Wildland Firefighter Pre-Season Training Plan

$79.00

  • 7 weeks, 5 sessions per week
  • Designed to prepare truck crew or similar Wildland Firefighter for their coming fire season
  • Focused on building strength and endurance of your legs, lungs, core, and grip
  • This training plan is one of the 250+ Plans included with an Athlete’s Subscription.

Description

This is an intense, 7-week, 5 day/week training plan to prepare truck crew and similar Wildland Firefighters for their coming fire season. This is a multi-modal training plan which concurrently trains strength, work capacity, chassis integrity (functional core), grip strength, and mission-direct endurance (run, ruck, uphill loaded endurance).  Overall, this training plan has an endurance emphasis.

This plan is designed to be completed in the 7 weeks directly before reporting to your base for the fire season. Week 7 is a taper week so the plan can be completed directly before reporting

This is Version 2 of the Plan, Updated February 2021

FITNESS ATTRIBUTES

Strength
Trained via bodyweight with two methodologies: (1) Assessment with follow-on progressions based on your most recent assessment results, and; (2) Leg Blaster progression and extended bodyweight “flow” circuits.

Work Capacity
Trained via 20-30 minute, multi-modal events deploying sandbags and other exercises.

Chassis Integrity
You’ll complete 15-minute grinds of (1) Low Back Complex circuits, and circuits which include a total, rotational and extension core exercise.

Grip Strength
Intense, focused training build around pull up bar dead hangs.

Endurance
Trained 4 ways:

  1. 1.5 mile run assessment and follow-on 800m intervals;
  2. 300-500x Step Up progression wearing a 25# backpack
  3. 3-5 mile moderate paced runs
  4. 2-3 hour Saturday multi-modal “field events” including rucking, step ups, running, and multi-modal circuits. These field events are designed to prepare you physically and mentally for long days on the fire line.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

  • Monday – Bodyweight Strength, Threshold Running
  • Tuesday – Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity, Grip Strength
  • Wednesday – Bodyweight Strength, Step Ups
  • Thursday – 3-5 Mile Moderate Pace Run
  • Friday – Total Rest
  • Saturday – 2-3 Hour Field Event
  • Sunday – Total Rest

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

This is a limited equipment training plan. Below is the required equipment:

  • Pull Up Bar
  • Smartphone with repeating countdown timer app
  • 40# Sandbag (women), 60# Sandbag (men)
  • Backpack with #25-45# of Filler
  • 10# dumbbell, sledgehammer or another hand tool to carry while rucking
  • 16″ Bench or box for step ups
  • Foam Roller

COMMON QUESTIONS

How long will sessions last?
These training sessions are specifically designed to be completed in 60-120 minutes. The Weekday Sessions are designed to take 60-90 minutes depending on you running and step up fitness. Saturday’s sessions will take 2-3 hours.

Any modifications for women?
These are prescribed in the training plan. For example, if the session calls for Sandbag Getups at 40/60#, the first load – 40# – is for women, and the second load – 60# – is for men. If the plan calls for 5/10x Push Ups, this means women do 5x push ups, men do 10x push ups.

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.

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?
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

  • Smartphone with repeating countdown timer app

  • 40# Sandbag (women), 60# Sandbag (men)

  • Backpack with #25-45# of Filler

  • 10# dumbbell, sledgehammer or another hand tool to carry while rucking

  • 16" Bench or box for step ups

  • Foam Roller

Sample Training

Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:

***************
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: Strength, Endurance Assessment #1

Warm Up:

3 Rounds
8x Walking Lunges
1x Pull Up Bar Heel Tap
5x Hand Release Push Ups
1x Pull Up
Instep Stretch

Training:

(1) Max In-Place Lunges in 2 Minutes
Athlete may rest as needed - just keep working for the full 2 minutes. 

(2) Max Rep Sit Ups in 2 minutes
Athlete may rest as needed - just keep working for the full 2 minutes.

(3) Max Hand Release Push Ups in 2 minutes.
Athlete may rest in the down position - laying on the ground - as needed. Just keep working for the full 2 minutes.

(4) Max Rep Pull Up - No Time Limit
Athlete may rest in the down position - hanging on the pull up bar, but may not touch his/her feet to a box or the ground.

 (5) Run 1.5 Miles for Time.

RECORD SCORES AND RUN FINISH TIME

******************************

TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity, Grip Strength

Warm Up:
3 Rounds
10x Squats
1x Pull Up
4x Prone to Sprint
Instep Stretch

Training:

(1) Dead Hang from Pull Up Bar for Max Time
Place hands on pull up bar - palms away from face - at shoulder width or a little wider. On "Go" hang from the bar at full elbow extension - for as long as possible. This is a grip strength assessment.

(2) 20 Minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible)
5x Sandbag Getup @ 40/60#
Run 400m

(3) 4 Rounds
30% Max Time Dead Hang
Rest 30 seconds between efforts

So ... if your max effort dead hang time from part (1) above was 2:35. Convert 2:35 to seconds ... 2x60 + 35 = 155 seconds. 155 x .3 = 46.5 or 47 (round up) seconds. On "Go" dead hang from the pull up bar for 47 seconds. Rest 30 seconds, then repeat for the prescribed rounds. 

(4) 10 Minute Grind ...
10x Sandbag Good Morning @ 40/60#
15/15 Standing Founder
10x Face Down Back Extension
15/15 Kneeling Founder

Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time. 

(5) 3 Rounds
Toe Touch Complex
Foam Roll Low Back

******************************

WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Obj: Strength, Endurance

Warm Up:

3 Rounds
5x In-Place Lunges
5x Hand Release Push Ups
1x Pull Up
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:

(1) 8 Rounds
Mini Leg Blaster
Rest 30 Seconds

(2) 15 Minute Grind ...
2/4x Hand Release Push Ups
2/4x Alligator Push Ups
2/4x Clapping Push Ups, then…
1/2x Pull Up
1/2x Chin Up
1/2x Mixed Grip Pull Up

Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time.

(3) 300x Step Ups @ 25# Backpack

******************************

THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Chassis Integrity, Endurance

Warm Up:

3 Rounds
5x In-Place Lunges
4x Prone to Sprint
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:

(1) 15 Minute Grind …
5x Sandbag Getup @ 40/60# (alternate shoulders each round)
3x Sandbag Cross Clean @ 40/60#
10x Sandbag Good Morning @ 40/60#

Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time.

(2) Run 3 Miles @ Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = comfortable but not easy

(3) 2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Pigeon Stretch
Foam Roll Low Back

******************************

FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Total Rest

******************************

SATURDAY
SESSION 6
Obj: 120-Minute Field Session

Training:

(1) 45 Minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible), wearing a 25# Pack ....
50x Step Ups
Run 400m

(2) 15 Minute Grind
2x Sandbag Getup & Run @ 40/60#
4/8x Ankles to Bar

Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through exercises in this circuit for the prescribed time.

(3) 60-Minute Ruck @ 45# Pack, Moderate Pace carrying 10# Dumbbell, 10# Sledge Hammer or another tool.

"Moderate" = Comfortable but not easy

Show More

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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