Prepare To Perform

Field Sports, Strength & Conditioning
Coach
Greg Dea

This Foundation Block is the first structured phase of a rehab-to-performance training system designed for field-sport athletes returning from injury or periods of deconditioning.

The program prioritizes pillar strength, foundational push/pull patterns, movement quality, and aerobic energy system development while minimizing unnecessary orthopaedic and neurological stress.

Training is performed 4 days per week using a structured primary and secondary strength split, integrated movement skill development, and progressive low-cost conditioning. Plyometrics and high-impact elastic work are intentionally excluded until specific strength criteria are met.

This block prepares athletes for later phases of higher intensity strength, running, and sport-specific conditioning by building robust movement patterns, work capacity, and tissue tolerance in a safe, systematic manner.

Features
1 sessions per week
Must use App app to view and log training
Program Training
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Build Strength You Can Repeat
Develop full-body strength using familiar, supported patterns that prioritise posture, control, and consistency. Loads and volumes are selected to minimise soreness so you can train regularly, feel confident in your movements, and build momentum week to week without burning out.
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Improve Posture and Trunk Control
Each session reinforces pillar strength to improve alignment, balance, and force transfer. Better trunk control supports safer lifting, smoother movement, and a stronger foundation for everything that comes next — whether that’s more training volume or higher demands later on.
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Train Without Excessive Fatigue
This block avoids max lifts, conditioning burnouts, and chaotic methods. Intensity is controlled using Reps In Reserve so sessions feel productive, not draining. You’ll finish workouts feeling worked — but capable of training again without needing extended recovery.
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Build a Base to Support Training
Low-intensity aerobic work is implicit in the workout dosage to improve recovery, training tolerance, and overall capacity. This supports better energy levels between sessions and prepares you for future phases without turning training into conditioning for its own sake.
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Progress With Confidence and Clarity
Progression is subtle and intentional — through better execution, small load increases, and refined positions. Clear guidance, regressions, and progressions help you choose the right option each session, removing guesswork and keeping training smooth and sustainable.
Features
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Programming 4 days per week
Daily strength, conditioning, and skill training that’s accessible and challenging for individuals 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
Sweating over a lifeless PDF is so last year. Your program will push you harder, know you better, and keep you going longer, all through an app.
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Sample Week
Week 1 of 4-week program
Sunday
Lower Body Push + Pillar Control

Prep

A

Movement Prep - Lower Body Push + Pillar Control

Watch the video's below if you don't know these movements. Movement Prep (8–10 min) 1. 90-90 Wall Breathing 4–5 slow breaths Ribs soften down, pelvis heavy 2. Quadruped Rock Back 2 × 6 Neutral spine, hips move without shape change 3. Heels-Elevated Bodyweight Squat 2 × 5 Even foot pressure, smooth depth 4. Split Squat ISO (Short Hold) 2 × 10–15s each side Tall torso, quiet back knee 5. Front Plank Shoulder Taps (Slow) 2 × 6 each side No trunk shift

B1

Goblet Squats

4 x 6

B2

Half-kneeling cable lift

4 x 12

C1

Bulgarian Split squat

3 x 6

C2

Suitcase Carry

3 x 30

D1

Band Resisted Front Plank Pull

20, 25, 30

D2

90-90 Wall Breathing

3 x 5

Monday
Upper Push / Pull + Anti-Rotation (Updated Jan 3, 2026)

Prep

A

Movement Prep - Upper Push / Pull + Anti-Rotation

Movement Prep — 8–10 min ESSENTIAL (May be condensed to ~5–6 min) 1. Supine Breathing with Reach – 4 breaths 2. Wall Posture Hold – 30–45 s 3. Scap Push-Ups – 2 × 6–8 4 .SA Band Row & Reach – 2 × 6 5. Tall-Kneeling Pallof Hold – 2 × 15–20 s/side

B1

DB Bench Press

4 x 6

B2

Tall kneeling Pallof Press

4 x 16

C1

Chest-Supported DB Row

3 x 8

C2

Half Kneeling Landmine Press

3 x 12

D1

Scap Push-Up

10, 9, 8

D2

Diaphragmatic breathing reset

2 x 6

Wednesday
Isometric Force + Upper Pull Bias (updated Jan 3, 2026)

Conditioning

A

Movement Prep - Isometric Force + Upper Pull Bias

ESSENTIAL Crocodile Breathing – 4–5 breaths Core-activated Hip Flexor stretch – 2 × 5/side Split Squat Pulse → Hold – 3 pulses, then hold for 1 breath cycle. Repeat for the other side. Band Row ISO Hold – 2 × 10–15 s Side Plank (Short Lever) – 2 × 15–20 s/side

B1

Isometric split squat hold

30, 25, 20

B2

Tall kneeling halo

3 x 12

C1

Lat Pulldown

8, 7, 6, 6

C2

DNS star plank with reach

D

Reach, roll and lift

3 x 8

Thursday
Locomotion Strength + Pillar Integration (2)

Conditioning

A

Movement Prep - Locomotion Strength + Pillar Integration

Movement Prep — 8–10 min ESSENTIAL 1. Standing Breathing with Arm Swing – 4–5 breaths 2. Ankle Rock + Heel Raise – 2 × 6–8 3. Wall Marching Hold– 2 × 10 s/side 4. Low Step-Through Lunge – 2 × 4/side 5. Light Suitcase Carry – 2 × 15–20 m/side

B1

Sled Push

25, 20, 15, 15

B2

Goblet March

B3

KB Farmer's Walk

30, 25, 20, 20

C1

DB Step Up

3 x 12

C2

Glute bridge march on bench with band hold

3 x 8

D

Tall Kneeling Cable Chop

3 x 16

FAQs
Do I need to be an athlete to do this program?
No. This program is suitable for general fitness, people returning to training, and athletes alike. It focuses on building repeatable strength, posture, and aerobic capacity — not sport-specific skills or high-intensity performance.
Is this program too easy or too slow?
It may feel controlled, but that’s intentional. Loads and intensity are set to improve consistency, movement quality, and recovery. Progress comes from smoother execution and repeatable training, not from pushing to exhaustion.
What if I can’t do every exercise as written?
Most exercises include progression and regression options. You’re encouraged to choose the version that allows clean movement and confidence. There’s no single “right” option — the right choice is the one you can repeat well.
How hard should the sessions feel?
Sessions are guided by Reps In Reserve (RIR), meaning you finish sets with a few good reps left. You should feel worked, but not drained. If soreness or fatigue limits your next session, intensity is too high.
Can I add extra workouts or conditioning?
It’s not recommended during this block. Foundation Block 1 is designed to build tolerance and consistency. Adding extra intensity often reduces recovery and undermines the purpose of the program.
Foundation Block 1 - Pillar Strength & Aerobic Base