ACFT Preparation Plan v2.0
Updates from v1.0:
- More focused preparation for the Sprint-DragCarry event.
- Standing power throw technique work each week.
- Lifts designed to help create more explosiveness for the standing power throw.
- Added Kettlebell swings to assist with hip explosion, lower back + core strength – all required for the standing power throw.
- Hip stability complex + shoulder durability work.
- Wednesday, or mid- week, moderate/easy paced run or foot march (unit dependent).
- No prescribed training on the weekends. This program is designed for five (5) training sessions per week.
Maintained from v1.0:
- Trap bar dead-lifts. Soldiers must improve their form + technique on this lift.
- Pull-up + leg tuck exercise. I received a lot of positive feedback that this exercise really helped prepare Soldiers for the leg tuck event.
- Threshold/tempo running or interval training after strength training. This is a cornerstone of the program and helps prepare Soldiers to run hard
after challenging strength training.
- Planks. The first area to fail – based on my observations – with hand-release push-ups is the core. Planks help to develop a rock solid core that
won’t wobble in the second minute of the hand release push-up event.
- Interval push-up/pull-up/squat work. These sessions are absolutely critical to developing endurance for the push-ups, leg tucks, and sprint-drag-carry event.
For those unfamiliar with the first program, the concept of difficult but doable (DBD) is that a Soldier works up in weight through his/her sets until
they reach a weight that is DBD. The goal throughout the program is to reach the DBD weight earlier in your sets so that you are working at a
challenging weight across multiple sets.
For the threshold pace, use the tempo pace in the 2-mile run charts as a guide.
The hand-release push-up is the “T” hand-release push-up.
The Army’s ACFT website provides a detailed explanation of each exercise:
https://www.army.mil/acft/
Unfamiliar exercises can be found at:
https://mtntactical.com/category/exercises/
This program is designed to be 8-weeks long. 4 weeks of build, 1-week of de-load, 2 more weeks of build and then a de-load week heading into testing week.
*Please use the repetitions listed in this program for exercises like dips, push-ups, pull-ups or leg tucks as a guide, not as a concrete number that must be strictly followed. Some Soldiers and leaders may be able to do more repetitions than prescribed below, and others less. The key point here is to work through the full range of motion on these exercises, and then progress them steadily throughout the program.*
Train hard. Train smart.
Create an account to begin this workout plan and track progress.
Workouts
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 5 reps
-
Push-up1 x 10 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 3 reps
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 15 reps
-
Kettlebell Squat8 reps
-
Pull up + leg tuck4 reps
-
Run10 minute
-
Slow run or walk5 minute
-
RunAt threshold pace5 minute
-
Slow run or walkCool down3 minute
-
Plank60 second
-
Lower back raise1 x 10 reps
-
Standing hamstring stretch
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Seated groin stretch
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
1 round of:
1 round of:
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Jumping Jack10 reps
-
Mountain climber10 reps
-
Hip swivel stretch
-
Leg Tuck5 reps
-
Seated Russian Twist20 reps
-
Kettle Bell Swing10 reps
-
Tricep Dip10 reps
-
Farmer's Carry50 meter
-
50m Run50 meter
-
Run400 meter
-
Rest2 minute
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
-
Foot-marchat unit prescribed pace/distance
-
Run@moderate pace (8-8:30/mile goal)4 mile
Do Foot-march or Run
-
Hang Power Clean@95# men @65# (women)3 reps
-
Push Press@95# men @65# (women)6 reps
-
Back Squat@95# men @65# (women)6 reps
-
Hang Power Cleanincrease DBD2 reps
-
Chest Stretch
-
Push Pressincrease DBD6 reps
-
3rd World Stretch
-
Trap bar deadlift(focus here is lighter weight, technique) – Soldiers should work at a lower weight, by 30-40 pounds, than their DBD sets from Session 1 and focus on their form.
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Side Plank30/3060 reps
-
Rest30 second
-
Ball Throw8-10 minutes of ball throw technique work. Work with a partner and watch each other conduct the power throw to offer coaching tips. Use a 10# ball to start and then work up to a 12 or 15# ball for increased difficulty.10 minute
3 rounds of: (w/barbell)
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Bodyweight Squat1 x 10 reps
-
Push-up1 x 10 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 1 reps
-
Dumbbell Squat@25 for men and @10 for women1 x 6 reps
-
Bodyweight Squat1 x 6 reps
-
Jump Squat1 x 6 reps
-
Rest1 x 30 second
-
Dip1 x 15 reps
-
Bent-over Row1 x 15 reps
-
Leg Tuck1 x 1 reps
-
Run1 x 400 meter
-
Rest1 x 2 minute
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
6 rounds. 20 sec on/40sec rest.
6 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
1 set of max reps:
4 rounds of:
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 5 reps
-
Push-up1 x 10 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 3 reps
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 18 reps
-
Kettlebell Squat1 x 8 reps
-
Pull up + leg tuck1 x 5 reps
-
Run1 x 12 minute
-
Slow run or walk1 x 5 minute
-
Run1 x 5 minute
-
Slow run or walk1 x 3 minute
-
Plank1 x 1 reps
-
Lower back raise1 x 9 reps
-
Standing hamstring stretch1 x 1 reps
-
Hip flexor stretch1 x 1 reps
-
Seated groin stretch1 x 1 reps
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
1 round of:
1 round of:
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Jumping Jack10 reps
-
Mountain climber10 reps
-
Hip swivel stretch
-
Leg Tuck6 reps
-
Seated Russian Twist20 reps
-
Kettle Bell Swing12 reps
-
Tricep Dip12 reps
-
Farmer's Carry50 reps
-
Run
-
Rest
-
Run
-
Rest
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
6 rounds of:
-
Foot-march
-
Run
-
Hip stability exercise
-
Shoulder durability exercise
-
Plank
Foot-march or run
3 rounds of:
-
Hang Power Clean3 reps
-
Push Press6 reps
-
Back Squat6 reps
-
Hang Power Clean2 reps
-
Chest Stretch
-
Push Press3 reps
-
Push-up
-
Trap bar deadlift5 reps
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Side Plank30 reps
-
Rest
-
Ball Throw
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
8-10 minutes of:
-
Bodyweight Squat1 x 10 reps
-
Push-up1 x 10 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 1 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 5 reps
-
Dumbbell Squat1 x 7 reps
-
Bodyweight Squat1 x 7 reps
-
Jump Squat1 x 7 reps
-
Rest1 x 1 reps
-
Dip1 x 16 reps
-
Bent-Over Barbell Row1 x 16 reps
-
Leg Tuck1 x 1 reps
-
Run1 x 1 reps
-
Rest1 x 1 reps
Warm up. 3 rounds of:
6 rounds. 25 sec on/35 sec rest
6 rounds:
6 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
1 set of max:
5 rounds of:
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 5 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 3 reps
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 20 reps
-
Kettlebell Squat8 reps
-
Pull up + leg tuck6 reps
-
Run
-
Slow run or walk
-
Run
-
Slow run or walk
-
Plank
-
Lower back raise1 x 12 reps
-
Standing hamstring stretch
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Seated groin stretch
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
1 round of:
1 round of:
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Jumping Jack10 reps
-
Mountain climber10 reps
-
Hip swivel stretch
-
Leg Tuck7 reps
-
Seated Russian Twist20 reps
-
Kettle Bell Swing14 reps
-
Tricep Dip14 reps
-
Farmer's Carry50 reps
-
Run
-
Rest
-
Run
-
Rest
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
7 rounds of:
-
Foot-march
-
Run
-
Hip stability exercise
-
Shoulder durability exercise
-
Plank90 reps
Foot-march or run
3 rounds of:
-
Hang Power Clean3 reps
-
Push Press6 reps
-
Back Squat6 reps
-
Hang Power Clean2 reps
-
Chest Stretch
-
Push Press3 reps
-
Push-up
-
Trap bar deadlift5 reps
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Side Plank30 reps
-
Rest
-
Ball Throw
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
8-10 minutes of:
-
Bodyweight Squat10 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Up3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up
-
Rest
-
Pull Up7 reps
-
Dumbbell Squat8 reps
-
Bodyweight Squat8 reps
-
Jump Squat8 reps
-
Rest
-
Dip17 reps
-
Bent-Over Barbell Row17 reps
-
Leg Tuck
-
Run
-
Rest
Warm up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
6 rounds:
6 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
1 set of max:
5 rounds of:
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 5 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 3 reps
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 23 reps
-
Kettlebell Squat8 reps
-
Pull up + leg tuck7 reps
-
Run
-
Slow run or walk
-
Plank75 reps
-
Lower back raise1 x 15 reps
-
Standing hamstring stretch
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Seated groin stretch
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
1 round of:
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Jumping Jack10 reps
-
Mountain climber10 reps
-
Hip swivel stretch
-
Leg Tuck7 reps
-
Seated Russian Twist20 reps
-
Kettle Bell Swing14 reps
-
Tricep Dip14 reps
-
Farmer's Carry50 reps
-
Run
-
Rest
-
Sprint
-
Rest
-
Side Shuffle
-
Rest
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
6 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
-
Foot-march
-
Run
-
Hip stability exercise
-
Shoulder durability exercise25 reps
-
Plank100 reps
Foot-march or run
3 rounds of:
-
Hang Power Clean3 reps
-
Push Press6 reps
-
Back Squat6 reps
-
Hang Power Clean2 reps
-
Chest Stretch
-
Push Press3 reps
-
3rd World Stretch
-
Trap bar deadlift5 reps
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Side Plank35 reps
-
Rest
-
Ball Throw
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
8-10 minutes of:
-
Bodyweight Squat10 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Up3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up40 reps
-
Rest
-
Pull Up7 reps
-
Dumbbell Squat8 reps
-
Bodyweight Squat8 reps
-
Jump Squat8 reps
-
Rest
-
Dip18 reps
-
Bent-Over Barbell Row18 reps
-
Leg Tuck
-
Run
-
Jog
-
Run
-
Rest
Warm up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
6 rounds:
6 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
1 set of max:
1 round of:
4 rounds of:
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 5 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 3 reps
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 2 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 20 reps
-
Kettlebell Squat6 reps
-
Pull up + leg tuck6 reps
-
Run
-
Slow run or walk
-
Plank65 reps
-
Lower back raise1 x 10 reps
-
Standing hamstring stretch
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Seated groin stretch
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
1 round of:
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Jumping Jack10 reps
-
Mountain climber10 reps
-
Hip swivel stretch
-
Leg Tuck6 reps
-
Seated Russian Twist20 reps
-
Kettle Bell Swing15 reps
-
Tricep Dip15 reps
-
Farmer's Carry50 reps
-
Run
-
Rest
-
Sprint
-
Rest
-
Side Shuffle
-
Rest
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
6 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
-
Foot-march
-
Run
-
Hip stability exercise
-
Shoulder durability exercise25 reps
-
Plank90 reps
Foot-march or run
3 rounds of:
-
Hang Power Clean3 reps
-
Push Press6 reps
-
Back Squat6 reps
-
Hang Power Clean2 reps
-
Chest Stretch
-
Push Press3 reps
-
3rd World Stretch
-
Trap bar deadlift5 reps
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Side Plank35 reps
-
Rest
-
Ball Throw
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
5 minutes of:
-
Bodyweight Squat10 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Up3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up40 second
-
Rest60 second
-
Pull Up5 reps
-
Rest40 second
-
Dumbbell Squat8 reps
-
Bodyweight Squat8 reps
-
Jump Squat8 reps
-
Rest30 second
-
Dip18 reps
-
Bent-Over Barbell Row18 reps
-
Run1600 meter
-
Jog5 minute
-
Run800 meter
-
Rest3 minute
Warm up. 3 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
4 rounds:
4 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
1 round of:
2 rounds of:
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 5 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Up1 x 3 reps
-
Trap bar deadlift1 x 2 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 20 reps
-
Kettlebell Squat8 reps
-
Pull up + leg tuck8 reps
-
Runat threshold pace12 minute
-
Slow run or walk3 minute
-
Runat threshold pace5 minute
-
Slow run or walk3 minute
-
Plank80 second
-
Lower back raise1 x 15 reps
-
Standing hamstring stretch
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Seated groin stretch
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
6 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
1 round of:
1 round of: (copy)
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Jumping Jack10 reps
-
Mountain climber10 reps
-
Hip swivel stretch
-
Leg Tuck9 reps
-
Seated Russian Twist25 reps
-
Kettle Bell Swing15 reps
-
Tricep Dip15 reps
-
Farmer's Carry50 reps
-
Run50 meter
-
Rest45 second
-
Sprint100 meter
-
Rest45 second
-
Side Shuffle50 meter
-
Rest30 second
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
8 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
-
Foot-marchat unit prescribed pace/distance
-
Run@moderate pace (8-8:30/mile goal)5 mile
-
Hip stability exerciselay on side, 25 x leg raises w/ toe pointed down, 25 x leg raises w/toes straight – each leg
-
Shoulder durability exercisew/2.5 or 3# weight25 reps
-
Plank2 minute
Foot-march or run
3 rounds of:
-
Hang Power Clean@95# men @65# (women)3 reps
-
Push Press@95# men @65# (women)6 reps
-
Back Squat6 reps
-
Hang Power Cleanincrease DBD2 reps
-
Chest Stretch
-
Push Pressincrease DBD3 reps
-
3rd World Stretch
-
Trap bar deadliftfocus here is lighter weight, technique5 reps
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Side Plank40/4035 reps
-
Rest30 second
-
Ball Throw8-10 minutes of ball throw technique work.
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
40 rounds of:
5 minutes of:
-
Bodyweight Squat10 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Uppalms away3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up60 second
-
Rest90 second
-
Hand Release Push Up45 second
-
Rest60 second
-
Pull UpAlternate grip each round6 reps
-
Rest35 second
-
Dumbbell Squat@25# men (10# women)8 reps
-
Bodyweight Squat8 reps
-
Jump Squat8 reps
-
Rest30 second
-
Dip20 reps
-
Bent-Over Barbell Rowbarbell or dumbbell20 reps
-
Leg Tuckmax reps
-
Runuse pace chart1600 meter
-
Jog5 minute
-
Runuse pace chart400 meter
-
Rest2 minute
Warm up. 3 rounds of:
2 rounds of:
2 rounds of:
6 rounds:
6 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
1 round:
2 round of:
2 rounds of:
-
Trap bar deadlift@135# (men)/ 95# (women)1 x 5 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Upuse band if necessary, work through full range of motion1 x 3 reps
-
Trap bar deadliftincrease until weight is difficult but doable1 x 2 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 25 reps
-
Kettlebell Squat8 reps
-
Pull up + leg tuck8 reps
-
Runat threshold pace14 minute
-
Slow run or walkcool down3 minute
-
Plank80 second
-
Lower back raise1 x 15 reps
-
Standing hamstring stretch
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Seated groin stretch
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
6 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
1 round of:
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Jumping Jack10 reps
-
Mountain climber10 reps
-
Hip swivel stretch
-
Leg Tuck10 reps
-
Seated Russian Twist30 reps
-
Kettle Bell Swing15 reps
-
Tricep Dip15 reps
-
Farmer's Carry50 reps
-
Run50 meter
-
Rest45 second
-
Sprint100 meter
-
Rest45 second
-
Side Shuffle50 meter
-
Rest30 second
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
8 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
-
Foot-marchat unit prescribed pace/distance
-
Run@moderate pace (8-8:30/mile goal)5 mile
-
Hip stability exerciselay on side, 25 x leg raises w/ toe pointed down, 25 x leg raises w/toes straight – each leg
-
Shoulder durability exercisew/2.5 or 3# weight25 reps
-
Plank2 minute
Foot-march or run
3 rounds of:
-
Hang Power Clean@95# men @65# (women)3 reps
-
Push Press@95# men @65# (women)6 reps
-
Back Squat6 reps
-
Hang Power Cleanincrease DBD2 reps
-
Chest Stretch
-
Push Pressincrease DBD3 reps
-
3rd World Stretch
-
Trap bar deadliftfocus here is lighter weight, technique5 reps
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Side Plank40/4040 reps
-
Rest30 second
-
Ball Throw8-10 minutes of ball throw technique work.10 minute
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
40 rounds of:
5 minutes of:
-
Bodyweight Squat10 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Uppalms away3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up75 second
-
Rest90 second
-
Hand Release Push Up45 second
-
Rest60 second
-
Pull UpAlternate grip each round7 reps
-
Rest40 second
-
Dumbbell Squat@25# men (10# women)8 reps
-
Bodyweight Squat8 reps
-
Jump Squat8 reps
-
Rest30 second
-
Dip20 reps
-
Bent-Over Barbell Rowbarbell or dumbbell20 reps
-
Leg Tuckmax reps
-
Runuse pace chart1600 meter
-
Jog5 minute
-
Runuse pace chart400 meter
-
Rest2 minute
Warm up. 3 rounds of:
2 rounds of:
2 rounds of:
6 rounds:
5 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
1 round:
2 round of:
2 rounds of:
-
Trap bar deadlift@135# (men)/ 95# (women)1 x 5 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Upuse band if necessary, work through full range of motion1 x 3 reps
-
Trap bar deadliftstay light, concentrate on form1 x 3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up1 x 20 reps
-
Kettlebell Squat6 reps
-
Pull up + leg tuck6 reps
-
Runat threshold pace10 minute
-
Slow run or walkcool down3 minute
-
Plank65 second
-
Lower back raise1 x 10 reps
-
Standing hamstring stretch
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Seated groin stretch
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
1 round of:
3 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
-
Jumping Jack10 reps
-
Mountain climber10 reps
-
Hip swivel stretch
-
Leg Tuck6 reps
-
Seated Russian Twistunweighted20 reps
-
Kettle Bell Swingincrease until DBD15 reps
-
Tricep Dip15 reps
-
Farmer's Carry50 reps
-
Run50 meter
-
Rest45 second
-
Sprint100 meter
-
Rest45 second
-
Side Shuffle50 meter
-
Rest30 second
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
5 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
2 rounds of:
-
Foot-marchat unit prescribed pace/distance
-
Run@moderate pace (8-8:30/mile goal)4 mile
-
Hip stability exerciselay on side, 25 x leg raises w/ toe pointed down, 25 x leg raises w/toes straight – each leg
-
Shoulder durability exercisew/2.5 or 3# weight25 reps
-
Plank90 second
Foot-march or run
3 rounds of:
-
Hang Power Clean@95# men @65# (women)3 reps
-
Push Press@95# men @65# (women)6 reps
-
Back Squat6 reps
-
Hang Power Cleanincrease DBD2 reps
-
Chest Stretch
-
Push Presskeep weight light3 reps
-
3rd World Stretch
-
Trap bar deadliftfocus here is lighter weight, technique5 reps
-
Hip flexor stretch
-
Side Plank35/3535 reps
-
Rest30 second
-
Ball Throw5 minute
Warm-up. 3 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
4 rounds of:
3 rounds of:
3rounds of:
-
Bodyweight Squat10 reps
-
Push-up10 reps
-
Pull Uppalms away3 reps
-
Hand Release Push Up60 second
-
Rest90 second
-
Pull UpAlternate grip each round6 reps
-
Rest40 second
-
Dumbbell Squat@25# men (10# women)6 reps
-
Bodyweight Squat6 reps
-
Jump Squat6 reps
-
Rest30 second
-
Dip15 reps
-
Bent-Over Barbell Rowbarbell or dumbbell15 reps
-
Runuse pace chart800 meter
-
Rest3 minute