Rowan Smith: Hiking and Trekking Coach

The Training For Trekking Podcast

Sports EN ↓ 454 episodes

The Training For Trekking Podcast is created to help hikers, trekkers and mountaineers prepare for their bucket list adventures. Rowan shares with you the simple training strategies to get you fit, strong and resilient to tackle anything the trail will throw at you. He also dives deep into subjects such as how to prevent altitude sickness, nutrition while hiking, injury prevention and much, much more. So you can have the very best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure!

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.summitstrength.com.au

Author

Rowan Smith: Hiking and Trekking Coach

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.summitstrength.com.au

Latest episode

Sep 23, 2026

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Episodes

TFT104: How To Increase Your Hiking Speed 29.07.2020

In this episode, I discuss a few specific workouts a hiker can use to increase their hiking speed.    Some people are quick hikers. Some people are slower hikers. When it comes down to it, it usually doesn't matter what pace you go. Hiking is for your pleasure. And in all honesty, as long as you are comfortable, having a good time and can safely complete your distances, speed shouldn't be your pri...

TFT103: Celebrate The Little Wins 27.07.2020

In this episode, I explore why every hiker should be celebrating the little wins in their training. Join the Training For Hiking And Trekking Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainingforhikingandtrekking/   === Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?   Check out the Online Summit Program:  https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

TFT102: CrossFit Training For Hikers 22.07.2020

In this episode, I discuss whether or not Crossfit is a suitable training method for hikers. A little while ago I was asked what my opinion on Crossfit for hikers was. Long story short, in most situations, I don't think it is a fantastic way of training for hiking. However, it does come with some benefits which might be useful for certain hikers out there. So today I explore what the benefits and...

TFT101: Quick Workouts For Hikers 20.07.2020

Today I share five quick workouts a hiker can use when they are strapped for time or demotivated to train longer sessions. Join the Training For Hiking And Trekking Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainingforhikingandtrekking/    

TFT100: How To Find A Good Coach 15.07.2020

In this episode, I discuss a few important questions a hiker needs to consider when searching for a personal trainer or coach to help their training.   Want to get fit, strong and pain-free for your hiking adventures?   Check out the Online Summit Program:  https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

TFT99: Improving Mobility For Hikers 13.07.2020

In this episode, I explore a few strategies to help a hiker improve their range of motion in tight muscles.   Mobility training is important for most hikers. This is because, if certain muscles are restricted, this can cause compensations in other areas of the body, which can often lead to aches, pains and even injury.   Unfortunately, about 95% of hikers out there training for mobility, will not...

TFT98: Quick Gym Tips For Hikers 08.07.2020

In this episode, I discuss a few quick gym tips for hikers, to help you avoid making the same mistakes I have made in the past.    You will learn:   How to tell if an exercise is unnecessarily complicated A simple question to ask yourself to understand if an exercise is working for you or not A buzz word commonly used in the gym, which you should be wary of One definitive occasion where you NEED t...

TFT97: How To Prevent Burning Calves While Hiking 06.07.2020

In this episode, we discuss what a hiker can do to prevent always getting burning and tight calves while hiking.   The calves are such an essential muscle group for hikers, trekkers, backpackers and mountaineers. They play a crucial role during ascents and descents and are crucial to protect the feet, ankles and knees while on the trail.   But even though most hikers know they are important, unfor...

TFT96: Training For Hiking Around Your Neighbourhood 01.07.2020

In this episode, I discuss how a hiker can close the gap between general and specific training when they can't get out on the trail to train.   In many occasions, hikers find themselves incredibly busy before a significant adventure. And for some people, this means that finding time to go out hiking, or travel to the gym is just not realistic. And in these instances, many hikers try to do most (if...

TFT95: Interview With Alicia - Internal Training Load For Hikers 29.06.2020

In this episode, I interview Alicia Filley (founder of the Healthy Hiker), and we chat how internal training load can affect your hiking performance and risk of injury.    You will learn:   What internal and external training load is What types of things cause an increase in internal training load The consequences of a high internal load How to recognise if you might be at risk A few simple strate...

TFT94: Progressing Elevation Training (Without Adding Weight) 24.06.2020

In this episode, I discuss a few unusual ways of progressing your stair or hill intervals (which don't involve adding extra weight, spending more time or finding a new place to train).   Hikers love stair training. With good reason! It is super specific for the trail. It can be seriously challenging. And, for many people, it is very convenient.   The usual approach of hikers to stair training goes...

TFT93: Jumping Training For Hikers 22.06.2020

In this episode, I discuss the right and the wrong way's for a hiker to use jump training (i.e. jump squats, lunge jumps etc.) in their workouts.   I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with jump training. On the one hand, I KNOW that if applied right, it can be incredibly beneficial for hikers.   On the other hand, I know that if applied wrong, it carries an unnecessary risk of pain and injury...

TFT92: Progressing Strength Exercises For Hikers 17.06.2020

In this episode, I explore a range of different progressions a hiker can use for their strength training, which doesn't involve adding weight or repetitions. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out our Online Training For Hiking: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-training.html

TFT91: Altitude Masks For Hikers 15.06.2020

In this episode I discuss Altitude Masks (also known as Elevation Masks) and whether they are an effective training tool for hikers, trekkers or mountaineers heading off on a high altitude adventure. One of the most common questions I hear from aspiring trekkers is: "Should I be training with an 'altitude mask'. Will it help me?" Now on the off chance you haven't seen one of these, they are the bi...

TFT90: Interview With Tori Hadley 10.06.2020

In this episode, I interview Tori Hadley - adventure coach, guide and owner of Adventure Fitness Aus. Inside we explore some of her philosophies around training trekkers and mountaineers. You will learn:  A common difference she often sees between male and female hikers (in regards to their training and preparation What areas of preparation she thinks are not done enough in the adventure world A c...

TFT89: Nutrition For Hikers - Interview With Tyson Brown 08.06.2020

In this episode, I chat with Tyson Brown - a sports nutritionist, personal trainer and one of the sweatiest hikers I have ever met. Inside we explore several common nutrition questions I hear from hikers and trekkers.   You will learn:   What to do if you want to drop a few kilos before a big hike A few simple strategies to avoid the dreaded 'bonk' on the trail What types of food a hiker should be...

TFT88: Always Feel Sick When Climbing Hills? 03.06.2020

In this episode, I explore what a hiker a can do if they are always getting sick or nauseous when they are climbing a big hill. You will learn: A few simple nutrition guidelines to help your gut stay happy on tough sections of the trail Why intensity and speed matters when climbing a hill (and how you can control this to reduce your likelihood of feeling nasty) Two outcomes you can train to minimi...

TFT87: Exercises A Hiker Should Avoid 01.06.2020

In this episode, I explore a number of exercises which I see commonly recommended to hikers, which I strongly believe you should skip. You will learn: The single most overused (and overrated) exercise in the fitness industry (and why your trainer always asks you to do them) When a hiker should consider using jumping exercises (Hint: it is not when you are trying to improve your endurance) A few ex...

TFT86: The Best Piece Of Hiking Equipment 27.05.2020

In this episode, I explore the benefits of my favourite piece of hiking equipment, the trekking pole! == Need help getting fit, strong and resilient for hiking? Check out our Online Training For Hiking: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-training.html

TFT85: Quick Nutrition Tips For Hiking 25.05.2020

In this episode, I share with you some quick nutrition tips to help you perform at your best on the trail (and be able to fully enjoy yourself!) You will learn What the #1 priority you should be aiming for with your trail nutrition Which foods will give you the most benefits while snacking on the trail (and which to minimise outside of meal times) My top nutrition tip which I give all my clients A...

TFT84: Final Weeks Before A Hike 20.05.2020

In this episode, I share with you my process for your training during the final two weeks before a significant hike or trek.  You will learn: When you should be doing your final, long training hike Why doing absolutely nothing (as well as training as normal until the last day) is a mistake How you should adapt your training in the final two weeks of preparation to ensure you start your hike at ful...

TFT83: Training For Hiking Without Walking: Interviewing Nicola 18.05.2020

In this episode, I interview online client Nicola and we explore how she trained for the Hump Ridge track when her physio told her to avoid walking for the final months before her trip. === Need some help getting ready for a significant hike? Check out our Online Training For Hiking: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-training.html

TFT82: How Often Should You Hike? 13.05.2020

In this episode, I answer the question "how many days a week do you need to hike, to prepare for a significant adventure." Need help getting fit, strong and resilient for your adventures? Check out our online training for hiking: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-training.html  

TFT81: Five Tips To Get More Out Of Your Training 12.05.2020

In this episode, I share with you 5 simple tips, which a hiker can use to get the more value out of their training sessions (and, over the long term, see the best improvements on the trail!) == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out our Online Training For Hiking: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-training.html

TFT80: Learning To Walk Slowly Up Hills 11.05.2020

In this episode, I explore a simple strategy on how someone can teach themselves to walk up a hill slowly (as opposed to just rushing to the top!) Need help getting fit, strong and resilient for your adventures? Check out our online training for hiking: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-training.html

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