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Courtney holding her small dog, post discussing capability vs capacity

Capability vs Capacity: Understanding the Difference and Setting Better Goals

Capability vs capacity. Similar words with very different meanings. A concept I hadn’t thought about until this past July when I saw a video of a woman explaining the difference. It has been something I can’t “unhear” and it has been on my mind ever since. First, let me rewind my story to give the…

Coach Kubi in Action during a workout that is built around seasonal training and training with the seasons for mountain athletes. He is doing a single leg box jump

Training With the Seasons: A Powerful Approach to Year-Round Training

Most people approach training as if every week of the year should look the same. They pick a program, follow it for a few months, maybe change exercises when they get bored, and then repeat. But for outdoor athletes, that approach doesn't always make sense. That is why I prefer the concept of training with…

Erica using her training for real life strength to scale a wall in Spain

How Training for Real Life Became Emphasized in Spain

When we train mountain athletes at Summit Strength & Fitness, we often emphasize performance. Climbing harder, hiking farther, running stronger, skiing better, or simply feeling more capable outside illustrates that training. But sometimes, you get to experience how training in the gym is actually training for real life. Sometimes in ways you never could have planned. …

understanding protein means taking time to refuel on top of a Rocky Mountain Summit

Understanding Protein and It’s Impact on Your Goals

Understanding protein has been growing in popularity in recent years. High-protein snacks, protein shakes, and social media influencers have fueled a growing interest in adding more protein to everyday diets. While I appreciate the increased awareness of nutrition, I also think it's important to separate marketing trends from science. Protein certainly plays an essential role…

Resistance Bands: Build Strength, and Stability in the Gym or On The Go

Resistance bands don’t get the credit they deserve. Unfortunately, many people use them only for warm-ups or active recovery, implying they don’t deserve a place in the main workout. A study from 2019 proves this untrue. This study compared resistance bands with traditional strength equipment, including weight machines and dumbbells. Results show that when directly…

Tess enjoying the view on top of a 14er in colorado

What are you training for? Feeling powerful, motivated, and more.

How to find your why in fitness, from races and climbing trips to everyday health, and why training for what you can do beats training for how you look.

Courtney is doing push ups on the bumper of a van

How to Restart Your Fitness Routine and Get Back on Track

We’ve all been there. Life gets busy, motivation dips, or unexpected challenges pop up—and suddenly your workouts, meal prep, or daily movement fall to the bottom of the list. Maybe you or your kids were sick, so you missed a week at the gym, which turned into a month. Maybe your nutrition habits slipped, or…

Patrick lifting large sandbag off the ground

Personal Training or Group Classes? Find the Best Way to Feel Strong and Confident

When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, the path you choose matters just as much as the destination. Two of the most popular options include personal training and group fitness classes. Each offers unique benefits depending on your needs, preferences and lifestyle. Understanding the differences between these approaches can help you make a choice…

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…

The fitz roy mountain range in patagonia

Physique vs. Skill: Training Lessons from the MTNS

When I started training, my motivation came from wanting to change how I looked. Like so many others, I walked into the gym with the hope of chiseling out a body that matched the images I’d seen on fitness accounts and magazine covers. Lean, toned, maybe even "shredded"—whatever that meant at the time. Little did…

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…

Patrick Hanging upside down doing calisthenics at the playground

Movement: Strong Medicine for the Mind, Body, & Soul

In a world that demands we sit still—at desks, in cars, behind screens—we often forget one simple truth: We were born to move and that movement is medicine. Movement isn’t just about fitness goals or burning calories. It’s a powerful, natural medicine that nourishes your mind, strengthens your body, and uplifts your soul. And…

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