specific goals just yet. Generally, I’d like to be able to go hard at altitude on mixed routes up to M6. My plan is to buy the Expedition Mixed/Ice Training program once I get to NZ. Go through winter with that, then transition with the seasons to the Preseason Rock Climbing Plan and the Warbonnet Climb Cycle (and subsequent plans). Would love to hear what you think of that plan.
ANSWER
1) No – not for most of our training plans. Often, depending upon the plan, having a GPS is helpful for running/hiking mileage. We use Garmin Forerunner 10 – or their cheapest one. About $100. You can get a combo heart rate/gps for around $200.
2) Tool Work – I’m not sure what you mean by “resources” – most climbing gyms won’t let you use tools. We build 4×8 plywood walls and use door hinges and other hardware for much of our tool work. You can also use plastic climbing holds, but your tools will ruin them. Some guys will use tools and crampons on logs – which is an option – but we haven’t tried this because of the damage the crampons would do to our crash pads. All the athletes who remotely follow our ice/mixed plans have to build their own tool system boards. It’s not that hard, really. Many will take and use 2×4’s and set them up outside in the yard leaning off the house or build a frame.
Overall training plan? Overall it’s solid – as long as you come away from NZ ready to move right into the ice/mixed season. What I mean is the ice/mixed and pre-season rock plans are designed to be completed directly before your season. I’m not sure how long you’re going to be in NZ, or if you’ll do the actual climbing there. If you’re going to be there several months, a great plan to start is the Alpinist Fitness Assessment Training Plan – and use that to move into Ice/Mixed.
– Rob
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QUESTION
I am a 56 year old police officer that still willfully works the street. Are There any considerations relative to age/recovery that should be applied to the on ramp program?
ANSWER
No.
Just like there are no special slow/weak bad guys for 56 year old cops.
Complete the sessions as prescribed, but take one full rest day between for the first 5 sessions.
It’ll suck at first. There’s no short cut. Stick with it.
– Rob
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QUESTION
Long time MA/SSD plan executor here, and I usually hit you with a small questionnaire before each plan. Most recently, I used the Valor plan to prepare for the Ranger School plan and ultimately killed it at Ranger School so thanks for that bit of advice! Now I am on to new pursuits and I am (hopefully) changing branches on a CCT contract and I will go directly to CCT selection.
I’ve used some of the swim improvement plan so far but mainly I have just been haphazardly hitting track workouts and swim pt with calisthenics. Also, I have not long graduated from Ranger school and my baseline combat chassis strength is at an all time low. As I am about to purchase the PJ/CCT plan, I am wondering a few things:
1) I am already an All Star at carrying my ruck fast and long, so I feel I could replace the heavy 60# ruck tasks and be fine with just the 45# ruck runs. There is no weight room strength training in this plan and my strength is sucky at best right now. Is there a feasible strength session that you feel would fit good in place of the heavy ruck sessions?
2) For some of the hour plus workouts and the lengthy mini events, do you recommend sustainment during the workout? What kind? I use endurox or similar currently and sip continuously through the workout.
3) Have you received and feedback or kudos from this plan?
Sorry I know I’m a little lengthy here, but this endeavor is a little different than my previous Army ruck based pursuits and I am having a moment of indecisiveness on how best to prepare.
Thanks!
ANSWERS
1) Heavy weight, low volume. 9×2 of a total body exercise, the 8×3 of a lower and upper body exercise.
2) Yes – we use gatorade stuff and gels. But you have to be a little carful – because you won’t have that option at selection. So carbs of some type – crackers, sugar, peanut butter with honey, etc.
3) We’ve had several guys use the plan with success. A major source of attrition at CCT/PJ is the swimming/water confidence. The plan includes swimming, treading, underwater laps, etc., but the water confidence stuff you’ll face at selection is it’s own animal. Best is to become as comfortable as possible under water. As well, you may want to consider purchasing a spear fishing or free diving app to train breath holds out of water. I’ve used these with success for spear fishing. You may also seek some help from a dive team ODA or anyone who’s been through the Combat Diving Course.
– Rob
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QUESTION
I recently broke 4 ribs and am about 2 weeks into my recovery (broke my ribs 2 weeks ago). This is seriously inhibiting my ability train as in I can’t. My question to you is if I plan on attending a selection in the spring, what’s the best way to go about this? The injury is preventing me from starting any training plan 10 months out. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER
I don’t have an answer for you. I’d recommend you contact boxing/MMA coaches. I bet they deal with this and may have some ideas to speed recovery and/or train around the injury.
About they only exercise I can think of is a spin cycle.
– Rob
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QUESTION
I have heard great things about your programming and wanted to reach out for advice. Sorry in advance for the long windedness of this email but I want to approach training correctly to better reach my goals. I will use your recommendations beginning in August after returning from 28 days of training with Army ROTC. Unfortunately, there is a severe lack of PT at this training and rumor has it that most people come back in worse shape due to lack of PT (specifically no type of strength training) at camp.
My career goals are to become a combat arms officer (specifically infantry, armor or field artilley), compete for a shot at Ranger School and then eventually attempt to move into Special Forces or the 75th Ranger Regiment once I am eligible.
My specific goals are:
-The strength standards for tactical athletes on your website
-Above Average performance on the Upper Body Round Robin (consisting of 1 Minute Push-ups/Sit-ups, Max Dips/Pull-ups/Kipp-ups, Max Reps on 80% BW Bench, 20M Shuttle Run, a Rope Climb, and a 5 Mile Run)
-12 Mile Ruck time of 2H and 30M
-Overall endurance and work capacity
I will begin training after a month of little to no working out, just lots of walking and sweating. My biggest weaknesses are pull-ups and rucking. I do not have great overall strength but it is not a severe weakness like the other two. I will have 10 months from the time I return from camp to my commissioning date and I would like to use it wisely to lay a fitness base for my future career, hence why I have turned to you.
What progression of programs would you recommend to enhance my fitness over the course of my senior year? I’ve had my eye on quite a few programs to start in August but I’m not sure which are best and how to progress.
What is the the benefit of Military Athlete plans over a traditional plan that would include powerlifting/running/rucking and some crossfit WODs for Work capacity? Is there a significant advantage to Military Athlete?
ANSWER
I’d recommend starting with our Virtue series of training plans – Humility, Fortitude, Valor and Resilience.
If you wanted you could drop in the Upper Body Round Robin Training plan in after Fortitude.
Humility is bodyweight focused, and a great place to start.
Advantages of our training plans? Built ground up for mission-direct tactical application.
Good luck.
– Rob
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QUESTION
I recently completed the hiring process for the DEA and was successful with the PTT thanks to your workout plan. Now I’m just waiting for “the call.” I wanted to get your advice on what plan you recommend for the meantime while I wait for the academy. I don’t want to loose my numbers with the PTT, i.e. pull ups, push ups, sit ups and run but I need some variety in my workout an don’t want to over work the sport specific plan.
ANSWER
I’d recommend Humility (http://mtntactical.com/shop/humility/).
– Rob
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QUESTION
Just a quick question for you, I was looking through the programs on your site and trying to find the best fit.
I am preparing to go to Air Force OTS in august, and I want to go in the best shape of my life. Ive been doing (and coaching crossfit) for 4 years and have a solid well rounded background, but definitely could stand to improve overall endurance and capacity. Is there a specific program you recommend? Id rather do a program for a “harder” school and be over-prepared if that makes sense. Thanks for any input!
ANSWER
We have training plans for Army and USMC OCS, but none yet for USAF OTS – so I don’t have the perfect plan for you.
We do have a plan for the USAF PFT: http://mtntactical.com/shop/us-air-force-pft-training-program/
What I’d recommend is the Army OCS Plan (http://mtntactical.com/shop/army-ocs-training-plan/), but use the USAF PFT Events and our running calculator for the PFT work in the plan.
Good luck!
– Rob
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