Meet Rowan Smith

Personal Trainer

Hi, I’m Rowan and I specialise in preparing amateur trekkers to complete their bucket list adventures.

My whole life I have chased the adventurous spirit. From my early days in Scouts, tearing through the local bush lands to my teenage years as a die-hard bodyboarder, living and breathing the eternal search for that perfect wave. Then I spent years in my twenties tramping the globe, always at my happiest when I had a pack on my back and a new language to learn. 
I have never been more clear sighted, more determined and more excited than when I had an adventure at my feet and a challenge in my sights.

A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to have my career and my passion collide.  I had just returned to Australia and got a personal training job in an Altitude Gym. I was exposed to trekkers, mountaineers and adventure athletes of all shapes; who were out exploring the world, challenging themselves and crushing their bucket list goals. 

I found that there was this great group of people trying to prepare for their adventure but all the information available to them was written by amateurs, not experts. So I set out to change it. 

​I began to apply the principles of Sport Science and Strength and Conditioning that I had cut my teeth with for years at university, into the very specific demands of trekking to create a training for hiking service. We began to see some amazing results.

Not only were my trekkers feeling more confident and more capable on the mountain; but time and time again I heard that they were leading the pack! (And I know, trekking is an experience, not a race. But it is good to know you could if you needed.)

Since then I have helped dozens of trekkers complete their bucket list adventures; from the legendary Everest Base Camp, to the snowy peak of Mt Elbrus, from the patriotic route of the Kokoda Trail to the volcanic slopes of Kilimanjaro. Each and every one has trained, prepared and conquered!

These days I have one mission in life: to become the best in the world at preparing everyday people for their own bucket list adventures. When you finally decide the time has come to tackle that bucket list goal you have always dreamed about, I will be ready to provide the most comprehensive training, the most thorough education and all the support you need, so you can have best chance possible of having a safe, enjoyable and ultimately successful adventure!

The 4 Success Factors

1. Expertise

The issue with the current advice available on the internet, is that it is written by amateurs, not experts. Everything we do is backed in with rock solid evidence and years of experience. 

2. Training

Being 'trek fit' goes beyond random hikes on the weekend. By designing a structured and personalised program we will prepare your body for all possibilities on the trail and not just the best case scenario.

3. Accountability

A great plan is not enough, you will need to stay on track and take accountability for completing each milestone before you can fly. Keep your eyes on the prize.

4. Mindset

By mastering all your concerns and doubts before you get on the plane, you can step onto the trail feeling comfortable, capable and confident in your success.

About Summit Strength

Summit Strength was founded on my belief that trekkers and mountaineers deserve a specialised training service, not simply another cookie cutter program which will fail them halfway up the mountain.

Based on years of experience applying and testing the Summit Success Method on real life adventurers, I am fully confident that we can work together to get you fitter, stronger and more resilient then you have in years. So you can be prepared and ready to conquer anything that the trail might throw at you, from altitude sickness, to hiker's knee, from a dodgy stomach and even simple exhaustion. 

Because I firmly believe that right training, support and education can be the difference between conquering your dream and turning back halfway... 

And I do all this so that in years from now, you can look back fondly on an a safe, enjoyable and successful bucket list adventure.