Prenatal Weeks 7-12
$39.00
- This is the first training plan in MTI’s Prenatal Training Packet.
- The plan scales to where the mother is at her pregnancy, and to her individual fitness
- Trains Strength, Work Capacity, Endurance, and Chassis Integrity
- The training plans within this packet are one of the 250+ plans included with an Athlete’s Subscription
Description
MTIs PRENATAL PROGRAMMING
Academic Research has found that women who trained through pregnancy have been found to have healthier outcomes for both mother and child.
In doing our research prior we were unable to find professionally designed, prenatal programming designed for tactical athletes, mountain professionals and other fit women experienced in functional fitness.
As part of our research we reached out to current female Tactical Athletes and Mountain Professionals with specific questions surrounding prenatal and postpartum training experiences and input. Below are the highlights from the responses we received from military officers, professional mountain guides, etc:
- Most don’t know they are pregnant until Week 6 – so start the programming at week six and go through week 40
- Training cycles/programming should generally align with pregnancy trimesters in terms of volume, intensity, and exercise selection
- Daily programming needs daily scalability – especially early in the pregnancy when training is often interrupted or shorted due to morning sickness, and later in the pregnancy when training is affected by fatigue and discomfort.
- Most continued to strength train using free weights (dumbbells, barbells, etc.) throughout the pregnancy – even into the third trimester. However, exercises were avoided later because of belly size/discomfort – i.e. no barbell power cleans at 8 months
- A few ran through all 40 weeks of pregnancy, but in the latter weeks, most pulled back on running because of discomfort.
- All avoided super intense max effort work capacity, strength and endurance work after learning they were expecting. Other than avoiding max efforts, first trimester training was little changed.
- Most engaged in yoga or stretching for flexibility during pregnancy, but did this outside fitness training but didn’t want that included in fitness programming.
- Most engaged in Kegel and other pelvic floor work during pregnancy, but not as part of their daily fitness training and recommended any work in this area not be included in fitness programming.
- Most trained / were active every day of the week, but gym-based daily training duration generally decreased as the pregnancy advanced. All wanted a daily training scheduled 7 days/week.
- Focused and consistent postpartum training for most began 6-8 weeks after delivery. Programming needs to start easy, and progress in difficulty.
MTI’s Prenatal and Postpartum programming incorporates this feedback.
- The 34 weeks of Prenatal programming is broken into seven training plans, each 4-6 weeks long. Programming Highlights:
- Programming intensity and volume, and training session duration, decrease as the pregnancy advances
- Programming is 7 days/week. Weekend work is endurance.
- Each individual training session includes an option to scale down based on how pregnancy is impacting the athlete that day. We call this the “Not feeling it” Flex.
- Max efforts are avoided across all fitness attributes – strength, work capacity, endurance, chassis integrity
- Strength, work capacity, endurance and chassis integrity are all trained throughout the pregnancy
- Programmed endurance modes include running, spinning and rucking
- Chassis Integrity programming has a slight low back/extension emphasis
- Postpartum Programming begins at 6 weeks after childbirth, and is gradually progressive in intensity and volume
PRENATAL WEEKS 7-12
This is intense, 6-week, 7 day/week training cycle is the first plan in MTI’s 34-Week Prenatal Training Packet.
MTI’s prenatal programming is designed for fit, female tactical athletes, mountain professionals, or similar. The assumption is you’re arriving at the programming fit, and familiar with functional fitness. As the programming develops and you move deeper into your pregnancy, the programming in the packet decreases in overall volume appropriately. This is the first training plan in the packet, designed to be completed weeks 7-12 of your pregnancy, and is overall the most intense plan in the packet.
The programming is designed to allow professional female athletes to continue to train professionally, while pregnant and experiencing the physical changes pregnancy involves. At all times remember you are not training for only yourself, but also your baby. Listen to your body, don’t be stupid, and put you and your baby’s health first.
This is a multi-modal training plan which concurrently trains strength, work capacity, chassis integrity (functional core), and endurance (run/spin, ruck). Overall, this is a balanced training plan, where the different fitness attributes are trained relatively equally.
Gym-based sessions are designed to last 60 minutes. Endurance programming is 60-90 minutes long.
The final week of this plan is an unload week.
Again, this plan is designed to be completed weeks 7-12 of your pregnancy.
This is Version 1 of this plan, built February 2021.
FITNESS ATTRIBUTES
Strength
Trained via free weights (barbell, dumbbell/kettlebell) using MTI’s “TLU” strength progression/methodology. Each strength day you’ll train a total, lower and upper body strength exercises. The plan deploys “hard” but doable progression … which means the loading will automatically scale to the individual athlete in general, and how she is feeling that day, specifically.
Work Capacity
Trained via 20 minute, multi-modal events deploying sandbags, dumbbells, shuttle sprints, step ups, etc.
Chassis Integrity
You’ll complete 15-minute, “TRE” circuits. Each circuit contains a Total, Rotational and Extension core exercise, often deploying sandbags.
Endurance
Trained via time using running, spinning and rucking wearing a 40# backpack. Pacing is either moderate or easy.
“Not Feeling it” Flex
Each training session in this plan includes a “Not Feeling It” Flex” option for days when morning sickness, above-normal fatigue or other is affecting you that day. This “flex” option allows you to easily cut down on that day’s training volume as appropriate and needed.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Monday – Strength
- Tuesday – Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Wednesday – 60-Minute Endurance
- Thursday – Strength
- Friday – Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Saturday – 90-Minute Endurance
- Sunday – 90-Minute Endurance
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Pull Up Bar
- 40# Sandbag
- Backpack with 40# of Filler
- Squat Rack, Bench, Barbell, Plate, dumbbells and/or kettlebells
- Foam Roller
- 16″ bench or box for step ups
COMMON QUESTIONS
How long will sessions last?
Gym-based training sessions are specifically designed to be completed in 60 minutes. Endurance sessions take 60-90 minutes.
What if I miss a day?
Skip ahead to the next training session.
How do I know if I’m fit enough to begin this programming?
Click the “Sample Training” tab above to see the entire first week of programming. Try it and see how you do. If you can’t complete it, email coach@mtntactical.com for a programming suggestion.
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?
Access is online, via username and password. You can log in either through our website or through our app (Mtn Tactical Fitness) available for IOS and Android.
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
DISCLAIMER
Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure that you are in proper health. Physical training contains inherent risks including, but not limited to, muscle strains, tears, physical and bodily injury up to and including death. This training program is not meant to provide medical advice; you should obtain medical advice from your private health care practitioner. If you are unable to assume these risks then you should not engage in this training program. No liability is assumed by Mountain Tactical Institute, Inc, its owners or employees, and you train at your own risk. Mountain Tactical Institute makes no warranty, express or implied, of any kind in connection with this training program.
Required Equipment
- Pull Up Bar
- 40# Sandbag
- Backpack with 40# of Filler
- Squat Rack, Bench, Barbell, Plate, dumbbells and/or kettlebells
- Foam Roller
- 16" bench or box for step ups
Sample Training
Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:
PRENATAL WEEK 8
MONDAY
SESSION 8
Obj: Strength
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
8x Bench Press@ 45#
8x Goblet Squat @ 12kg
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds
4x Bench Press - Increase load each round until 4x is hard, but doable
(2) 6 Rounds
4x Power Clean + Push Press - Increase load each round until 4x is hard, but doable
(3) 6 Rounds
8x Dumbbell/Kettlebell Front Squat - Increase load each round until 8x is hard, but doable
Comments:
Each strength circuit above includes a stretch or mobility drill. This stretch is your "working rest" between rounds. Work steadily, not frantically, through the circuits. Aim to finish the entire session right at 50-60 minutes.
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Drop each circuit down to 4 rounds. If you're still not feeling it, quit for the day.
******************************
TUESDAY
SESSION 9
Obj: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
10x Goblet Squat @ 12kg
Training:
(1) 4 Rounds
300m Shuttle @ 90% Effort
Rest 90 Seconds
(2) 15 minute Grind ...
5x Sandbag Clean & Press @ 40#
10x Slasher @ 12kg
10x Swing @ 16kg
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time.
(3) 2 Rounds
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
- Cut Part (1) to 2 Rounds and drop part (2) to 10 minutes.
If after dropping the shuttles to 2 rounds you still aren't feeling it, quit for the day.
******************************
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 10
Obj: Endurance
Training:
(1) Ruck 60 minutes @ 40# pack, Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = comfortable but not easy - and walk or fast walk only. No ruck running.
(2) 2 Rounds
Foam Roll Low Back
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Ruck 30 Minutes at an Easy Pace.
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
If after slowing to an easy pace and giving it another 10 minutes. If you're still not feeling it, quit for the day.
******************************
THURSDAY
SESSION 11
Obj: Strength
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
Barbell Complex @ 45#
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds
3x Thruster - Increase load each round until 3x is hard, but doable
(2) 6 Rounds
6x Hinge Lift - Increase load each round until 6x is hard, but doable
(3) 6 Rounds
8x Kettlebell Floor Press - Increase load each round until 8x is hard, but doable
3x Pull Ups
If you can't do 3x Pull Ups, do as many as possible, then do Negatives for the remaining reps. "Negative" = jump up until your chin is above the bar, then lower your self slowly to a 5 count drop.
Comments:
Each strength circuit above includes a stretch or mobility drill. This stretch is your "working rest" between rounds. Work steadily, not frantically, through the circuits. Aim to finish the entire session right at 50-60 minutes.
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Drop each circuit down to 4 rounds. If you're still not feeling it, quit for the day.
******************************
FRIDAY
SESSION 12
Obj: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
10x Goblet Squat @ 12kg
Training:
(1) 20 Minute 90% AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible)
5x Sandbag Getup @ 40#
Slow walk back to start
"90% AMRAP" = 90% max effort. Don't go to threshold or panic breathing. Be smart
(2) 15 minute Grind ...
5x Sandbag Clean & Press @ 40#
10x Slasher @ 12kg
10x Swing @ 16kg
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time.
(3) 2 Rounds
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
Drop each circuit down to 10 minutes. If you're still not feeling it, quit after Part (1).
******************************
SATURDAY
SESSION 13
Obj: Endurance
Training:
(1) Run or Spin 60 minutes, moderate pace
"Moderate" = comfortable but not easy
(2) Run or Spin 30 Minutes, Easy Pace
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
(3) Foam Roll Low Back
Comments:
You can split today's programming into two separate parts, if needed, because of scheduling. As well, you can replace today's programming with 90 minutes of recreation like hiking, MTB, etc.
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
If you start out today with the Run or Spin and aren't feeling it, drop down to an Easy Pace and give it another 10 minutes.
If you are still feeling lousy, quit for the day.
******************************
SUNDAY
SESSION 14
Obj: Endurance
Training:
(1) Run or Spin 90 minutes, Easy Pace
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
(2) Foam Roll Low Back
Comments:
You can split this 90 minutes into, two, 45-minute efforts, if needed because of scheduling. As well, you can replace today's programming with 90 minutes of recreation like hiking, MTB, etc.
"Not Feeling it" Flex:
If you start out today with the Run or Spin and aren't feeling it after 10-15 minutes, quit for the day.
Our Stuff Works. Guaranteed.
Athlete's Subscription Package
Need all access programming? The Athlete Subscription gives you 450+ Plans and 4 Daily Programming Streams.