When you hear the word athlete, you might think of someone on a track, in a gym, or competing in an arena. But what about the climber tackling a multi-pitch route? The skier navigating backcountry powder? Or, the trail runner grinding out elevation gain in the pouring. Those are athletes, too. Outdoor athletes
At Summit Strength and Fitness, this is who we serve. Outdoor athletes are our people—and here’s why we’re passionate about training them.
So, What Is an Outdoor Athlete?
An outdoor athlete is someone who pushes their body and mind in wild, variable, and often unforgiving environments. They’re not training for perfect conditions. They’re training for mountains, forests, rock faces, snowfields, rivers, and remote trails.
This includes—but isn’t limited to:
- Rock climbers and alpinists
- Trail runners and ultramarathoners
- Skiers and snowboarders (especially backcountry)
- Mountain bikers and gravel racers
- Mountaineers and hikers
- Backcountry hunters and expedition guides
You don’t need a podium or a medal to be considered an outdoor athlete. You just need a deep connection to movement in nature, a drive to improve, and a willingness to prepare for the physical and mental challenges these sports demand.
Why We Train Outdoor Athletes
We’ve built Summit Strength and Fitness around training this unique group of athletes because their needs are different—and often overlooked.
1. Outdoor Athletes Move Differently
Climbing a 5.12, hiking with a 40-pound pack, or descending a rocky trail at speed requires:
- Unconventional movement patterns
- A blend of stability, mobility, and reactive strength
- Endurance that lasts hours—or even days
- The ability to stay composed under stress, fear, and fatigue
General fitness programs don’t cut it. Therefore, Outdoor athletes need sport-specific strength and mental preparedness, all tailored to the demands of their discipline.
2. Performance Matters—But So Does Longevity
Sure, we care about performance. We want our athletes to:
- Climb harder
- Run faster and longer
- Ride stronger
- Summit higher
But we also care about longevity. Our training is designed to:
- Reduce overuse injuries
- Improve joint health and movement quality
- Teach proper recovery and energy management
- Create a sustainable training approach that allows athletes to thrive in their sport for years to come
We’re not just building short-term fitness—we’re building resilient, durable athletes who can keep chasing adventure well into their 50s, 60s, and beyond.
3. Training With a Like-Minded Community Changes Everything
One of the most powerful parts of Summit Strength and Fitness is the community we’ve built. Training alongside other outdoor athletes means:
- You’re surrounded by people who get it—the early mornings, the gear obsession, the Type II fun.
- You have accountability and support from folks who are working toward their own big mountain goals.
- You get to share knowledge, celebrate wins, and sometimes just laugh about the misery of a hard workout or an epic day gone wrong.
When you train with people who share your passions, it doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels like fuel. Our group classes, coaching programs, and gym culture are all designed to foster connection because we know that a strong community builds strong athletes.
4. We’re Outdoor Athletes, Too
We don’t just coach outdoor athletes—we are outdoor athletes. So the team at Summit lives and breathes this lifestyle. That means:
- We understand the demands of a big climbing objective or a multi-day backpacking trip.
- We’ve dealt with training setbacks, fear management, and performance plateaus—and we help others navigate them.
- We bring both experience and empathy to every coaching session, program, and conversation.
This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about shared values, real-world preparation, and a love for the outdoors that binds us all together.
Train for the Outdoors—Train for Life
At Summit Strength and Fitness, we believe training should support the life you want to live—one filled with alpine starts, summit selfies, muddy shoes, scraped shins, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re preparing for your first big trip or looking to break through a performance ceiling, we’re here to help you train smarter, move better, and go further.
Because the outdoors doesn’t wait. And neither should you.