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.
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) 1️⃣. 90-90 Wall Breathing 4–5 slow breaths Ribs soften down, pelvis heavy 2️⃣. Quadruped Rock Back 2 × 6 Neutral spine, hips move without shape change 3️⃣. Heels-Elevated Bodyweight Squat 2 × 5 Even foot pressure, smooth depth 4️⃣ Split Squat ISO (Short Hold) 2 × 10–15s each side Tall torso, quiet back knee 5️⃣. Front Plank Shoulder Taps (Slow) 2 × 6 each side No trunk shift 6️⃣. Leg lowering (FMS) * Static hold of the position for 30 seconds, then * Dynamic movement of the "down leg" x 10 reps
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
E
Leg Lowering (FMS)
3 x 10
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
Conditioning
A
Aerobic Capacity (Cyclical)
Choose one, or a mix of all 3 for the session duration: Bike Incline treadmill walk Rower (light) Intensity 4-5/10 - Comfortable but working. Nasal breathing possible Able to talk in full sentences Duration Week 1: 20–25 min Week 2: 25–30 min Week 3: 30–35 min Week 4: 30–40 min (cap) “Smooth, steady effort. You should finish feeling better than when you started.”
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 Leg lowering (FMS) - 30 seconds in a static stretch, then 10 raises of the down leg.
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
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
Greg Dea
Power and speed athlete coach and performance sports physical therapist for the FIVB World Cup–winning China Women’s Volleyball Team. Now a mature endurance athlete maintaining a strong focus on power, speed, and tissue loading capacity.
Whether you’re starting training or returning after time away, this block provides structure without pressure. You’ll build strength, control, and capacity in a way that supports consistency and confidence — not burnout. The goal is simple: train well now
Get Foundation Block 1 - Pillar Strength & Aerobic Base