SHIFT

TrainFTW

First Responders
Coach
Matt Chan

SHIFT 12-Week Training Program

A structured 12-week plan built for first responders to train with consistency and purpose. Length: 12 weeks Frequency: 4 days per week (any 4 days; include at least one rest day between sessions) Session time: 30–60 minutes

Focus: Consistency and base building

Weekly structure: Day 1 – Lower body strength + accessory work Day 2 – High-intensity conditioning + accessory work Day 3 – Upper body strength + accessory work Day 4 – Aerobic conditioning + accessory work

Each session combines primary training with complementary accessory work to improve durability, strength balance, and overall performance. Workouts are efficient, effective, and require only standard gym equipment.

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Benefits of SHIFT
Consistency that drives real progress. Strength and durability that carry over directly to the job. Time-efficient sessions that fit unpredictable schedules. Confidence knowing every movement is coached and clear. No barriers to training, use standard gym gear.
Features
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Programming 4 days per week
Day 1: Lower body strength Day 2: High-intensity conditioning Day 3: Upper body strength Day 4: Aerobic conditioning
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Exercise Video Guidance
We provide a video for every movement, supported by a YouTube library of over 2K videos to guide your practice and ensure proper execution.
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Delivered through TrainHeroic
Train smarter: interactive logging, video demos, and progress tracking all in one app.
Equipment
Required
Barbell with plates // Basic cardio equipment // Assortment of Bands // Dumbbells or Kettlebells // Power rack
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Sample Week
Week 1 of 12-week program
Sunday
Week 1 Day 1

Prep

A

Dynamic Squat Prep

5/5 Duck walks 5/5 Knee to chest walks 5/5 Quad stretch with reach walks 5/5 Over the hurdle walks 5/5 Toy soldiers 3/3 Seated hip rotations 3/3 +Half lunge 3/3 +Full lunge 3/3 +Squat

B

Back Squat - Weightlifting

5 x 5

C1

Romanian Deadlift

3 x 12

C2

Curtsy lunge

3 x 24

C3

Stationary lunges with forward lean

3 x 30

Monday
Week 1 Day 2

Prep

A

Chan Warm Up

25 Jumping jacks 25 Front jumping jacks 10/10 Spiderman lunges 10/10 Lateral lunges Inchworm + push-ups (5, 4, 3, 2, 1 push-ups). 10/10 Speedskaters 10/10 Arm circles, forward/backward. 10 Arm pretzels 10/10 Shoulder rolls, forward/backward. 0:30/0:30 Lateral neck stretch 0:30/0:30 Posterior neck stretch 10/10 Wrist circles

Skill and Build-Up

B

1 Round NOT for time: 3 Strict pull-ups 6 Push-ups 9 Air squats ♦️Use this as an opportunity to get a feel for the movements, pacing, and transitions. Consider scaling if needed after this test round. See below for options and use them in the workout as needed. Strict pull-ups →If unable to perform strict pull-ups, use either a ring row at a challenging angle or a band assisted pull-up. -If no pull-up bar, use (dumbbell or barbell) bent over row with a challenging weight. Push-ups →If unable to perform push-ups without dipping your hips to the ground, perform band assisted push-ups. Air squat →If unable to perform a full-depth squat, use an upright or rings for assistance to standing position.

Conditioning

C

3 Rounds for max reps: AMRAP 5:00 of: 3 Strict pull-ups 6 Push-ups 9 Air squats 2:30 Rest between rounds. Today is intended to be a high intensity, zone 4 targeted workout. For three intervals, you'll perform as many reps as possible of 3 strict pull-ups, 6 push-ups, and 9 air squats. The reps are kept low to ensure little to no rest is needed during the 5:00. After 5:00 has elapsed, you'll rest for 2:30 before completing the next round. Strict pull-ups →If unable to perform strict pull-ups, use either a ring row at a challenging angle or a band assisted pull-up. →If no pull-up bar, use (dumbbell or barbell) bent over row with a challenging weight. Push-ups →If unable to perform push-ups without dipping your hips to the ground, perform band assisted push-ups. Air squat →If unable to perform a full-depth squat, use an upright or rings for assistance to standing position.

D1

Three point row

3 x 24

D2

Band Face Pulls with Overhead Press

3 x 12

D3

Banded Bicep Curls

3 x 15

Tuesday
Week 1 Day 3

Prep

A

Bench Press Warm-up (A)

10/10 Pec smash 10/10 Halos (light) 10 Pass throughs (PVC) 50 Tricep extensions (mini band) 10/10 Uneven bench press (20kg/15kg) 10 Even bench press (20kg/15kg)

B

Bench Press

5 x 5

C1

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press

3 x 12

C2

Lu Raises

3 x 15

C3

Banded Triceps Push-downs

3 x 15

Wednesday
Week 1 Day 4

Prep

A

Chan Warm Up

25 Jumping jacks 25 Front jumping jacks 10/10 Spiderman lunges 10/10 Lateral lunges Inchworm + push-ups (5, 4, 3, 2, 1 push-ups). 10/10 Speedskaters 10/10 Arm circles, forward/backward. 10 Arm pretzels 10/10 Shoulder rolls, forward/backward. 0:30/0:30 Lateral neck stretch 0:30/0:30 Posterior neck stretch 10/10 Wrist circles

Conditioning

B

For completion at a zone 2 pace: 6:00 Ruck (20lbs/15lbs) 1:00 Elbow plank 1:00 Stationary lunges, alternating 5:00 Ruck (20lbs/15lbs) 1:00 Elbow plank 1:00 Stationary lunges, alternating 4:00 Ruck (20lbs/15lbs) 1:00 Elbow plank 1:00 Stationary lunges, alternating 3:00 Ruck (20lbs/15lbs) 1:00 Elbow plank 1:00 Stationary lunges, alternating 2:00 Ruck (20lbs/15lbs) 1:00 Elbow plank 1:00 Stationary lunges, alternating 1:00 Ruck (20lbs/15lbs) 1:00 Elbow plank 1:00 Stationary lunges, alternating Duration: 33:00 Zone 2 ruck workout Wear a rucksack or weight vest the entire session. Keep effort at RPE 3–4 (about heart rate 180 minus age). Your ruck pace can be an easy run or a brisk walk, both are fine. 📎 RPE scale: https://www.trainftw.com/s/trainFTW_rpechart.pdf Ruck → No special pack needed, a backpack with change plates works. Elbow plank → Doesn’t have to be 1:00 unbroken; break it up as needed. Stationary lunges → If standing from the lunge is tough, use a PVC or upright for support.

Coach
coach-avatar Matt Chan

Matt Chan – Lieutenant, North Metro Fire Rescue Over 15 years as a professional firefighter with extensive line experience Veteran fitness coach, CrossFit Games competitor, and co-founder of TrainFTW

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SHIFT: Built for First Responders

SHIFT is your chance to train with purpose, build lasting strength and conditioning, and stay ready for the demands of the job, let’s get to work.

Get SHIFT
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