Backountry Hunting Fitness Assessment Training Plan

Backountry Hunting Fitness Assessment Training Plan

$49.00

Description

This plan is designed specifically to train athletes for the MTI Backcountry Hunting Fitness Assessment. This is a mission-direct assessment of the primary fitness demands of backcountry hunting: high relative strength (strength per bodyweight), loaded work capacity, loaded uphill endurance and heavy rucking ability.

Here are the Assessment Events:

Strength:

  • 1RM Hinge Lift (Dead Lift)
  • 1RM Bench Press
  • Max Rep Strict Pull Ups

Work Capacity:

  • Max Rep Sandbag Getup & Run @ 40/60# in 9 minutes

Endurance

  • Max Rep Step Ups @ 40# backpack, 16-18″ bench/box in 30 Minutes
  • 1.5 Mile Ruck for Time @ 75#

This training plan is assessment based. The plan begins with the full fitness assessment and uses your results to calculate the following progressions. In this way the plan automatically “scales” to your incoming fitness. Mid-cycle assessments ensure the plan continues to push you as your fitness improves.

This is Version 1 of this assessment and training plan, built January, 2025.

TRAINING WEEK

  • Monday: Assessment or Strength & Work Capacity Progression
  • Tuesday: Endurance Progression
  • Wednesday: Strength & Work Capacity Progression
  • Thursday: Endurance Progression
  • Friday: Strength & Work Capacity Progression

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

  • Stopwatch
  • Fully equipped functional fitness gym with barbells, racks, bench for bench press, pull up bar, kettlebells and/or dumbbells, plyo boxes, etc.
  • Backpack with 40# and 75# of loading
  • Sandbag – 40# for women, 60# for men

COMMON QUESTIONS

How long should the training session take?
In general, all sessions should take approximately 60-75 minutes to complete with the exeption of the assessments on the first and last day of the plan.

Why are there two numbers listed for the exercises with assigned loads?
The lower weight is the prescribed weight for women, and the higher is for men, for example, 5x Scotty Bobs at 15/25# means women use 15# dumbbells and men use 25# dumbbellls.

What does 3/5x Pull ups mean?
The first number is for women, second for men. So women do 3x pull ups, and men do 5x pull ups.

What if my gym doesn’t have kettlebells?
Substitute dumbbells at the same weight. For example, if the session calls for a pair of 16kg kettlebells, use 35# dumbbells.

What if I am unfamiliar with an exercise?
A complete list and video demonstration of our exercises can be found here: http://mtntactical.com/resources/exercise-menu/

Questions? 
Contact: coach@mtntactical.com

Required Equipment


  • Stopwatch

  • Fully equipped functional fitness gym with barbells, racks, bench for bench press, pull up bar, kettlebells and/or dumbbells, plyo boxes, etc.

  • Backpack with 40# and 75# of loading

  • Sandbag - 40# for women, 60# for men

Sample Training

SESSION 1

OBJ: Backcountry Hunting Fitness Assessment #1
Notes: Click https://mtntactical.com/knowledge/backcountry-big-game-hunting-fitness-assessment for overall scoring.

Warm Up:

  • 3 Rounds:
    • 8x Hinge Lift - Start light and increase load as you warm up
    • 4x Scotty Bob - 25#
    • 2x Prone to 40ft Sprint
    • Instep Stretch
    • Lat + Pec Stretch

Get on a scale and weigh yourself after the warm-up. Record bodyweight.

Training:
Hinge Lift 1 Repetition Max (1RM)

  • Work up to 1RM Hinge Lift
    Add 10-30# to your finishing Warm Up Load and do 5x Reps. Then add 10-30# and do 3x Reps. Then add 5-10# and do 1x Rep (single). Keep adding weight and doing singles until you reach your 1RM. Aim to get to your 1RM by your 4th or 5th single. RECORD 1RM.

Bench Press 1RM

  • Work up to 1RM Bench Press
    Start light and do 10x Reps. Then add 10-30# and do 8x Reps. Then add 10-30# and do 5x Reps. Then add 5-30# and do 3x Reps, then add 5-30# and do 1x Rep (single). Keep adding weight and doing singles until you reach your 1RM. Aim to get there by your 4th or 5th single. RECORD 1RM.

Max Rep Strict Pull Ups

  • Max Rep Pull Up
    Be strict – no kipping, or bucking. No time limit, but your hands must remain on the bar and feet can’t touch. You can rest in the dead hang position. RECORD MAX REPS.

Work Capacity Assessment

  • Max Rep Sandbag Getup And Run in 9 Minutes
    40-foot course. Switch shoulders at each end. Every length counts as one rep, so a round trip = 2 reps. Only full lengths count. RECORD MAX REPS.

Uphill Endurance Assessment

  • Max Step Ups in 30 Minutes - 40# Backpack, 16-18” Box/Bench
    RECORD MAX REPS.

Heavy Ruck Assessment

  • Ruck 1.5 Miles for Time, 75# Pack, Flat Course
    RECORD FINISH TIME.

1 Round:

  • Foam Roll Quads, Low Back

SESSION 2

OBJ: Recovery Run

Training:

  • Recovery Run:
    • Run 30 Minutes, Easy Pace
    • “Easy” = you can speak in full sentences while moving.

1 Round:

  • Foam Roll Complex

SESSION 3

OBJ: Strength and Work Capacity Progression

Warm Up:

  • 3 Rounds:
    • 8x Hinge Lift - Start light and increase load as you warm up
    • 4x Scotty Bob - 25#
    • 2x Prone to 40ft Sprint
    • Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:
Hinge Lift Warm Up:

  • 8x Hinge Lift - 50% 1RM, then …
  • 4x Hinge Lift - 75% 1RM, then …

5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:

  • 3x Hinge Lift - 85% 1RM
    Faster you finish your 3x reps, the more rest you get before the next round begins.

Bench Press Warm Up:

  • 8x Bench Press - 50% 1RM, then …
  • 4x Bench Press - 75% 1RM, then …

5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:

  • 3x Bench Press - 85% 1RM
    Faster you finish your 3x reps, the more rest you get before the next round begins.

6 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:

  • 35% Max Pull Up

3 Rounds Every 5 Minutes:

  • 40% Max Rep Sandbag Getup And Run - 40/60#
    Faster you finish your prescribed reps, the more rest you get before the next round begins.

2 Rounds:

  • Instep Complex
  • 5x Shoulder Dislocates
  • Foam Roll Low Back

SESSION 4

OBJ: Endurance Progression

Warm Up:

  • 3x Squat
  • 5x Hand Release Push-up
  • 10x Step Ups - 16-18” Bench/Box
  • Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:

  • 2 Rounds Every 15 Minutes:
    • 40% Max Rep Step Ups - 40# Pack, 16-18” Bench/Box
    • Faster you finish your prescribed reps, the more rest you get before the next round begins.

2 Rounds:

  • Toe Touch Complex
  • Lat + Pec Stretch

SESSION 5

OBJ: Strength and Work Capacity Progression

Warm Up:

  • 3 Rounds:
    • 8x Hinge Lift - Start light and increase load as you warm up
    • 4x Scotty Bob - 25#
    • 2x Prone to 40ft Sprint
    • Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:
Hinge Lift Warm Up:

  • 8x Hinge Lift - 50% 1RM, then …
  • 4x Hinge Lift - 75% 1RM, then …

5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:

  • 3x Hinge Lift - 85% 1RM
    Faster you finish your 3x reps, the more rest you get before the next round begins.

Bench Press Warm Up:

  • 8x Bench Press - 50% 1RM, then …
  • 4x Bench Press - 75% 1RM, then …

5 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:

  • 3x Bench Press - 85% 1RM
    Faster you finish your 3x reps, the more rest you get before the next round begins.

6 Rounds Every 90 Seconds:

  • 35% Max Pull Up

3 Rounds Every 5 Minutes:

  • 40% Max Rep Sandbag Getup And Run - 40/60#
    Faster you finish your prescribed reps, the more rest you get before the next round begins.

2 Rounds:

  • 3x World Squat Stretch
  • 3x Floor Slide

1)  Mission Direct

Gym numbers mean nothing. All that matters is mission performance. 

To this end, MTI’s fitness solutions and programming are not boxed in by convention, tradition, orthodoxy, public opinion or any other artificial constraint driven by inside or outside forces.

We begin with the raw fitness demands of the mission and build a fitness solution which directly prepares the athlete for those demands.

 

2) Fitness Solutions Built from the Ground Up

MTI’s programming is not “re-tread” bodybuilding, football, CrossFit, kettlebell, strength or general fitness programming. We’ve built our fitness programming for mountain and tactical athletes from the ground up.

The Fluid Periodization methodology we deploy to concurrently train multiple fitness attributes is completely original and has continued to evolve and improve over the years.

Our mid-section training methodology, Chassis Integrity, is also original, as is our endurance programming, 7 strength training progressions, tactical agility, and work capacity programming.

Our mountain sports pre-season training plans, tactical PFT, selection, school, course, and fitness improvement training plans across military, LE and Fire Rescue are MTI-developed, tested and athlete-proven.

Over the years hundreds of athletes and coaches have taken our advanced programming and unit fitness leader programming courses and MTI is widely recognized within the mountain and tactical professions and fitness media as a thought leader in fitness programming for military and tactical athletes.

 

3) The MTI Method

→ Research: MTI begins program design with extensive research of the fitness demands of the mission, sport or event, identifies the exercises and progressions which sport-specifically meet those demands, chose end-of-cycle goals, and program backward to design the training plan.

→ Deploy & Assess: We deploy the training plan “Lab Rats” at our Wyoming facility. Training session and cycle issues are identified and fixed as we work through the training plan. Post cycle we assess the programming’s effectiveness and efficiency. We keep the stuff that works, and fix or toss the stuff that doesn’t.

→ Publish & Assess Again: Plan is published for purchase as an individual training plan and made available to our subscribers. Feedback/results are assessed.

→ Iterate: We take what we learn from lab rats and athletes, re-visit, update and improve already published training plans. Several of our individual training plans are on their 4th or 5th version.

 

4) Mission-Direct Research

MTI exists to “Improve Mountain and Tactical Athletes mission performance and keep them safe.” To that end, we have developed a unique research methodology aimed at identifying real world areas of improvement and identifying immediately deployable mission-direct solutions. Click HERE to learn more about MTI’s Mission-Direct Research methodology, and Here to read about just few of our research efforts.

5) Field Proven

Our stuff works. Weekly we receive unsolicited reviews of our programming and testimonials to its effectiveness.

 

6) Programming Breadth

MTI’s library of 200+ sport-specific fitness plans for mountain and tactical athletes is unmatched. Resources range from specific programming for tactical special forces selections, to specific plans for climbing Rainier and Denali, to general fitness solutions such as running improvement, to post-rehab from injury.

Over the past decade, MTI has partnered with hundreds of athletes throughout their individual mountain and tactical careers, and provided fitness solutions as they face new mountain objectives, tactical schools, selections, PFTs and deployments, and came back from injury.

 

7) Worldwide Influence

Our work is not limited to US Athletes.

We’ve developed selection-specific training plans for Canadian, UK, Australian and German Special Forces Selections and worked with individual military personnel from Scandinavia, South, and Central America.

Canadian, Australian, UK and western European law enforcement and fire/rescue athletes have used MTI programming for mission-direct fitness.

On the mountain side, Alpinists from Japan to Slovakia have consulted with MTI and used MTI’s programming to prepare for mountain objectives.

 

8) Mission Performance beyond Fitness

MTI’s exists is to improve Mission Performance for mountain and tactical athletes and keep them safe. 

This focus on “mission direct” solutions, enhancements and improvements drives our work and research and extends beyond fitness solutions to include training, leadership, gear, team culture, and safety. 

Fitness is just one area of our work.

Our non-fitness research has included tactical cultures, combat uniforms, and gore-tex performance, and effect of stress on marksmanship.

Our work on defining what it means to be a Quiet Professional has had penetrating influence and driven healthy conversations with both mountain and tactical professionals.

 

9) Direct, Honest, Clear Answers

Since 2007 we’ve taken and answered dozens of questions weekly from mountain and tactical athletes. We’ve saved these individual Q&A’s and now thousands are archived on our site.

We’re not salesmen, and our answers are noted for their directness, honesty, and clarity. Our stuff isn’t for everyone. If we can help, we’ll let you know. If we can’t, we’ll let you know that, too.

– Rob Shaul, Founder

 

All of the Above is Backed Up By Our Promise: Our Stuff Works. Guaranteed.

Our Stuff Works. Guaranteed.

By Rob Shaul

I received notes frequently from athletes hesitant to purchase a subscription or training plans asking me to sell them on why they should make the purchase.

While I understand the question, I’m not a salesman – so I can’t put a hard sale on anyone for our programming.

I can tell them the process we go through to design our programming.

We begin with extensive research on the fitness demands of the event, identify the exercises and progressions which sport specifically meet those demands, chose end-of-cycle goals, and program backward to design the plan.

Then we test the cycle on ourselves and our lab rats here in Wyoming. We document, note what works and doesn’t work, re-assess, and make changes and modifications.

Then we publish the programming in the form of one of our plans or as part of our subscription daily training sessions for tactical and mountain athletes.
We don’t stop there – our daily programming is the “tip of the spear” for our programming evolution. We use these sessions to learn and make continuous improvement.

As we learn more and improve, we go back, and update the sport-specific training plans on the website. For example, we’re currently on Version 5 of our Ruck Based Selection Training Plan and Version 3 of our Dryland Ski Training Plan and Version 4 of our Big Game Back Country Hunting Training Plan.

We understand our programing isn’t cheap, but we believe it’s a great value. The $79 for the Ruck Based Selection Training Plan, and $39 for the Dryland Ski Training Plan reflect the, research, work, innovative theory, iteration, testing and feedback we’ve put in and received to make these plans effective.

All that matters for us is outside performance, and we feel strongly that Our Stuff Works in the real world.

Here’s our guarantee:

1) Individual Training Plan Purchase:
If you purchase an individual training plan, follow it as prescribed before your season/event/pft/selection, and if you don’t feel you were physically ready for your season/event/pft/selection, and/or didn’t see dramatic improvements in your early season performance, we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

2) Athlete’s Subscription
If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

Questions?
Email: rob@mtntactical.com

COMMON QUESTIONS:

Do you have any reviews or testimonials from athletes who have used your Athlete’s Subscription
Yes. Click HERE.

Is it true you guarantee your stuff works?
Yes. If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

How is MTI programming different than CrossFit?
This is a common question. Read our answer HERE.

You have a lot of competitors. Why should I choose MTI?
MTI is driven to improve mountain and tactical athletes’ mission performance and keep them safe. This emphasis and focus on mission performance sets us apart. Read about more that sets us apart HERE.

If I purchase a plan or subscription, how do I access the programming?
All of our plans are online, accessible via username and password.
You can log in through our →Website  or Mobile App →IOS and Android.

Do you have downloadable .pdf’s of the training plans?
No. But you can print the programming, by week, from your browser. You access individual training plans online via a username and password.

Do you have a mobile app?
Yes, we do. Available for IOS and Android.

What is the difference between purchasing an individual training plan, packet of plans or an Athlete’s Subscription?

  • Plan – Like purchasing the DVD of the first Star Wars movie. You own it forever, including any updates we make to the plan.
  • Packet – Like purchasing the DVD’s of all the Star Wars movies. You own them forever, including any updates we make to the plans.
  • Athlete’s Subscription – Like subscribing to Netflix. You get access to all 200+ plan in our library, but lose access if you unsubscribe.

If I purchase an Athletes Subscription Can I cancel on my own, anytime?
Yes.

Do I have to contact MTI to cancel or can I do it myself?
You can do it yourself. Instructions HERE.

If I purchase a subscription and have questions about where to start or what plans(s) to use for my goals, will you help?
Yes. We answer dozens of training questions from athletes weekly. Email coach@mtntactical.com.

If you add new plans or update existing plans after I subscribe will I have access to them?
Yes. We are continuously adding training plans and packets (2-5/month) and updating plans. With your subscription you’ll have access to all new plans, new courses and plan updates.

What Equipment is Required?
Click the “Required Equipment” tab to find out what equipment is required for the specific plan you are interested in.

Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run and Ruck Calculators are listed as exercises.

What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.

Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.

What if I have more questions?
Email rob@mtntactical.com

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