Operation Antifragile

Operation Antifragile

Tactical / Military, Strength & Conditioning, Strongman
Coach
Matt Spaid

Operation Antifragile is programming designed by a Combat Veteran/First Responder for Combat Veterans/First Responders. This is connected to the non-profit Operation Antifragile that provides training specifically for athletes that may be suffering from various injuries related to their service. There are different workout options for different levels of fitness and equipment options.

Operation Antifragile's Remote Training is a 3-day Conjugate-based system supported by a full 7-day structure designed to build strength, resilience, and long-term durability.

At its core, the program utilizes a 3-day Conjugate split—developing strength through Max Effort, Dynamic Effort, and accessory work to improve force production, speed, and movement efficiency without stagnation.

But this isn’t just three days of lifting.

You’ll follow a complete weekly system that includes:

3 Strength Days – Conjugate-based training (Max Effort + Dynamic Effort + accessory work) 3 Conditioning / Mobility / GAP Days – Aerobic work, sprint conditioning, joint health, balance, and movement quality Daily Mental Fortitude Work – Breathwork, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation

This structure allows you to train with intent every day—balancing high output with recovery, so your body and mind continue to adapt instead of break down.

What Makes This Different

You’ll train using a blend of:

Barbell, kettlebell, and bodyweight movements Sled work, carries, and strongman-style training Balance board, mace, and rotational work for stability and coordination

At the same time, you’ll build:

Conditioning (aerobic base + anaerobic output) Mobility & GAP work (joint integrity, foot strength, movement efficiency) Breathwork (control your nervous system, improve recovery, enhance performance)

Everything is designed to work together—not compete—so you can train consistently, recover effectively, and continue progressing.

Built for Real Life This program is designed for veterans, first responders, and anyone operating under high levels of physical and mental stress. It also serves as a form of peer support—providing structure, accountability, and a community of people committed to getting better.

Need something more specific? If you’re dealing with injuries, limitations, or want a fully individualized plan, reach out for custom coaching.

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Build Real World Strength
We develop total-body strength using proven methods that carry over to real-world performance—lifting, carrying, sprinting, and enduring under stress.
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Train Your Nervous System
Strength starts in the brain. Your body only performs as well as your nervous system allows. We train coordination, timing, and intent so your brain and muscles fire together with precision and power.
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Master Your Breath
Control your breath. Control your state. Breathwork is the foundation of recovery, focus, and performance. Learn how to downregulate stress, improve endurance, and reset your nervous system on demand.
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Move Better Recover Faster
Mobility is strength in motion. We address joint health, tissue quality, and movement efficiency so you can train hard, stay pain-free, and recover faster between sessions.
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Built for Tactical Professionals
Train for the demands of your life. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or high-stress professional, this system is designed to keep you strong, resilient, and ready.
Features
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Access to your coaches
Be held accountable and get the feedback you need to grow. Spaid is a Veteran and an Adaptive Athlete trainer, so he can work around injuries.
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Programming 6 days per week
Daily strength, conditioning, and skill training that’s accessible and challenging for athletes of any level or background
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Mental Exercises
Structured mental training exercises to cultivate your inner strength
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Exercise Video Guidance
Instructional videos to guide your practice and make execution easy
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Detailed, expert instruction
Coaches who will hold you accountable and provide the feedback you need to grow
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Committed Teammates
A vibrant community that will keep you pushing to unlock your best
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Delivered through TrainHeroic
Your coaches and team will push you harder, know you better, and keep you going longer, all through an app.
Equipment
Required
Barbell, Sled, Plates, DB/Kettlebell, Resistance Bands
Recommended
Specialty Bars, Loadable Mace, Balance Board, Sandbag/Other odd
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Sample Week
I will write fresh programming weekly. You’ll get notifications when they’re ready
Sunday
Mental Fortitude & Breathwork

A

5 min hip mobility to stretch and strengthen

B

Mental Fortitude

C1

HRV Breathing

1 x 5:00

C2

O2 Trainer

1 x 5:00

C3

Ladder Box Breathing

1 x 5:00

D1

Banded Lat Stretch

D2

Modified Loaded Pigeon Stretch

Monday
Max Effort Lower

A

Split Stance Trap Bar Deadlift

5 x 4

B1

Split Stance Trap Bar Deadlift

3 x 4

B2

Weighted Box Jump

3 x 3

C1

Trap Bar Bulgarian Split Squat

3 x 8

C2

Forward/Reverse Duck Walks

3 x 10

D

Kettlebell Lateral Swings (Trunk Rotation)

3 x 20

E1

Reverse Sled Drag

4 x 20

E2

Mace Cossack + 360

4 x 20

F1

Couch Stretch + HRV Breathing

1 x 5:00

F2

RT Calf Smash on Foam Roll

Tuesday
Conditioning

A1

Flying Sprints

4 x 30

A2

Assault Bike

8 x 0:10

A3

Sled Marches

4 x 20

Tuesday
Mobility & Gap

A1

5 min mobility flow, squat prep

A2

Single Eye Drill- Convergence

1 x 5

A3

Upper Body Band Prep with Trunk Rotation

2 x 10

B

Balance Board 3 position squat + 180

C1

Balance Board Push Ups (Multiple Variations)

3 x 25

C2

Side Plank with Banded Clamshell (Dynamic)

3 x 10

D1

Mace Split Stance Squat with Drop and Swing

3 x 12

D2

Lateral March Farmers Carry

3 x 0:20

E

Banded Hamstring Curls

3 x 50

F

RT Cool Down Progression 1

Wednesday
Max Effort Upper

A

Landmine Clean & Jerk LMU Version

5 x 4

B1

Slight Incline Speed Bench

3 x 3

B2

1/2 Kneeling Medball Side Throw

3 x 6

C1

Weighted Pull Up

3 x 8

C2

seated sled row

3 x 20

D1

Mace Rotational Curl and Press

3 x 12

D2

Banded Lateral Raise Pulses (top 1/3)

3 x 30

E1

Wheelbarrow Walk

4 x 30

E2

Sled Drag Forward/Reverse

4 x 30

E3

Mace 10-2

4 x 10

F

RT Rock Solid Shoulders

Thursday
Conditioning 2A

Circuit

A

Option 1 Sled + Carry Complex (Garage Gym / OAF Style) 4–6 Rounds 30 sec Heavy Sled Push 30 sec Farmer Carry 30 sec Sandbag Shouldering (alternating) 60-90 sec rest

Circuit

B

Option 2 Med Ball + Sprint Contrast 5–8 Rounds: 20 sec Med Ball Slams (max power) 20 sec Shuttle Run (5–10–5 or 10–20–10) 20 sec Rotational Throws (each side) 60 sec recovery

Circuit

C

Option 3 Bike / Rower Glycolytic Intervals 6–10 rounds: 30 sec hard 60 sec moderate (NOT full rest) -OR- 45 sec hard 45 sec easy spin

D

Zone 2

1 x 20:00

Thursday
Mobility & Gap

A1

Hip Spine and Ankles Mobility Flow

A2

Eye Drill Saccades

B

Balance Board Alternating Knee to Board

C1

Balance Board Push Ups

C2

Single Leg Glute Bridge

3 x 10

D1

Mace Single Arm 360

3 x 20

D2

Mace Single Leg RDL's

3 x 10

E

Seated Overhead Banded Tricep Extension

3 x 50

F1

RT Cool Down Progression 2

F2

3 Level Pigeon

Friday
2026-03-27

A1

Belt Squat

5 x 5

A2

Rotational Box Jump 180

5 x 2

B1

Bench Press

5 x 5

B2

Med Ball Chest Pass

5 x 5

C1

Zercher Lunge with Trunk Rotation

3 x 20

C2

Karaoke Sled Drag

3 x 20

C3

Kettlebell Gorilla Cleans

3 x 10

D1

Mace Dynamic Curl

2 x 0:30

D2

Band Tricep Push Down

2 x 0:30

E1

RT Calf Smash on Foam Roll

E2

Lat Foam Roll

Saturday
2026-03-28

A

RT Cool Down Progression 1

B

Balance Board Side to Side

C1

Mace Walking Pendulum Prep/Cool Down

C2

Mace 10 - 2 with squat

D

Banded Hip Distraction with Internal/external rotation

Coach
coach-avatar Matt Spaid

Combat veteran, former firefighter, and founder of Operation Antifragile. I'm a Power Athlete Certified Coach, Adaptive Athlete Trainer, and I help tactical professionals and adaptive athletes rebuild strength, mobility, and mental fortitude through an integrated system of training, breathwork, recovery, and lifestyle practices—focused on longevity, resilience, and real-world performance.

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Make Yourself ANTIFRAGILE

You are not broken, and this training will make you stronger than you ever thought possible. Join our team and enjoy the benefits of a positive community and supportive coaches that will help you along your fitness journey.

Start My 7-Day Free Trial
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FAQs
Who is this program for?
This program is built for veterans, first responders, and anyone living or working under high levels of physical or mental stress. It’s also a great fit for anyone who wants structured, purposeful training focused on long-term strength, resilience, and health.
What exactly is included in the program?
You’ll get a full 7-day training structure, including: 3 Conjugate-based strength training days 3 days of conditioning, mobility, and GAP work Daily breathwork and mental fortitude training Everything is designed to work together as one complete system.
Do I have to train all 7 days?
No. The program is structured for daily intent, but it’s fully adaptable. You can scale volume and intensity based on your schedule, recovery, and lifestyle. Even if you only hit the main strength days, you’ll still make progress—but the full system delivers the best results.
What if I’m dealing with injuries or limitations?
That’s exactly who this program is built for. Everything can be modified based on your needs, and the system emphasizes joint health, movement quality, and recovery alongside strength. If you need a more individualized approach, you can reach out for custom coaching.
Is this program beginner-friendly?
Yes—with the right approach. The program can be scaled for beginners, but it’s structured training—not random workouts. You’ll need to be willing to learn movement patterns and stay consistent. You can always reach out for more individualized training.
How is this different from other programs on TrainHeroic?
Most programs focus on just workouts. This is a complete system—integrating strength, conditioning, mobility, breathwork, and nervous system regulation into one structured plan. It’s built for real-world performance and long-term resilience, not just short-term results.
Will I get coaching or support?
Yes. You’ll be part of a community of like-minded individuals, and the program itself is designed to provide structure and accountability. For more direct, individualized coaching, you can reach out to upgrade or customize your training.
What if I’m not a veteran or first responder?
You’re still welcome here. The program is built with that community in mind, but anyone committed to improving their strength, health, and resilience can benefit.
The Proof
verified-athlete-avatar Matt Spaid

Coach/Strongman

Verified Athlete

"I have used this training and combined various training principles specifically to help those that may need to work around injuries."

verified-athlete-avatar Lori Spaid

Coach/Strongwoman

Verified Athlete

"This training has not only helped my husband, but also myself. It's both fun and challenging."

verified-athlete-avatar Andres Salas

Veteran/Athlete

Verified Athlete

"This training is what has helped me become more resilient and an overall stronger person! Love it!"

verified-athlete-avatar Daniel Hodges

Marine Veteran

Verified Athlete

"I thought my pain was just a fact of life at my age, but this program as shown me mobility and gaps in strength are an issue. I am noticing pain and mobility improvements early in this program. Being active with my kids is also muich easier. I look forward to continued improvements and progressions!"

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Operation Antifragile
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Operation Antifragile
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Operation Antifragile
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Operation Antifragile