The Training For Mountaineering Podcast

On 21 May 2026, Summit Strength client Shika stood on top of Mount Everest after eight years of climbing and four months of structured preparation with Rowan. In this episode she shares how she trained for the mountain, how she managed the competing demands of work and a master's thesis without burning out, and what summit day actually felt like. If you're dreaming of a serious adventure and wonde...

In this episode, I explore a dead-simple mindset technique a mountaineer can use to manage stress and nerves in the lead-up to a challenging expedition. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  ​Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore whether breaking up your long cardio days into shorter sessions throughout the week is an effective or recommended strategy to help manage scheduling. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  ​Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore how a mountaineer should (and should not) judge the intensity of their strength training. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

If you are going through training for a mountaineering journey, don't fool yourself into thinking your memory is reliable. This episode explores why this is an important subject to be aware of and a simple strategy to help.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

Most mountainers are aware that recovery during their time is important. But the actual application of recovery protocols and strategies in the mountaineering community often leaves a lot to be desired ... one aspect of recovery which often doesn't get applied well is 'active' recovery. In this episode, we explore this topic and dive into: What active recovery is (and why it can be valuable for mo...

In this episode, we share some areas a mountaineer can look at if they are always fatiguing early in their longer hikes or runs.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

​In this episode, we explore some common myths about strength training that are commonly shared in the mountaineering community. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we talk about the concept of Aerobic Deficiency 'Syndrome' for mountaineers and why I believe the conversation around this topic needs to change.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

​In this episode, I explore some quick (but very useful) tips to help a mountaineer get better results from their strength training.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

​In this episode, we do a follow-up on the topic of respiratory muscle training for mountaineers. And we explore HOW a mountaineer can train to see benefits in this area, plus some commonly discussed training methods that probably won't lead to improvements in this specific area.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  ​ Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrengt...

In this episode, we explore respiratory muscle training (strength training for your breathing muscles), which is a very interesting area of training for high-altitude mountaineers. Inside, we explore: What is respiratory muscle training? The potential benefits of respiratory muscle training for high-altitude mountaineers How to develop and train respiratory muscle strength (and a few methods which...

In this episode, we explore an often-neglected area of training for mountaineers - upper body strength. You will learn: Why is upper-body strength important for mountaineers Principles of effective upper body training A few great upper-body exercise options for mountaineers How to program upper body strength into your week == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online...

Inside, I share some strategies a mountaineer can use to build and sustain mental endurance for the mountains. Fair warning, these ideas are SIMPLE - but if applied, they can make a genuine difference in the mental battle when things get tough. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore some of the most basic (but most common) mistakes I see from mountaineers with their cardio training. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html  

In this episode, I explore some better ways of judging your fitness, preparedness, and readiness for mountaineering than using a VO2 max test.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore breath-hold training for high-altitude mountaineering and hiking, breaking down some of the claimed benefits of this breathing training method and exploring its relevance and effectiveness for high-altitude preparations.  == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mo...

In this episode, we explore some simple guidelines a mountaineer should follow to ensure their strength training is well-rounded, efficient and effective.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore a simple (but incredibly powerful) mindset strategy to help a mountaineer in their training and while on the mountain. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we chat about VO2 max for mountaineers, explore its relevance when training for mountaineering, and answer a few common questions on the topic. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore altitude chambers and masks and discuss how a mountaineer can apply them to their training (if they already have access to them).  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode we explore an interesting workout structure a mountaineer can use to develop maximal strength, muscular endurance and resilience for the mountains.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode we explore eight treadmill workouts a mountaineer can use to improve fitness and endurance for the mountains.  == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

If you are a mountaineer who wants to get fit, strong and resilient in 2026 - this is for you! Inside, we explore our online personal training for mountaineering and talk through how we help mountaineers train, prepare, and conquer their adventures. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength mountaineer Shika, who has just come off a successful summit of Ama Dablam in Nepal.  Inside, she shares some insights into how the shift from just running and CrossFit for training to a structured, specialised approach for mountaineers prepared her for this adventure. == Interested in online training for mountaineering?  Check out the Online Summit Pro...