strength training - Summit Strength & Fitness | Madison's Training Community

the body hinge is a movement like this single leg dead-lift

The body Hinge and how to train it properly

The Body hinge is a fundamental movement pattern crucial for strength, athletic performance, and injury prevention. Here’s why training it is essential: The Body Hinge 1. Builds Posterior Chain Strength The hinge primarily targets the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back, strengthening the posterior chain, which is vital for power, stability, and proper movement mechanics.…

sport climbing and rappelling off of an overhung cliff

Mountain Athlete; how to train

When you think of elite athletes, you might first think of sprinters, football players, or swimmers. But in outdoor sports, mountain athletes are a category of their own. Whether climbing high-altitude peaks, trail running over rugged terrain, or backcountry skiing deep in the wilderness. Mountain athletes push their bodies to the limits in some…

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…

Coach and trainer doing med ball v-sit tosses sitting on a bosu ball

Coach and Trainer; is there a difference?

Coach and Trainer. I have seen these two terms used very loosely lately. Having chosen a career path that entails both these titles, I wanted to clarify what the difference between the two means to me. Yes, you can be both a coach and trainer, but they are not mutually exclusive. Just because you are a certified…

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…

abandon the gym and get out to mountain bike

Abandon the gym— embrace the freedom of the great outdoors!

If you have been to a summit before, you know the gym is just a tool. We encourage using the gym to better prepare for the sport/activity/hobby of choice outdoors. Maybe you are an alpine skier. You will meet your gym quota days in November with squats and lunges to be prepared…

Man doing a barbell deadlift for a one rep max

Deadlifts are a powerful tool for Mountain Athletes

For mountain athletes—whether you’re a climber, skier, trail runner, or mountaineer—strength and functionality are non-negotiable. The ability to move efficiently, carry heavy loads, and withstand the physical demands of steep ascents and descents can make or break your performance and safety in the mountains. Enter the deadlift, a powerhouse of an exercise that should be…

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,…

How to Better Train at Altitude

As many of you know, I have recently moved to the beautiful Colorado. For many reasons, we decided this was the moment to make our mountain adventure dreams come true. For one, I am pursuing my amateur athletic career (alongside my professional Occupational Therapy career and full-time mom duties). Living at 7800 ft (and to…

Workout to feel better; Physically and Mentally

The relationship between mental and physical health is undeniably inseparable. We often treat them as differing realms, science and personal experiences alike show us that our minds and bodies are deeply intertwined. A mental health struggle can manifest physical symptoms–headache, fatigue, and a weakened immune system—quite quickly. Similarly, changes in physical health can trigger feelings…

Doing a cross-body bicep curl with a supinated grip

How to Train Better

Last week I wrote a post on whether you should be following a training plan or not. If you have not read that yet, well, then go give that a read HERE. Figuring out where you are in your training cycle will be a good indicator of whether or not you should be…

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