Dark Horse Athlete

Tactical, First Responders, Functional Fitness
Coach
Justin Biays

Features
1 sessions per week
Must use App app to view and log training
Program Training
benefit-image-0
Enhanced Strength and Explosive Power:
Develop maximal strength and power through proven methods like wave loading, cluster sets, and explosive plyometrics. This program ensures you build the strength and speed necessary to excel in high-intensity firefighting tasks.
benefit-image-1
Improved Job-Specific Performance:
Tailored conditioning sessions simulate real-world firefighting scenarios, such as weighted stair climbs, hose drags, and sled pulls, preparing you for the physical demands of your profession.
benefit-image-2
Structured and Periodized Progression:
The program follows a meticulously designed 16-week structure, progressively building foundational strength, anaerobic capacity, and peak performance while preventing plateaus and optimizing recovery.
benefit-image-3
Expert Programming and Tactical Focus:
Created by an experienced coach specializing in tactical athletes, the program integrates advanced strength and conditioning principles with a deep understanding of firefighting demands, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and real-world applicability.
Features
feature-icon
Programming 5 days per week
Daily strength, conditioning, and skill training that’s accessible and challenging for athletes of any level or background
feature-icon
Exercise Video Guidance
Instructional videos to guide your practice and make execution easy
feature-icon
Delivered through TrainHeroic
sample week banner image
phoneMockup
Sample Week
Week 1 of 16-week program
Sunday
Baseline Day 1

Circuit

A

RAMP Warm up Protocol: Raise: 2 minutes of light cardio (e.g., rower or jump rope) -then- 30 seconds each: high knees, butt kicks, and jumping jacks Activate: 2 sets Glute Bridge march: x 10 rep/legs Band Pull-Aparts: x 12 reps Banded monster walk x10 reps per direction Mobilize: 2 sets Lateral leg swings x8/side forward leg swings x8/side Thoracic Spine Rotation x5 per side Potentiate: 2 sets Rest 30 seconds between sets Bodyweight Squats x 3 reps, slow down, fast up Push-Ups: x 3 reps , slow down, fast up Jump squat x3 plyo push up x3

B

Front Squat

7 x 1

C

Bench Press

7 x 1

D

Deadlift

7 x 1

E

Strict Bodyweight Pull-Up

Circuit

F

In this section, you'll determine your strength score, an essential metric that indicates your strength level compared to other tactical athletes. While it may not directly measure job performance, having a high strength score is certainly an advantage. Follow these steps to calculate your score: Add together your 1-rep maxes (1RMs) for the bench press, front squat, and deadlift, and write down this total. Multiply the number of strict pull-ups you achieved by 10% of your body weight, and record this result. Add the two results together and divide by your body weight to get your strength score. Use the following scale to interpret your score: Poor strength levels: Men = 5, Women = 2.75 Good strength levels: Men = 5.75, Women = 3.5 Excellent strength levels: Men = 6.5+, Women = 4.25+

Circuit

G

Foam Rolling: -Foam roll Quadriceps (1-2 minute) -Hamstring Smash (1-2 minute) -Glute smash (1-2 minute) -foam roll Upper Back/Shoulders (1 minute) Static Stretching: -Couch stretch + reach and rotation (30 seconds per leg) -Sciatic nerve flossing (30 seconds per leg) -Cat cow (1 minute total) -Childs pose (1 minute total) Key Points: Controlled Movements: Perform foam rolling and stretching slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle relaxation. Deep Breathing: Use deep, controlled breaths to enhance the effectiveness of each stretch and promote relaxation. Proper Form: Maintain alignment during each stretch to target the correct muscle groups.

Monday
Baseline Day 2

Circuit

A

RAMP Warm up Protocol: Raise: 2 minutes of light cardio (e.g., rower or jump rope) -then- 30 seconds each: high knees, butt kicks, and jumping jacks Activate: 2 sets Glute Bridge march: x 10 rep/legs Band Pull-Aparts: x 12 reps Heel walks: x20 meters Mobilize: 2 sets Lateral leg swings x8/side forward leg swings x8/side Thoracic Spine Rotation x5 per side Potentiate: 2-3 x 20-meter sprints at 50-75% effort. Rest 45 seconds between sprints

B

Farmers carry

1 x 100

C

Plank

1 x 1

Circuit

D

12 minute Cooper Run. Directions: on a flat surface, run as far as you possibly can in 12 minutes. Score is reported in meters.

Circuit

E

Foam Rolling: -Calf smash (1-2 minute) -Foam roll quads (1-2 minute) -Hamstring smash (1-2 minute) Static Stretching: -Couch stretch + reach and rotation (30 seconds per leg) -Sciatic nerve flossing (30 seconds per leg) -Calf stretch (1-2 minute total) -Forearm stretch (1 minute total) -cobra stretch (1 minute) Key Points: Controlled Movements: Perform foam rolling and stretching slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle relaxation. Deep Breathing: Use deep, controlled breaths to enhance the effectiveness of each stretch and promote relaxation. Proper Form: Maintain alignment during each stretch to target the correct muscle groups.

Tuesday
Baseline Day 3

Circuit

A

RAMP Warm up Protocol: Raise: 2 minutes of light cardio (e.g., rower or jump rope) -then- 30 seconds each: high knees, butt kicks, and jumping jacks Activate: 2 sets Lateral lunge: x 10 rep/legs Bird dog: x 12 reps Banded face pulls x15 reps Mobilize: 2 sets Lateral leg swings x8/side forward leg swings x8/side Thoracic Spine Rotation x5 per side Potentiate: 3 sets Rest 30 seconds between sets Bodyweight Squats x 3 reps, slow down, fast up Jump squat x3

B

Agility T-Test

1 x 1

C

Broad Jump

1 x 1

D

Hose Drag

1 x 1

Circuit

E

Foam Rolling: -Foam roll Quadriceps (1-2 minute) -Hamstring Smash (1-2 minute) -Glute smash (1-2 minute) -foam roll Lats (1 minute) Static Stretching: -Couch stretch + reach and rotation (30 seconds per leg) -Sciatic nerve flossing (30 seconds per leg) -Cat cow (1 minute total) -Childs pose (1 minute total) Key Points: Controlled Movements: Perform foam rolling and stretching slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle relaxation. Deep Breathing: Use deep, controlled breaths to enhance the effectiveness of each stretch and promote relaxation. Proper Form: Maintain alignment during each stretch to target the correct muscle groups.

Wednesday
ACTIVE RECOVERY

Circuit

A

Active Recovery 30-45 minutes of light walking, cycling, or swimming at an easy pace

Circuit

B

20-30 minutes of targeted mobility work focusing on hips, shoulders, and ankles. Use foam rolling, static stretching, and band work MyoFasical Release: *spend 2 minutes on each muscle group -Glute Smash -TFL Smash -Foam roll lats -calf smash -Lax Ball in foot Activation: 2-3 sets -clam shells x10/side -banded shoulder external rotation x12/side -Toe walk x25 yards -heel walks x25 yards Stretch: 2 sets -Couch stretch + Reach and rotation x30-60 sec/side -Childs pose x1-2 minutes -Tibialis Anterior stretch x30 sec/side -Pigeon stretch x30 sec/side

Thursday
Baseline Day 5

Circuit

A

RAMP Warm up Protocol: Raise: 2 minutes of light cardio (e.g., rower or jump rope) -then- 30 seconds each: high knees, butt kicks, and jumping jacks Activate: 3 sets Glute Bridge march: x 10 rep/legs Scapular pull ups: x 10 reps Heel walks: x20 meters Mobilize: 2 sets Lateral leg swings x8/side forward leg swings x8/side Thoracic Spine Rotation x5 per side Potentiate: 2 sets Rest 30 seconds between sets 2-3 x 20-meter sprints at 50-75% effort.

B

stair master

1 x 3:00

C

stair master

1 x 12:00

Circuit

D

Foam Rolling: -Calf smash (1-2 minute) -Foam roll quads (1-2 minute) -Hamstring smash (1-2 minute) Static Stretching: -Couch stretch + reach and rotation (30 seconds per leg) -Sciatic nerve flossing (30 seconds per leg) -Calf stretch (1-2 minute total) -Forearm stretch (1 minute total) Key Points: Controlled Movements: Perform foam rolling and stretching slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle relaxation. Deep Breathing: Use deep, controlled breaths to enhance the effectiveness of each stretch and promote relaxation. Proper Form: Maintain alignment during each stretch to target the correct muscle groups.

Friday
ACTIVE RECOVERY

Circuit

A

Active Recovery 30-45 minutes of light walking, cycling, or swimming at an easy pace

Circuit

B

20-30 minutes of targeted mobility work focusing on hips, shoulders, and ankles. Use foam rolling, static stretching, and band work MyoFasical Release: *spend 2 minutes on each muscle group -Glute Smash -TFL Smash -Foam roll lats -calf smash -Lax Ball in foot Activation: 2-3 sets -clam shells x10/side -banded shoulder external rotation x12/side -Toe walk x25 yards -heel walks x25 yards Stretch: 2 sets -Couch stretch + Reach and rotation x30-60 sec/side -Childs pose x1-2 minutes -Tibialis Anterior stretch x30 sec/side -Pigeon stretch x30 sec/side

Saturday
REST DAY
FAQs
Who is this program designed for?
This program is for novice to intermediate athletes with at least 1-2 years of consistent training. It’s tailored for firefighters or those preparing for tactical roles, focusing on strength, power, endurance, and job-specific performance.
What equipment is required to complete this program?
You’ll need a barbell, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, a trap bar, a sled, a pull-up bar, and access to stairs or a stair machine. Recommended but not essential are a sandbag, medicine ball, plyo box, and weight vest.
How long are the sessions, and how many days will I train?
Each session lasts 60-75 minutes, including a warm-up and cooldown. You’ll train 5 days per week: 3 strength-focused sessions and 2 conditioning days.
Can I modify the program if I miss a session?
Yes, the program is adaptable. If you miss a session, resume where you left off or skip to the next planned day. Avoid doubling up sessions to prevent overtraining.
What results can I expect from this program?
You can expect increased strength, explosive power, improved endurance, and enhanced readiness for the physical demands of firefighting or tactical tasks. Results will depend on your consistency and effort throughout the 16 weeks.
TACTICAL ATHLETE: FIREFIGHTER