The Training For Trekking Podcast

If you are a hiker looking to get fit, strong and resilient in 2025, we want to chat with you! To find out more and book a call with our team, you can go here: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html 

Cramping while hiking is the worst. They can be SUCH a pain and can really suck a lot of enjoyment out of a day on the trail. In this episode, I explore a few common risk factors when it comes to cramps on the trail and talk through some ideas you can use to help prevent cramps while hiking. == This week, we are opening enrolment to our signature program, the Online Summit Program.   We are looking for hikers who want to get strong and pain-free, so they can conquer every adventure.   If that sounds like you, and you want to find out if and how this program may be a good fit for your goals and situation, you can book a free discovery call with us through the link below:   https://summitstrength.com.au/apply

In this episode, I explore a few common traits in the 'bodybuilding approach' to strength training, which I believe might not be the best approach for hikers with their training...  == This week, I am enrolling for my signature program, the Online Summit Program.     I am looking for no more than 10 hikers who want to get strong and pain-free, so they can conquer every adventure.     If you want to find out more, send me an email to rowan@summitstrength.com.au with the words 'I'm interested' and we can have a chat. 

In this episode, we explore the idea that 'incorrect' or 'inefficient' strength training can have a detrimental impact on your hiking.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, we explore the idea of rucking for hikers (e.g loaded-pack walking). And we give a bit of a nuanced take on this subject (to try and balance out a lot of the exaggeration that is seen online with this subject). Inside, we answer the questions: Is rucking an effective way to build muscle strength? Is rucking useful for improving or maintaining bone density? Can rucking help with weight loss? Is rucking beneficial for the immune system? Can rucking help with longevity? == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html  

​In this episode, I bring some common sense to one of the more silly debates in the world of training for hiking.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, we explore the idea of carbon dioxide tolerance training for hikers and mountaineers. You will learn: What carbon dioxide tolerance training is (and the theories on why it can be beneficial for exercise performance) The potential benefits of carbon dioxide tolerance training for hikers and mountaineers Can carbon dioxide tolerance training help with high-altitude acclimatisation, reduce the risk of altitude sickness or improve high altitude exercise performance? How to test and track carbon dioxide tolerance A few training approaches that can help improve carbon dioxide tolerance (and my opinion on their application for hikers and mountaineers)  == Mentioned in the episode: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/blog/breath-hold-training-for-high-altitude-mountaineers-and-hikers == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

​In this episode, I explore the number one mistake a hiker can make when preparing for a big hiking adventure (and what to do instead). == Mentioned in this episode: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/blog/how-to-plan-your-training-hikes == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, we talk about simulated altitude gyms. And we explore a few of the claims people often make about this training, which can be VERY misleading to aspiring high altitude hikers, as well as a few of the actual benefits of this type of training.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Wanda, who recently came off a successful summit of Kilimanjaro. Inside, she shares some insights about her inspiration for this trip, her training for this high altitude adventure and some of her experiences on the mountain.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, we dive into the BOLT Score, a widely recommended test in the world of breathing training. We discuss what the BOLT Score measures, its relevance for hikers and mountaineers and if and how it should be used.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, we explore some slightly different episodes I will be bringing to the podcast this year (and why I have finally decided to speak about certain topics).  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength hiker Yolanda, who recently completed the Everest Base Camp Trek. Inside, she shares how she trained for this high altitude hike, and shares some of her experiences on this amazing adventure. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, I explore three different pacing strategies a hiker can take for steep uphill hiking (and what my recommended approach is in most situations). == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

​In this episode, I interview Summit Strength hiker Marika, who recently successfully completed the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. Inside, she shares how she trained and prepared for this strenuous trail, and gives some insight into her experience on the trail.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, we explore why sometimes advice about limiting certain movements and activities can be detrimental to your hiking and life.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

If you want to get fit, strong, and resilient for your hiking in 2026, this is for you!  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, I interview Summit Strengh hiker Jodi, who recently completed an amazing Grand Canyon hiking adventure. Inside, she shares how she trained and prepared for this adventure after she was told that she might need to give up hiking.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

In this episode, I explore a simple goal-setting process a hiker can use as they look towards 2026 (this is a MUCH simpler approach than I usually talk about). == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

Today I just want to take a moment to say a genuine thank you to everyone who has been involved in the Summit Strength community over 2025.