Prepare To Perform

Strength & Conditioning, Field Sports
Coach
Greg Dea

Foundation Block 2 builds on the pillar strength, movement competency, and training tolerance established in Foundation Block 1.

This phase increases training density and total work capacity while maintaining technical quality and controlled intensity. Strength training continues to emphasise foundational push and pull patterns, with slightly higher volume and tighter execution demands, but without rushing expression or maximal loading.

Energy System Development (ESD) is now introduced as a deliberate and consistent component of the block. Aerobic work is prioritised to improve recovery capacity and tolerance to training load, using low-intensity, cyclical modalities performed at controlled effort. ESD progression occurs primarily through duration and consistency, not intensity, and is structured to support — not compete with — strength quality.

Movement skill progressions expand gradually, introducing more complex linear and multidirectional tasks where appropriate. Elastic, lateral, or higher-intensity movement drills may be introduced only once specific lower-limb strength and control criteria are met, and remain tightly constrained.

Foundation Block 2 serves as the bridge between early foundational training and later phases of general strength, running-based conditioning, and sport-specific preparation, ensuring athletes are not only stronger, but better able to tolerate and recover from increased training demands.

Features
1 sessions per week
Must use App app to view and log training
Program Training
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Turn Strength Into Usable Capacity
Foundation Block 2 bridges the gap between building strength and applying it under greater training demands. You’ll learn to express strength with control as volume increases, helping movements feel smoother and more coordinated rather than simply heavier.
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Handle More Work Without Burnout
This block increases training density while keeping intensity controlled. Strength, movement, and aerobic work are balanced so you can tolerate more total work without excessive soreness, fatigue, or loss of quality across the week.
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Build Single-Leg Strength and Control
Unilateral strength becomes more prominent in this phase, improving balance, alignment, and confidence through single-leg positions. This supports everyday movement, recreational sport, and future running or directional work without rushing impact or speed.
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Use Aerobic Training to Recover Better
Structured aerobic sessions are introduced to support recovery and training tolerance. Effort stays controlled and repeatable, helping you bounce back between sessions and prepare for higher workloads in later phases without turning training into conditioning.
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Progress With Clear Structure
Session structure remains familiar so progress comes from better execution, coordination, and small load changes — not unnecessary complexity. Clear guidance helps you train with confidence while preparing for more demanding strength and movement phases ahead.
Features
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Programming 6 days per week
Six times per week training (4 strength, 3 aerobic) that’s accessible and challenging for individuals progressing from Foundation Block 1.
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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

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 8

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
ESD Session 1 — Aerobic Capacity (Cyclical)

Conditioning

A

Aerobic Capacity (Cyclical)

Prescription Mode (choose one): Bike Incline treadmill walk Rower (light) Easy jog (only if you are already running comfortably) Intensity RPE 4–5 / 10 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) Notes for TrainHeroic “Smooth, steady effort. You should finish feeling better than when you started.”

Tuesday
Upper Push / Pull + Anti-Rotation

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
ESD Session 2 — Aerobic + Light Rhythm

Conditioning

A

ESD Session 2 — Aerobic + Light Rhythm

Prescription Option 1 — Continuous Same as Session 1, different modality Option 2 — Broken Continuous (preferred for team settings) 5 min easy 5 min slightly quicker Repeat 3–4 rounds Intensity Still RPE 4–5 No breathlessness No leg burn Duration 25–35 min total “This is not conditioning. If you’re breathing hard, slow down.”

Thursday
Isometric Force + Upper Pull Bias

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

Friday
Locomotion Strength + Pillar Integration

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 complete Block 1 first?
It’s strongly recommended. Block 2 builds on the strength, control, and tolerance developed in Block 1. If you haven’t trained consistently or are returning after time away, starting with Block 1 will make this phase feel smoother and more repeatable.
How is Block 2 different from Block 1?
Block 2 increases training density and integration. Strength is applied in more demanding positions, unilateral work increases, and aerobic training becomes more structured. Intensity is still controlled, but total work and coordination demands are higher.
Will this block include running or plyometrics?
No sprinting or plyometrics are required in this block. Movement drills prepare you for future running and impact work, but all tasks remain controlled and non-elastic. Higher-intensity movements are introduced in later phases when readiness is established.
How hard should the sessions feel?
Sessions should feel productive, not exhausting. Strength work is still guided by Reps In Reserve (RIR), and aerobic work remains controlled. You should finish sessions feeling capable of training again, not needing extended recovery.
Can I add extra conditioning or sport training?
Additional high-intensity work is not recommended. Block 2 is designed to increase training tolerance in a structured way. Adding extra intensity often reduces recovery and interferes with the purpose of this phase.
Foundation Block 2 – Strength Density & Movement Progression