THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Ten

Here is week ten of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training.

Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four | Week Five | Week Six | Week Seven | Week Eight | Week Nine

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM

WEEK TEN: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 15 minutes or 2 miles.

Karate:

Straight punch—48 per arm

Groin strike—48 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—48 per arm

Roundhouse kick—48 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—48 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—48 per leg

Sliding back kick—48 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—50

Sideways box hop—80

Backward and forward box hop—80

Half-turn—80

Push-ups: 145 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 145 have been done. Make sure you experiment with different heights to change the resistance.

Sit-ups: 180 total. Add weight if needed.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Crunch—120

Twisting sit-up—100

Basketball: 45 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 3 with added weight, 1 x 10

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Weighted sit-up—4 x 25

Leg raise—130

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 6 minutes.

Sprinting: 1 x 300-yard stride (three-quarter speed). 2 x 200-yard strides (three-quarter to full speed). 2 x 110-yard sprints. 3 x 50-yard sprints.

Hill running: 10 x 30-yard strides (half to three-quarter speed).

Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 15 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—48 per arm

Groin strike—48 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—48 per arm

Roundhouse kick—48 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—48 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—48 per leg

Sliding back kick—48 per leg

Basketball: 45 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—14 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes

Modified breast stroke—14 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this tenth week run 10 x 50-yard strides at three-quarter speed, pulling a tire with 18 to 22 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 4 x 100-yard strides and 2 x 50-yard sprints.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Nine

Here is week nine of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training.

Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four | Week Five | Week Six | Week Seven | Week Eight

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM

WEEK NINE: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 15 minutes or 2 miles.

Karate:

Straight punch—46 per arm

Groin strike—46 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—46 per arm

Roundhouse kick—46 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—46 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—46 per leg

Sliding back kick—46 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—50

Sideways box hop—75

Backward and forward box hop—75

Half-turn—75

Push-ups: 140 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 140 have been done. Make sure you experiment with different heights to change the resistance.

Sit-ups: 190 total. Add weight if needed.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Crunch—125

Twisting sit-up—105

Basketball: 45 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 3 with added weight, 1 x 10

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Weighted sit-up—4 x 25

Leg raise—125

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 6 minutes.

Sprinting: 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed). 2 x 200-yard strides (three-quarter to full speed). 3 x 110-yard sprints. 2 x 50-yard sprints.

Hill running: 10 x 30-yard strides (half to three-quarter speed).

Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 15 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—46 per arm

Groin strike—46 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—46 per arm

Roundhouse kick—46 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—46 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—46 per leg

Sliding back kick—46 per leg

Basketball: 45 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—14 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes

Modified breast stroke—14 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this ninth week run 10 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 18 to 22 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 5 x 100-yard strides and 1 x 50-yard sprint.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Eight

Here is week eight of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training.

Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four | Week Five | Week Six | Week Seven

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM

WEEK EIGHT: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 15 minutes or 2 miles.

Karate:

Straight punch—44 per arm

Groin strike—44 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—44 per arm

Roundhouse kick—44 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—44 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—44 per leg

Sliding back kick—44 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—50

Sideways box hop—70

Backward and forward box hop—70

Half-turn—70

Push-ups: 135 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 135 have been done. Make sure you experiment with different heights to change the resistance.

Sit-ups: 170 total. Add weight if needed.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Crunch—115

Twisting sit-up—95

Basketball: 45 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 5 with added weight, 1 x 10

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Weighted sit-up—4 x 25

Leg raise—120

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 6 minutes.

Sprinting: 1 x 440-yard stride (half speed). 1 x 300-yard stride (three-quarter speed). 3 x 200-yard strides (three-quarter to full speed). 3 x 110-yard sprints. 1 x 50-yard sprint.

Hill running: 10 x 30-yard strides (half to three-quarter speed).

Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 15 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—44 per arm

Groin strike—44 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—44 per arm

Roundhouse kick—44 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—44 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—44 per leg

Sliding back kick—44 per leg

Basketball: 45 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—14 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes

Modified breast stroke—14 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this eighth week run 10 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 15 to 20 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 5 x 100-yard strides.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Seven

Here is week seven of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training.

Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four | Week Five | Week Six

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM

WEEK SEVEN: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 14 minutes.

Karate:

Straight punch—42 per arm

Groin strike—42 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—42 per arm

Roundhouse kick—42 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—42 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—42 per leg

Sliding back kick—42 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—50

Sideways box hop—65

Backward and forward box hop—65

Half-turn—65

Push-ups: 130 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 130 have been done. Make sure you experiment with different heights to change the resistance.

Sit-ups: 160 total. Again add weight if needed.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Crunch—110

Twisting sit-up—90

Basketball: 45 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 5 with added weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target

Weighted sit-up—4 x 25

Leg raise—110

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 6 minutes.

Sprinting: 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed). 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed). 2 x 200-yard strides. 2 x 110-yard sprints.

Hill running: 9 x 30-yard strides (half to three-quarter speed).

Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 15 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—42 per arm

Groin strike—42 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—42 per arm

Roundhouse kick—42 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—42 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—42 per leg

Sliding back kick—42 per leg

Basketball: 45 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—14 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes

Modified breast stroke—14 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this seventh week run 9 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 15 to 20 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 5 x 100-yard strides.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Six

Here is week six of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training.

Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four | Week Five

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM

WEEK SIX: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 30 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 13 minutes.

Karate:

Straight punch—40 per arm

Groin strike—40 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—40 per arm

Roundhouse kick—40 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—40 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—40 per leg

Sliding back kick—40 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—50

Sideways box hop—60

Backward and forward box hop—60

Half-turn—60

Push-ups: 125 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 125 have been done. If these are too easy, elevate your feet at least 8 inches.

Sit-ups: 150 total. Again add weight if needed.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Crunch—105

Twisting sit-up—85

Basketball: 45 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 5 with added weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Weighted sit-up—4 x 25

Leg raise—100

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 6 minutes.

Sprinting: 1 x 880-yard stride (quarter to half speed). 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed). 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed). 2 x 200-yard sprints.

Hill running: 8 x 40-yard strides (half speed).

Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 15 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—40 per arm

Groin strike—40 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—40 per arm

Roundhouse kick—40 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—40 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—40 per leg

Sliding back kick—40 per leg

Basketball: 45 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—14 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes

Modified breast stroke—14 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this sixth week run 8 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 1 x 200-yard stride at half to three-quarter speed and 4 x 100-yard strides.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Five

Here is week five of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training.

Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM

WEEK FIVE: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 30 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 12 minutes.

Karate:

Straight punch—38 per arm

Groin strike—38 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—38 per arm

Roundhouse kick—38 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—38 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—38 per leg

Sliding back kick—38 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—45

Sideways box hop—55

Backward and forward box hop—55

Half-turn—55

Push-ups: 120 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 120 have been done. If these are too easy, elevate your feet at least 8 inches.

Sit-ups: 140 total. Again add weight if needed.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Crunch—100

Twisting sit-up—80

Basketball: 40 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 5 with added weight

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target

Weighted sit-up—4 x 20

Leg raise—90

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 6 minutes.

Sprinting: 2 x 880-yard strides (quarter to half speed). 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed). 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed). 1 x 200-yard sprint.

Hill running: 7 x 40-yard strides (half speed).

Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 14 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—38 per arm

Groin strike—38 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—38 per arm

Roundhouse kick—38 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—38 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—38 per leg

Sliding back kick—38 per leg

Basketball: 45 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—14 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes

Modified breast stroke—14 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this fifth week run 7 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 2 x 200-yard strides at half to three-quarter speed and 3 x 100-yard strides.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Four

Here is week four of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training.

Week One | Week Two | Week Three

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM

WEEK FOUR: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 11 minutes.

Karate:

Straight punch—34 per arm

Groin strike—34 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—34 per arm

Roundhouse kick—34 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—34 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—34 per leg

Sliding back kick—34 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—40

Sideways box hop—50

Backward and forward box hop—50

Half-turn—50

Push-ups: 110 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until the entire number has been completed. If these are too easy, elevate the feet.

Sit-ups: 130 total. Add extra weight if you can do these easily.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Crunch—95 (break into sets if necessary)

Twisting sit-up—75 (break into sets if necessary)

Basketball: 35 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoons. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Chin—3 x 10, 1 set to failure

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Weighted sit-up—3 x 20 (increase weight if possible)

Leg raise—80

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 6 minutes.

Sprinting: 2 x 880-yard strides (quarter to half speed). 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed). 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed)

Hill running: 6 x 40-yard strides (half speed).

Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 13 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—34 per arm

Groin strike—34 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—34 per arm

Roundhouse kick—34 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—34 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—34 per leg

Sliding back kick—34 per leg

Basketball: 45 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—12 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—12 minutes

Modified breast stroke—12 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—12 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this fourth week run 6 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 3 x 200-yard strides at half to three-quarter speed and 2 x 100-yard strides.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Three

Here is week three of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training.

Week One | Week Two

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM

WEEK THREE: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 30 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 10 minutes.

Karate:

Straight punch—30 per arm

Groin strike—30 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—30 per arm

Roundhouse kick—30 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—30 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—30 per leg

Sliding back kick—30 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—35

Sideways box hop—45

Backward and forward box hop—45

Half-turn—45

Push-ups: 100 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 100 have been done. If these are easy, elevate your feet at least 8 inches.

Sit-ups: 120 total. Try to do these as 2 sets. If you can do these easily, hold a small weight behind your head to increase the resistance.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 30 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Crunch—85 (break into sets if necessary)

Twisting sit-up—70 (break into sets if necessary)

Basketball: 30 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Chin—3 x 10, 1 set to failure

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Weighted sit-up—3 x 20

Leg raise—70

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 30 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 5 minutes.

Sprinting: 3 x 880-yard strides (quarter to half speed). 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed). 1 x 300-yard stride (three-quarter speed)

Hill running: 5 x 40-yard strides (half speed).

Dumbbell runs: 4 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 12 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 30 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—30 per arm

Groin strike—30 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—30 per arm

Roundhouse kick—30 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—30 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—30 per leg

Sliding back kick—30 per leg

Basketball: 40 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—10 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—10 minutes

Modified breast stroke—10 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—10 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this third week run 5 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 4 x 200-yard strides at half to three-quarter speed.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Two

Before we begin…

This happened earlier this evening:

47 years old! OK I’ll grant you that the ending left a lot to be desired, but Walker still has the agility and explosiveness of a man half his age.

Earlier, we published an excerpt of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen for week one from his book Herschel Walker’s Basic Training. Here is week two of his recommended advanced training regimen. Our week two advanced workouts are beginning to increase the workout volume by adding reps, sets and, where applicable, increasing the duration of the exercise.

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM 

WEEK TWO: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 25 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 9 minutes.

Karate:

Straight punch—25 per arm

Groin strike—25 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—25 per arm

Roundhouse kick—25 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—25 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—25 per leg

Sliding back kick—25 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—30

Sideways box hop—40

Backward and forward box hop—40

Half-turn—40

Push-ups: 90 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 90 have been done. Elevate your feet at least 8 inches.

Sit-ups: 110 total. Try to do these as 2 sets.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 25 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Crunch—75 (break into sets if necessary)

Twisting sit-up—65 (break into sets if necessary)

Basketball: 25 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Chin—4 x 10

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight

Weighted sit-up—3 x 15

Leg raise—60

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 25 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Sprinting: 3 x 880-yard strides (quarter to half speed). 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed).

Hill running: 4 x 40-yard strides (half speed).

Dumbbell runs: 3 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 11 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 25 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—25 per arm

Groin strike—25 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—25 per arm

Roundhouse kick—25 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—25 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—25 per leg

Sliding back kick—25 per leg

Basketball: 35 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—8 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—8 minutes

Modified breast stroke—8 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—8 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprint portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this second week run 4 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 3 x 200-yard strides at half to three-quarter speed.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen

To say that Herschel Walker’s training methods are unorthodox would be an understatement. One of the few players in modern American football to achieve elite status with minimal free weight training, Walker has frequently attributed his freakish strength and power to an intense morning workout regimen consisting mainly of 2,500 sit-ups and 1,500 push ups (doing up to 100 at a time).

An All-American running back at the University of Georgia, a star in the USFL (1983-1985) and the NFL (1986-1997), a sixth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a member of the 1992 U.S. Winter Olympic two-man bobsled team, a world-class sprinter and now a mixed martial artist, Walker will debut in the January 30, 2010 Strikeforce: Miami event at the age of 47. An athletic and genetic marvel, Walker is one of the rare athletes who has competed in divergent athletic nodes at world-class levels.

Yet, Walker didn't start out as an athletic freak. In his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training, Walker confesses that he was a burly kid who was often picked last for teams and his sister could consistently beat him in foot races. Through dedication, hard work and the discipline required to complete his intense daily workouts, Walker was able to maximize his raw physical talent and train his body to perform at an elite level in many different athletic nodes.

As athletes in THE GAME, our bodies will often require us to perform physically different tasks at a top level when we transition in/out of divergent nodes (sometimes, very quickly); especially in the transitional zones. That is why studying how Herschel Walker physically prepares himself could give us insight into ways of building a strong foundation of fitness for THE GAME.

Fortunately for us, Herschel Walker and Terry Todd, PhD detailed Walker’s unorthodox training regimen in the aforementioned Herschel Walker’s Basic Training. In the book, Walker outlined his recommended 12-week beginner, intermediate and advanced training programs; incorporating calisthenics (including, of course, push ups and sit-ups), plyometrics, martial arts, basketball, swimming pool workouts, sprinting, running and eventually some free weight training.

Over the course of the next several weeks we will share with you the advanced training program offered in Walker’s book. While following the routines may not give us the power, speed and explosiveness of Herschel Walker (remember that Walker has the rare genetics to respond to this type of training), it will build a solid foundation that, if necessary, can be augmented by a personalized team or individual training program.

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM (courtesy of Herschel Walker’s Basic Training)

Herschel’s comments: “…do the exercises in the order listed, so that your body will be properly warmed up and prepared for each of them. If you decide to take a break between your weight work and basketball work—rather than going directly to the courts after you lifting—make sure that you restretch before you begin to play, to get properly warmed up… ”

WEEK ONE: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 20 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Perform each of the 7 basic stretches once—hold twice for 30 seconds each.

Jogging: 8 minutes.

Karate:

Straight punch—20 per arm

Groin strike—20 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—20 per arm

Roundhouse kick—20 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—20 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—20 per leg

Sliding back kick—20 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—25

Sideways box hop—35

Backward and forward box hop—35

Half-turn—35

Push ups: 80 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 80 have been done. Elevate your feet at least 8 inches.

Sit-ups: 100 total. Try to do these as sets of 50

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 20 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Crunch—65 (break into sets if necessary)

Twisting sit-up—60 (break into sets if necessary)

Basketball: 20 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoons. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Chin—3 x 10

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Weighted sit-up—2 x 15

Leg raise—50

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 20 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: 7 basic stretches, plus 2 advanced stretches—hold twice for 30 seconds. Do at least 2 advanced stretches at the beginning of each workout from now on.

Jogging: 3 minutes.

Sprinting: 2 x 880-yard strides (quarter to half speed). One 440-yard stride (half speed).

Hill running: 3 x 40-yard strides (half speed).

Dumbbell runs: 2 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 10 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 20 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—20 per arm

Groin strike—20 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—20 per arm

Roundhouse kick—20 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—20 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—20 per leg

Sliding back kick—20 per leg

Basketball: 30 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—6 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—6 minutes

Modified breast stroke—6 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—6 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this first week run 3 x 50-yard strides at half-speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 2 x 200-yard strides at half to three-quarter speed.