Dark Horse Athlete

Hunting, Functional Fitness
Coach
Justin Biays

Features
1 sessions per week
Must use App app to view and log training
Program Training
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Hunting-Specific Fitness:
Develop the strength, endurance, and resilience required to excel in the rugged and unpredictable terrain of backcountry hunting. Every workout is tailored to simulate real-world challenges, preparing you for the physical demands of your hunt.
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Injury Prevention and Mobility:
Reduce the risk of injuries with targeted functional exercises and mobility work that enhance joint health, flexibility, and stability, keeping you prepared for the unpredictable physical demands of hunting.
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Measurable Progress:
Track your development through structured assessments at the beginning and end of the program, giving you tangible proof of your improved strength, endurance, and overall readiness for backcountry hunting success.
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Time-Efficient Workouts:
Each training session is designed to fit within 60-75 minutes, making it manageable for individuals with busy schedules, while still delivering highly effective results to maximize your physical preparation.
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Progressive and Structured Design:
The 16-week program follows a carefully planned progression of phases, balancing strength, endurance, and recovery. Each week includes three strength-focused days, two endurance-focused days, and two rest or active recovery days. This structure ensures sustainable improvements without burnout, guiding you seamlessly from foundational training to peak performance
Features
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Programming 5 days per week
Daily strength, conditioning, and skill training that’s accessible and challenging for athletes of any level or background
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Exercise Video Guidance
Instructional videos to guide your practice and make execution easy
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Delivered through TrainHeroic
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Sample Week
Week 1 of 16-week program
Sunday
Baseline Day 1

Circuit

A

Warm-Up (10-12 minutes): RAMP Protocol: Raise: 5 minutes of light jogging or biking. Activate: 2 sets Glute bridge march x30 seconds banded monster walks x10 per leg scapular push-ups x10 Scapular Pull up x10 Mobilize: 2 sets forward leg swings x10 per leg Lateral leg swings x10 per leg 90/90 stretch x5 per side PVC Pass through x10 Potentiate: 3 sets 5 jump squats 3 plyo push-ups. Rest 45 seconds between sets

B

Back Squat

10 x 3

C

Trap Bar Deadlift

D

Strict Press

Circuit

E

8-10 Minute Cool down Plan Foam Roll: -Quads x30-45 seconds/side -hamstring smash x30-45 seconds/side -trap smash x30 seconds/side Stretch: -Quad PNF stretch: Contract your quad by pushing your ankle slightly into your hand (as if trying to straighten the knee) for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently pull your ankle further towards your glutes for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg. -Hamstring PNF Stretch: Create tension by trying to push your leg back down against the resistance of the band for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently pull the leg towards you to increase the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg. -Shoulder PNF Stretch: Push your arm into the wall as if trying to bring it forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then lean slightly forward to increase the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per side. -Low Back PNF Stretch: Hold your knees with your hands and gently press your lower back into the ground, creating tension for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then pull your knees slightly closer towards your chest to deepen the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice.

Monday
Baseline Day 2

Circuit

A

Warm-Up (10 minutes): RAMP Protocol: Raise: 3 minutes light jogging. Activate: 2 sets Air squat x10 walking lunges x10 plank shoulder tap x20 seconds Mobilize: 2 sets forward leg swing x10/side 90/90 stretch x5/side cat cow x10 Potentiate: 2 sets of Single leg glute bridge x5/leg power skip x10

B

Ruck March

1 x 45:00

C

Run

1 x 12:00

Circuit

D

8-10 Minute Cool down Plan Foam Roll: -Calf Smash x30-45 seconds/side -hamstring smash x30-45 seconds/side -Foam roll upper back x30-45 seconds/side Stretch: -PNF Calf Stretch: Press the ball of your back foot into the ground as if trying to push the toes forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently lean forward to deepen the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg. -Hamstring PNF Stretch: Create tension by trying to push your leg back down against the resistance of the band for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently pull the leg towards you to increase the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg. -Shoulder PNF Stretch: Push your arm into the wall as if trying to bring it forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then lean slightly forward to increase the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per side. -Hip Flexor PNF Stretch: Contract your back leg as if trying to bring your knee forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently shift your hips forward to deepen the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per side.

Tuesday
Baseline Day 3

Circuit

A

Warm-Up (10 minutes): RAMP Protocol: Raise: 3 minutes of rowing at moderate effort Activate: 2 sets Glute bridge march x30 seconds banded clamshells x10 per side DB Cuban press x8/side #light. Mobilize: 2 sets 90/90 with hip extension x5 per side PVC pass through x10 Potentiate: 3 sets o 5 Scapular pull up inverted row hold x10 seconds Rest 30 seconds between sets

B

Strict Bodyweight Pull-Up

C

Sandbag Get up

D

DB Farmer's Carry

Circuit

E

8-10 Minute Cool down Plan Foam Roll: -Forearm Smash x30-45 seconds/side -Foam Roll Lats x30-45 seconds/side -Foam roll upper back x30-45 seconds/side Stretch: -Forearm PNF Stretch: Create gentle resistance by trying to press your fingers forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then pull your fingers towards you to deepen the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per side. -Shoulder PNF Stretch: Push your arm into the wall as if trying to bring it forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then lean slightly forward to increase the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per side. -Hip Flexor PNF Stretch: Contract your back leg as if trying to bring your knee forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently shift your hips forward to deepen the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per side.

Wednesday
REST DAY
Thursday
Baseline Day 5

Circuit

A

Warm-Up (10 minutes): RAMP Protocol: Raise: 3 minutes of 40 second jog + 20 second front skip Activate: 2 sets Banded Glute Bridge march x10 per leg single-leg RDL x8/leg *no weight walking lunge x8 per leg Mobilize: 2 sets Forward leg swing x10 per leg Lateral leg swing x10 per leg Toe walk x20 meters Potentiate: 3 sets 3 jump squats Rest 30 seconds between sets Increase jump squat effort per set Set 1: 80% Set 2: 90% set 3: 100% Rest 3-5 minutes before you begin workout

B

Broad Jump

1 x 1

C

Seated Box Jump

1 x 1

D

Bulgarian Split Squat

1 x 8

E

Plank

Circuit

F

8-10 Minute Cool down Plan Foam Roll: -Quads x30-45 seconds/side -hamstring smash x30-45 seconds/side -Calf Smash x30-45 seconds/side Stretch: -Quad PNF stretch: Contract your quad by pushing your ankle slightly into your hand (as if trying to straighten the knee) for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently pull your ankle further towards your glutes for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg. -Hamstring PNF Stretch: Create tension by trying to push your leg back down against the resistance of the band for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently pull the leg towards you to increase the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg. -Calf PNF stretch: Press the ball of your back foot into the ground as if trying to push the toes forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently lean forward to deepen the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg.

Friday
Baseline Day 6

Circuit

A

Warm-Up (10 minutes): RAMP Protocol: Raise: 3 minutes jog. Activate: Glute bridge march x10 per leg walking lunges x10 plank shoulder taps x20 seconds Mobilize: forward leg swings x10 per leg Lateral leg swings x10 per leg PVC pass through x10 Potentiate: 3 sets walking lunges with the pack x4 steps per leg Rest 30 seconds between sets

Circuit

B

PART 1: 1.5 mile ruck with the loaded pack on treadmill @6-8% Incline. Track the distance covered. If you have a route with hilly terrain you can also do that. Pack weight= 25% body weight Score= Time Right Into Part C

Circuit

C

PART 2: 15 minute AMRAP 5 sandbag toss and chase 10 Goblet box step up Sandbag weight: 60 for men/45 for women Goblet Box step up weight: 50 for men/35 for women Box height: men 20 inch/ women 16 inch Score= total reps Right into Part D

Circuit

D

PART 3: 1.5 mile ruck with the loaded pack on treadmill @6-8% Incline. Track the distance covered. If you have a route with hilly terrain you can also do that. Pack weight= 25% body weight Score= Time

Circuit

E

8-10 Minute Cool down Plan Foam Roll: -Quads x30-45 seconds/side -hamstring smash x30-45 seconds/side -Calf smash x30 seconds/side Stretch: -Calf PNF stretch: Press the ball of your back foot into the ground as if trying to push the toes forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently lean forward to deepen the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg. -Hamstring PNF Stretch: Create tension by trying to push your leg back down against the resistance of the band for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then gently pull the leg towards you to increase the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per leg. -Shoulder PNF Stretch: Push your arm into the wall as if trying to bring it forward for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then lean slightly forward to increase the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice per side. -Low Back PNF Stretch: Hold your knees with your hands and gently press your lower back into the ground, creating tension for 5-6 seconds. Relax, then pull your knees slightly closer towards your chest to deepen the stretch for 10-12 seconds. Repeat twice.

Saturday
REST DAY
FAQs
How many days a week and how long are sessions?
The program includes 5 training days per week, with 60-75 minute sessions. Three days focus on strength, two on endurance, and the remaining days are for recovery and rest.
Is this program suitable for beginners?
This program is for novice-to-intermediate athletes with at least 1-2 years of consistent training. Beginners are advised to build a foundational fitness base before starting.
How does this program simulate hunting conditions?
Exercises like weighted step-ups, heavy rucks, and endurance drills mimic navigating steep terrain, carrying loads, and sustaining long efforts, replicating real hunting demands.
Do I need access to a fully equipped gym?
Basic equipment like a barbell, dumbbells, kettlebells, squat rack, bands, and a ruck pack is required. Optional equipment like a trap bar or medicine ball can enhance training but is not mandatory.
BACKCOUNTRY HUNTER V2