Foundation block, weeks 1 to 6

Week 6 of BUD/S Prep

The last week of the foundation block. The long swim reaches 1500 yards, three times the PST distance. Core exercises move to their second prescription tier next week.

The six sessions

DayCardioStrength
MondayLong slow distance run4.25 milesUpper/Core
TuesdayContinuous high-intensity swim17 minLower/Push-Sit-Pull
WednesdayInterval run6 repsCore/Push-Sit-Pull
ThursdayLong slow distance swim1500 yardsCore/Push-Sit-Pull
FridayContinuous high-intensity run17 minUpper/Core
SaturdayInterval swim6 repsLower/Push-Sit-Pull

What changes from week 5

  • Monday, long slow distance run: 4 miles to 4.25 miles
  • Thursday, long slow distance swim: 1400 yards to 1500 yards

The foundation block

Weeks 1 to 6 build the base. Distances are short enough that a candidate who passes the PST minimums can finish every session, and the point is to establish the six-day rhythm: three runs, three swims, strength or calisthenics every day. Core work is two sets of each exercise. If a session feels easy, that is by design. Adaptation comes from consistency in this block, not from intensity.

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