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

Tess is dialing in her nutrition as a mountain athlete in the Rockies of Colorado

Off-Season Without a Finish Line, Slowing Down the Movement

I recently completed two significant physical feats: a 35 K trail race with 3,500 feet of elevation gain and summiting five 14ers in just three days. Both were gritty, satisfying reminders of what my body can do when I’m focused, trained, and inspired. However, now it is my off-season. What now for off-season fitness Now,…

Bodyweight Movement prevails in the Time of Need

Bodyweight movement doesn’t get the credit it truly deserves. Too often, it's dismissed as too easy or only for beginners, simply because it doesn't involve lifting heavy weights or using fancy equipment. Many people wrongly assume that if you're not dripping sweat under a barbell, you're not making real progress. But this couldn’t be further…

Muscle Growth Starts Here: Understand the Science, Maximize Your Gains

When it comes to muscle growth, it's more than just lifting heavy weights — it’s a complex physiological process happening beneath the surface. Understanding the science behind muscle growth not only helps optimize your workouts but also sheds light on how your body adapts to training over time. Let’s break down what really happens inside your…

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; get yours to Work Better

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…

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