Athletes progressing loads and threshold work

Phase II — Build (Weeks 9–16)

Progressive overload on primary lifts, maintain Z2 streak, and add short threshold intervals. Click any exercise name for YouTube form searches. Log sets, reps & kg to push measurable progress.

Weekly Structure

2× full-body strength (slightly heavier), 2× Z2 + 1× short threshold, 1× mobility. Deload every 4th week. Overload: add reps or 1–2.5 kg if the final set is clean with 1–2 reps in reserve.

Week C

Strength C · Z2 x2 · Threshold x1 · Mobility

DB Front Squat Strength

4 sets · 6–8 reps · upright torso, elbows slightly forward, smooth depth.

Rests

DB Bench Press / Floor Press Strength

4×6–10 · ribs down, forearms vertical at bottom, slight pause.

Rests

Short Threshold (Run/Row/Cycle) Endurance

10 min Z2 warm-up → 4–6 × (3 min comfortably hard / 2 min easy) → 5–10 min Z2 cool-down.

90/90 Hip Flow Mobility · Hips

2–3 min slow transitions; keep chest tall; breathe quietly.

Couch Stretch (Hip Flexor) Mobility · Hips

1–2 min/side; squeeze glute on back leg; ribs down.

T-Spine Open Books Mobility · T-Spine

1–2 min/side; exhale into the end range; keep knees stacked.

Week D

Strength D · Z2 x2 · Threshold x1 · Mobility

RDL (from Combo) Strength · Hinge

8–10 reps · slow down, keep lats on, soft knees.

Rests

DB Row (from Combo) Strength · Pull

8–10/side · pull elbow to back pocket · pause & squeeze.

Rests

Plank (from Combo) Core

30–45s · ribs down, glutes on, breathe quietly through nose.

Rests

Pull-Up Progression (Band/Rows) Calisthenics · Pull

3×AMRAP · strong hollow body · full hang to chest-to-bar path (or row to ribcage).

Dips / Push-Ups Progression Calisthenics · Push

3×AMRAP · range you can control · shoulders away from ears.

Hollow Body Hold Calisthenics · Core

3×20–40s · low back gently pressed to floor · smooth nasal breathing.

Z2 Cardio (40–55 min) Endurance

Keep easy honest; stack small wins. Aim 2 sessions weekly.

Strides (Optional) Endurance

After Z2: 4–6 × 20–30s fast but relaxed with full recovery walk-back.

Notes

Important Note

The content on FreeFitFuel™ is for general fitness education only and isn’t a substitute for personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before starting a new programme, especially if you have any health conditions or injuries. Stop any exercise that causes sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain, or unusual shortness of breath.