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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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