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Train Like Spartan Champ Ashley Heller for a Week

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Train Like Spartan Champ Ashley Heller for a Week
Presented by Spartan Training®

We all want to know: What makes the best-of-the-best Spartan athletes out there tick? How do they keep their edge? In our Train Like a Champion series, we dig into the details of an Ashley Heller workout that keeps her on top. 

The One-Week Ashley Heller Workout

Heller has a game-changing advantage over her competition — she’s a master of program design. Not only is she an experienced runner and track athlete with intuition on her side, but she’s also got the scientific education to back it up. She holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in biomechanics. While her training is tough, she knows precisely how to manipulate her schedule so she’s making progress with an adequate amount of recovery. Below is a sample plan of an Ashley Heller workout that includes distance running, functional strength training, race-specific training, and more. 

MONDAY

Ride: 70 min. ElliptiGO

Functional Lifting: Reps, weight, and sets depend on what is coming up on the calendar

Lateral raises, alternating front raises, bent-arm lateral raises, running arms, Bulgarian split squats

One of three Olympic lifts: Squats, power cleans, deadlifts

Dumbbell press, dips, pull-ups, dead hangs (2x up to 5 minutes)

Other/Misc:

Back extensions, leg extensions leg curls, v-ups, supermans

Related: Train Like a Champion: Q&A With Ashley Heller

TUESDAY AM

Hill Session

- 20 min. warm-up run into 8 x 2 min. hill sprints with jog-down recovery
- 5-10 min. cool down

    Form drills, hip mobility drills, and agility drills

    TUESDAY PM

    Ride: 40 min. ElliptiGO

    Grip Circuit

    - Max pull-ups to max dead hang
    - 10 push-ups
    - Lock off max
    - Pinch grip plate carry, 1 min

          Repeat 4x

          WEDNESDAY

          Ride 90 min. ElliptiGO 

          Strength Session

          - Burpee box jumps
          - Overhead weighted lunges
          - 20 cal on assault bike (as fast as possible)
          - Squat jumps
          - Superman push-ups
          Repeat 4-5x through

                    Related: Exercise Type: You Need to Touch on These 4 Weekly

                     

                    THURSDAY

                    Secondary long run 60-80 min.

                    Dynamic Strength Training: All body-weight exercise

                     

                    FRIDAY AM

                    Threshold or Race-Specific Workout

                    Drill Set Session

                    - 20 min. warm-up run, form drills, and strides
                    - 8 x 800 meter reps under 3:00 min. with 10 deadlifts, 15 burpees, 1 min. bucket carry between each set
                    - 5-10 min. cool down jog

                      Hip Mobility Drills

                      Related: How Much Protein Do You Need?

                      FRIDAY PM

                      Ride: 40 min. ElliptiGO

                      Grip Circuit

                      SATURDAY

                      Ride: 90 min. ElliptiGO

                      Functional Lift

                      SUNDAY

                      Long Run: anywhere from 90 min. to 3.5 hr. 

                      Neuromuscular Drills

                      Amp up your fitness and wellness routine NOW. Click here to find a Spartan race near you!

                      Mike Simone

                      Mike Simone

                      Mike Simone is the founder of humanfitproject, a fitness lifestyle brand. He’s also the former executive digital director of Men’s Fitness magazine. Mike has worked with brands such as Men’s Journal, Muscle & Fitness, Equinox, and The Vitamin Shoppe. He’s most likely creating new fitness content, dreaming of being a chef, riding waves, or rolling on a massage ball. Follow him on Twitter @mike_simone and @humanfitproject.