Workout of the Week: 10 x 100 Reps Advanced Workout

Workouts like this start off easy, then build up repetitions using the ladder or pyramid method. For this warmup, you will do some jogs (not sprints) between push-ups, with an increasing level each set. We typically do the warmup below on a football field.

Warm up with a push-up ladder 1-15 with 100 meter runs between each set that blends into the workout beginning. Add in some stretch or dynamic stretches in between. The 1-15 pushup ladder gives you a total of 120 reps, so this exercise counts as one of the 100-rep sets you will do below.

How to do this workout: The best way to do this workout without significant time out for rest is to make the following exercises a max rep circuit. Try it this way: Do as many pull-ups as you can, bench-press for max reps, then the combo exercise of biceps curls and military press together in one movement. Keep doing those three exercises in a circuit until you have completed the 100 reps in each.

Advice: Do not try this workout if it takes you 10 or more sets to do the 100 reps of any exercise. Most people in our training group did this in 5-7 sets. We did have a few that did this one in four sets.

Note: If you cannot do 100 reps of a single exercise in a workout with multiple sets, cut it in half and build up to it.

100 pull-ups

100 bench press (95-135 pounds)

100 biceps/military press

100 kettlebell swings

100 flutter kicks

100 leg levers

100 scissors

100 dips

100 reverse push-ups (hand release portion of the hand release push-up)

The three hip exercise combination of flutter kicks, leg levers and scissors is a challenging grinder PT circuit of exercises that are used at BUD/S PT sessions. Doing these with wet pants and boots was an eye opener on how important having strong hip flexors and core are, especially in special ops programs that required miles of swimming and diving with big SCUBA fins.

If you do not have a bench press, you can replace with TRX atomic push-ups or burpees to make them just a little bit harder than the regular push-up.

Finish with a Goal Pace Running Workout

If you ever have issues with running after the PT test, this workout will help you prepare for the type of conditioning required for running well after the max reps of a PT test.

Repeat 6 times

Run 400 meters at mile run goal pace

Walk 100 meters

Cooldown: Mini-Mobility

You will want to cool down with what I like to call the mini-mobility session and stretch and roll out any aches from the above repetitions. Here is an excellent cooldown no matter what workout you do:

Repeat 2 times

Bike, row or elliptical for 5 minutes

Stretch or foam roller for 5 minutes

Enjoy this little high rep challenge. There is a lot of volume if you add up all the repetitions, but when you spread it out with 10 different exercises, it is very doable and a useful tool to see how your muscle stamina is improving. Try it as an assessment workout tool.

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you’re looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

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