The Riddle of Steel

Coach Ray Cossio MS, CSCS

General Fitness, Multi-sport, Tactical / Military
Coach
Coach Ray

This program is built to help you feel and perform your best—without the gimmicks. Follow along with the exact workouts I use to stay fast, powerful, strong, and conditioned.

It’s a perfect fit whether you love getting outside for recreational adventures, still play in local leagues, or serve in a tactical profession where being ready for anything matters.

The program is designed to be modified for all ability levels. Sprinting and jumping are completely optional as you build your fitness, and every workout is written with your other activities in mind—so you can train hard without burning out.

You’ll get a fun, well-rounded mix of jumps, lifts, sprints, and high-energy burners—all programmed with purpose and progression. Not comfortable with certain movements? No problem. We can swap exercises based on your needs—for example, replacing squats with a Smith machine, hack squat, or leg press.

After more than 10 years in human performance, I’ve cut out the fluff and focused on what truly works. This program keeps training challenging, effective, and fun—built to evolve with you.

Still not sure if it’s the right fit? Send me a message for a free consult, and I’ll walk you through how to make the program work for you.

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Support your game, don't trash it.
The goal isn’t to win the workout. The goal is to stay strong enough to keep doing what you love for years to come.
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Life is Short. Enjoy it.
This program is built to give you exactly what you need—strength, athleticism, and durability—without wasting time or recovery on junk volume.
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Modifiable for Anyone
I'll find the exercises that work for you.
Features
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Access to me.
I'll be here through your journey, for many this will mark the return to a stable program. I'm here to give you the support you need.
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Programming 6 days per week
Using a simple and easy structure we lift 3 days and Have 3-4 conditioning/speed days.
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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 coaches and team will push you harder and know you better, all through an app.
Equipment
Required
Barbell/Rack/Plates // Dumbbells and Kettle Bells // Sectorized or Plate Loaded Machines // Sleds for Pulling and Pushing // Sandbags or D-Balls
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Sample Week
I will write fresh programming weekly. You’ll get notifications when they’re ready
Sunday
Max Effort Lower Body

A

Box Jump

1 x 20

B

Deadlift

C

DB Walking Lunges (Coach Ray)

4 x 12

D

Copenhagen Reps

3 x 8

Circuit

E

7 Cal Air Bike 14 KB Swings (Moderate to Heavy) 28 Lateral Hops

Sunday
Optional Sprint Max Acceleration (Field Sports)

Conditioning

A

Simple Sprint Warm Up

A) Pillar Prep -30s Deadbug -30s Contralateral Deadbug -30s Cpt Morgan Plank (unsupported leg) ea leg B) Movement Prep x 2 rounds -Walking Lunge w/ Twist -Lateral Lunge w/ Pivot -Heel Scoops c) Dynamic Prep -Skips Forward / Reverse -Shuffles Down / Back -A-Skips -B-Skips D) 2-4 Sprints less than 10y

B

Hill Accelerations

2, 3 @ 5, 10

Monday
Long Low Intensity Efforts

A

Cardio

1 x 40:00

Tuesday
Max Effort Upper Body

A

Bent Over MB Chest Throw

7 x 3 @ 14 lb

B

Shoulder Press

3 x 1

C

Pendlay Row

5 x 5

D

DB Front Raise

4 x 8

E

Ring Face Pull

3 x 12

F

Butterly Sit Ups

3 x 30

Tuesday
Sprint Max Speed (Field Sports)

A

Flying 40s

1 x 7

Wednesday
Short Intervals (General)

A

Rowing

6 x 250

B

Assault Bike

6 x 800

C

Shuttle Run

6 x 400

Thursday
Dynamic Effort Combo

A

Triple Response Broad Jump

4 x 1

B

Speed Deadlift

5 x 5

C

Speed Bench Press

6 x 3

4 Rounds

D

10 Wall Balls 10 Ring Rows 80y Sled Drag (down and back)

Coach
coach-avatar Coach Ray

I bring over 10 years of experience in human performance, working across both the private and government sectors. The programs you’ll find here have been refined over the past 5 years with real clients and teams, tested and proven in the field.

The Proof
verified-athlete-avatar Karen Bossenbroek

Weightlifting and Outdoor Enthusiast

Verified Athlete

"Coach Cossio’s programming is some of the best I’ve followed. I maintained strength, improved cardio, and never felt bored. The workouts are focused, challenging, and efficient—perfect for anyone looking to improve or maintain fitness and strength."

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The Riddle of Steel
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The Riddle of Steel
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The Riddle of Steel
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The Riddle of Steel