Tactical Barbell is a comprehensive strength and conditioning system for the cross-training/tactical professional that requires advanced levels of fitness across multiple domains. Don't be deceived by the name, barbell training is only one component of the system. Strength AND conditioning are both equally important for the operational athlete.
Tactical Barbell: Definitive Strength Training for the Operational Athlete (3rd Edition) aka TB1, is the strength component of the system. It uses a progressive strength training model that utilizes a simple form of waved periodization. We've found this approach to be superior for athletes that need to excel in more than one physical skill at a time. In other words, it's a method that allows you to get strong without sacrificing conditioning or skills training. TB1 focuses on developing both maximal-strength and strength-endurance. It can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Barbell ... KZ4MNF4T3T
Tactical Barbell 2: Conditioning is our conditioning manual. We use the term "conditioning" to refer to the body's energy systems and other important fitness domains outside of maximal-strength; aerobic/anaerobic system, muscular-endurance, work capacity and others. We use the best methods to progress each domain. What works for developing aerobic capacity can be drastically different for what improves the anaerobic system. We teach you how to build a base, progress each individual attribute, and put it all together for a comprehensive program that covers it all. TBII can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0143H ... s_rw_dp_sw
Both of the books are two sides of the same coin that work together as a complete system. For the operational athlete strength without conditioning is useless, and conditioning without strength is useless.
Do I Need Both Books?
No. If you're happy with your current strength training program but want to ramp up your cardiovascular system, work capacity and muscular-endurance - then Tactical Barbell 2 by itself is sufficient. If you're happy with your level of conditioning, but want a maximal-strength program that's more compatible with heavy cardiovascular work, sports or training - then Tactical Barbell 1 by itself is sufficient. Both books work together as a complete system, or apart to fill in the gaps of your own training.
What Sets Tactical Barbell Apart?
The majority of 'tactical' fitness programs do the same thing. They throw tough workouts at you in random fashion. The workouts usually consist of push-ups, running, burpees, things like that. They'll make you work hard. You'll sweat like an animal. You'll have a hard time completing them - but if you do you'll feel good. The problem is they don't give you significant measurable improvements in ability over time. Your actual strength or muscular endurance won't get much higher. You'll sorta float around a plateau for most of your training life if you stick to this style of training.
Here's an example. Your aerobic system provides you with the majority of the energy you need for your daily activities. The MAJORITY. It also enhances the anaerobic system. Stronger aerobic system = stronger anaerobic system. Proper aerobic training causes unique physiological adaptations to your heart and energy pathways. What is the "proper" way to develop your aerobic system?
3-5 sessions a week for 5-12 weeks. 30 minutes minimum, at a slow and almost painfully easy pace. UNINTERRUPTED by sprints or intervals. Slow and steady. Training in this fashion makes your heart work a certain way, and gives you cardiac adaptations you simply won't get by doing sprints or intervals. Now think back to the 'tactical' fitness programs you've tried in the past. Do you recall having to complete an aerobic base-building phase like this for a couple months? Probably not. I'm guessing you were given a laundry list containing a variety of cool exercises that left you on your back in a puddle of sweat. Feels good - but doesn't do much to actually advance your aerobic system. If you developed your aerobic system first - that laundry list would've have been easier to do. Make sense? Make no mistake, sprints, hills, calisthenics and all that good stuff all come into play in Tactical Barbell. But at the correct time and place.
That's just one example of how we approach things.
It's easy to be hard, harder to be smart.