Training for Advanced Concentration: Arrive Ready

Advanced Concentration is our toughest course. When people tap out, it is almost always down to poor physical preparation, poor mental readiness or weak foundation skills, not bad luck. All three can be trained.

Important: see a physician before starting a demanding training plan, especially if you have any medical condition.

Weeks 1–3: Base

• Ruck three times a week: 5 km with 10 kg, building to 8 km.

• Strength twice a week: squats, lunges, step-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, planks.

• Practise the bow drill three times a week.

Weeks 4–6: Build

• Ruck 8–10 km with 12–15 kg, including one session on rough terrain.

• Add a long day: 4–6 hours outdoors practising skills after a ruck.

• Practise fire in the rain, shelter in under 2 hours and night navigation.

Weeks 7–8: Stress

• One overnight with a short sleep window, followed by a full day of skills.

• Practise skills after hard exercise, with cold hands and at night.

Weeks 9–10: Taper

Cut volume by about 40% but keep the intensity. Sleep, eat and hydrate well, check all your gear and look after your feet. An injury before the course is the most common reason people never start.

Student tip: our online Advanced Concentration course includes the full 10-week plan with lessons on stress, deprivation and decision-making when exhausted.

Want to learn this hands-on? See our field courses in Edmundston, NB, or start today with our online courses.