The Basics
- NO REP PENALTY:at anytime, one of your men can call "NO REP" which means you did not perform the exercise correctly (poor form, didn't finish movement, etc). At the end of the workout for the day, for each no rep you earned, you have to do that many correct reps of whichever exercise you were no-repped on. This is designed to ensure quality form throughout your exercise to reduce injury risk.
- Reference progressions and modifications to make this workout challenging and beneficial for YOU and to allow intraprogram variations. Don't get no-repped because you let your form fall apart trying to keep up with your buddy. Don't perform variations that don't challenge you:that's a waste of time. Weight of lifts should vary throughout the month, but not the individual workout. Changing weight during the workout wastes time. Pick a weight you know you can move the minimum rep requirement with good form.
- 5 min cardio warm up:change modalities every session. Options are: rower, stair master, treadmill, ski erg, assault bike, jump rope, ground jogging, box step ups.
- This block's high intensity interval training (HIIT) days will all be EMOM, rather than Tabata style. EMOM = every minute on the minute. Lots of free apps exist for this type of workout so all you will have to listen to is the timer. Each minute, you work as hard as you can to perform a set number of reps, then you get to rest the remainder of that minute. For example, the workout is 20 wall balls. You will do 20 wall balls at the start of the minute, you get to rest for the remainder of the time until the next exercise. The faster you work, the more rest you get between exercises.
- Dosage:This program is meant to enhance your physical performance, not to encourage you to go test your 1RM and hurt yourself in the process. If you know how to safely do so, feel free to do so on your own time. On duty training is not the place to max out weights and injure yourself. It's a time to perfect form and maximize your overall physical performance. You are not allowed to use this program as an excuse for why you hurt yourself finding your 1RM… because I am NOT instructing you to do so. Strength rep/set goal: 3 x 8. Endurance rep/set goal: 3 x 15. You do more than the goal reps/sets → increase weight. You can't meet the goal rep/set OR you do but your form is trash → drop weight. Want more details/info on dosage? → reach out to me.
- Cool downs and warm ups vary depending on the workout. Every strength focused lifting day will be focused specifically on low back pain prevention. Every endurance focused lifting day will be focused on knee pain and injury prevention.
- This block will also include an additional active recovery day. In the instances that you have an intense work mandated training session, or you catch an extra physically demanding call (fire/extrication) and your LT decides it is appropriate, you can sub this program for the originally scheduled workout that day. This active recovery program is designed to keep you moving, but adapt to your ever changing daily job demands. When utilized correctly, it will support your physical performance on the more physically demanding work days.
Weekly Changes
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1:strength/endurance | Day 1:cardio | Day 1:strength/endurance | Day 1:cardio |
| Day 2:cardio | Day 2:strength/endurance | Day 2:cardio | Day 2:strength/endurance |
| Day 3:strength/endurance | Day 3:cardio | Day 3:strength/endurance | Day 3:cardio |
| Entire program in civvies | Civvies for warm up, lifts, and cool down Weight vest for lifts | Civvies for warm up / lifts / cool down Weight vests for lifts and HIITs | Weight vests for entire program |
Frequent Abbreviations
- UL: Unilateral
- B: Bilateral
- CL: Contralateral
- LE: Lower Extremity
- OH: Overhead
- UE: Upper Extremity
- DB: Dumb bell
- KB: Kettle bell
- Supine: Laying on back
- Prone: Laying on stomach
- SL: Sidelying or single limb
- HF: Hip flexor
- HS: Hamstring
- Iso: Isometric
- SLS: Single leg stance
Exercise is not without its risks and this or any other exercise program many result in injury. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a medical professional. You should rely on your own review, inquiry and assessment as to the accuracy of any information made available within this program or via this web site.