One of the most common questions we hear at Summit is simple: How should I structure my training?
To help answer that, several of our coaches sat down to talk through how they personally approach training plans, what their goals look like right now, and what advice they’d give to anyone trying to build a routine of their own.
One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation was just how different everyone’s approach to training can be. Even within our coaching staff, people are working toward very different goals, and that variety is exactly what helps us support such a wide range of athletes.
Different Goals Lead to Different Training
Every training plan starts with the same question: What are you training for?
Right now, our coaches are pursuing some very different goals themselves, which shows just how flexible a good training plan can be.
Coach Kubi is currently balancing fitness with a major life event: baby number three on the way! For him, training is less about pushing maximum performance and more about adapting routines to fit changing energy levels and schedules. Sometimes the best plan is simply the one that evolves with your life.
Coach Alex is focused on skill-based goals. His approach emphasizes starting with the simplest version of a movement and gradually building toward the more advanced version. Scaling things down first allows you to develop the necessary technique and control before pushing difficulty.
For Coach Shelby, injury prevention is the priority. Her routine mixes strength work, mobility, and movement practice to support the activities she loves most, including climbing and parkour. The goal isn’t just performance, but longevity.
And Coach Patrick is currently preparing for a cycling race. Interestingly, his fitness plan doesn’t revolve solely around cycling. Instead, he relies heavily on cross training to keep his workouts engaging and well-rounded.
Different goals lead to different plans, but the process of building those plans often follows similar steps.
The First Steps in Building a Training Routine
If you’re starting to build a training plan for yourself, a few early steps can make a huge difference.
1. Assess your starting point.
Before setting big goals, it’s important to understand where you’re currently at. What are your strengths? What feels like a weakness? This baseline helps guide everything that comes next.
2. Choose a goal or area of improvement.
Your plan should revolve around something specific you want to improve. That might be building strength, improving endurance, developing a skill, or preparing for an event.
3. Set an end date.
A timeline gives your plan structure. It also creates a clear moment to step back and evaluate how things went and what adjustments you want to make next.
4. Consider working with a coach.
Even coaches have coaches. Getting outside perspective can help you identify blind spots, structure your plan more effectively, and progress more efficiently toward your goals.
Advice From the Coaches
When we asked our trainers for their best advice for people building their own training plans, a few common themes came up.
Start simple.
There’s a reason foundational exercises appear in so many programs. They work. You don’t need complicated programming to make meaningful progress.
Start small and build consistency.
The best plan is one you can actually stick with. Building the habit slowly is far more powerful than jumping into something unsustainable.
Know what you want out of training.
Your goals should reflect the improvements you want to see in your life, whether that’s feeling stronger, moving better, climbing harder, or preparing for an event.
Dream big.
Ambitious goals can take time, but consistency adds up. You might be surprised how far you can go if you keep showing up.
Watch the Full Conversation
In our full video on this topic, Summit coaches dive deeper into how they personally approach fitness, what their current routines look like, and how they think about long-term progress.
If you’re interested in hearing their perspectives and learning how they structure their own training, check it out here.
Want Help With Your Training Plan?
If building a plan from scratch feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone.
Summit offers both stock training plans and customized online coaching options designed by our coaches to help you train with purpose and structure. Whether you’re working toward a climbing goal, building general strength, or preparing for a specific event, we can help you find a plan that fits. Reach out to us at team@trainclimbsummit.com to learn more or explore the training options available at Summit.
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In the meantime, feel free check out some of our related posts for more advice on training plans and fitness routines!
- Training plans are great, most of the time by Keith Kubiesa
- Simple And Effective Training Plan Tips for Reaching Your Fitness Goals by Courtney Wetzel
- How to restart your fitness routine and get back on track Erica Rowoldt