HORIZON STRENGTH | Week 2: The Load Never Lies

Amy Petersen headshot
Amy Petersen
ACE-CPT, Sports Performance, PN-1, PATHFINDER Founder & Director of Programming
October 31, 2025

This week builds on the Horizon Week 1 strength workout with slightly more dynamic movements, like sandbag cleans. These exercises reinforce power through the hips and stability in your trunk. Expect your mid and upper-back to work harder; these muscles keep your ruck straps from crushing your posture. Focus on controlled breathing during lifts, and check that your nutrition supports your recovery - simple carbs and protein within an hour post-workout will help your body rebuild.

If you've never done cleans before, try them first with a light object to learn the rhythm of the movement before using your sandbag.

NOTES

  • You will need: Sandbag and kettlebell or dumbbells
  • Complete the two workout blocks as a circuit.
  • If needed, rest 1-2 minutes between rounds.
  • Always do your warm-up to help prevent injuries.
  • Some video demonstrations may depict exercise tools other than what we suggest - the same cues and form will still apply unless otherwise noted.

REMINDER:

  • Soft count: 1, 2, 3, 4 ... this is when both (or all) limbs perform the exercise at the same time.
  • Hard count: 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4...this is when only one limb does work at a time.
  • Each Side: Do all reps on one side before switching to complete all reps on the other side.

 

WARM UP

 REPS EXERCISE COUNT
10 x reps Shoulder Rolls EACH DIRECTION
8 x reps Half-Kneeling Ankle Rocks EACH SIDE
6 x reps Cat/Cows
6 x reps 90/90 Hip Switch EACH SIDE

 

WORKOUT x 3 ROUNDS

Complete each block as a circuit.

 REPS EXERCISE COUNT
6 x reps Sandbag Clean to Front Hold (3 sec)
8 x reps KB Goblet Squat
20 x steps Farmer Carry March EACH SIDE


 REPS EXERCISE COUNT
8 x reps Half-Kneeling KB Press EACH SIDE
10 x reps Single-Arm Bent Over Row EACH SIDE
:20 x seconds Side Plank Hold* EACH SIDE

*To modify your side plank hold, tripod the bottom leg.