fitness - Summit Strength & Fitness | Madison's Training Community

The single-arm hold with a kettlebell is an example of Overhead Strength

Being Sick SUCKS; how to maintain fitness

I recently awoke from a 4-day flu episode - bedridden, moaning, layering and delayering and on a strict ibuprofen and acetaminophen alternation schedule. Being sick sucks, I found myself weeping over my lost fitness, mom guilt and my achy body. It got me questioning whether I’d be able to get back to my pre-flu cardio…

woman doing pull-ups with a pronated grip on a bar

1RM testing; how to optimize your training

If you’re serious about weightlifting, you’ve probably heard of the one-rep max (1RM)—the maximum amount of weight you can lift for a single repetition with proper form. But what is 1RM testing and how often do you test it? Many lifters overlook this critical assessment, yet understanding your 1RM is key to optimizing your training…

Mountain athletes do barbell back squats

Glutes are made for working; elevate yours

As much as we celebrate the postpartum journey, not enough is said about the flat, deflated feeling many of us experience with our glutes. Yes, I’m talking about the “pancake butt” phenomenon. And may I say, this isn’t just a postpartum issue - this is a relatable issue among sedentary and non-sedentary people, too. Glutes…

Group of men sitting on a bench in the climbing gym doing wrist curls

Does high levels of fitness correlate to being healthy?

Have you ever looked up to someone because they have high levels of fitness? Have you looked at an extremely muscular body and thought, Wow, I wish I was that in shape? I’m sure most of us can answer yes to any or all of those questions. However, have you ever taken a moment to think…

Be great at athletics; compare yourself to yourself

As a child, I grew up in an environment that allowed for my exploration. I had boundaries, but they were never boundaries that disallowed creativity and freedom. Much of my exploration was fueled by my highly active personality. Everything from getting into trouble doing harmless destruction to going beyond what many would think a little…

Two women holding their long surfboards on the beach

New Sports as an Adult: the joys of trying them

As kids, we’re constantly thrown into new activities—sports, music, hobbies—a forced upon activity that our parents thought would release some of our zoomies. Willingly, we mingle with new groups of people, fall, fumble, and lack embarrassment when we aren’t naturally gifted. As adults, trying something new, especially a sport, can feel daunting. There’s an unspoken…

Man and his hunting dog holding a pheasant

What does it mean to Be Healthy; my 10 guidelines

When it comes to living a healthy and fulfilling life, there isn’t a single magic formula. Instead, true wellness is built on a foundation of multiple interconnected pillars. These ten principles serve as a guide to help you prioritize what really matters for your health and happiness. To be healthy is more than eating well…

Man on his snowboard racing a banked slalom

How to train year-round to be Competitive

When it comes to maximizing athletic performance, structuring your strength and conditioning program around an annual cycle is crucial. So dividing the year into phases—in-season, post-season, off-season, and pre-season—ensures you build strength, recover effectively, and peak at the right time. So let’s break down each phase and its key objectives to train year-round. With that…

Motherhood can be a challenge, use movement to help

As a mom, your to-do list can feel never-ending, and prioritizing yourself often falls to the bottom. Bottom line, motherhood can be taxing physically and mentally. However, staying active is one of the best ways to support your physical and mental health while handling the demands of motherhood. Becoming a mom has been the greatest…

Red rock sandstone hiking trail on a ridge-line

Improve Your Running On These Surfaces; treadmill, trails, Woodway

Running is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay fit, but not all running surfaces are created equal. Whether you’re pounding the pavement, hitting the trails, or running indoors on a treadmill, each surface offers unique challenges and benefits. How do these surfaces compare, and why does it matter and how can…

Trainer helping client train his form on a barbell deadlift

PAP; is a powerful form of training that’s invigorating

Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) training is a performance-enhancing method that leverages the body's neuromuscular system to temporarily increase power output following a high-intensity exercise. The concept is based on the principle that performing a heavy or explosive movement "primes" the nervous system and muscles, making subsequent movements faster and more forceful. The Science Behind PAP Post…

Two large dogs watching person bouldering on the moon board in the climbing gym

How to overcome self-doubt in fitness

Let’s be honest—there are days when just thinking about working out feels exhausting. You know the ones. Your sneakers glare at you from across the room while you binge-watch another episode of a show you’ve already seen twice. You hear that nagging voice: “Why bother? You can start again on Monday.” Don't give in,…

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