How These Hikers Trained To Complete The Larapinta Trail

​At Summit Strength, we’ve helped many hikers train and prepare for the Larapinta Trail, building the fitness, strength, and resilience needed for a successful hike. Through specialised coaching and programming, our clients consistently arrive trail-ready and confident.
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Below, you’ll find a collection of real Larapinta Trail success stories from hikers who used our online personal training to get fit, strong, and resilient enough to conquer this iconic Australian trek.

Training For The Larapinta Trail: Summit Strength Reviews

 "I felt sad that it was over because most days I could have kept going, which was a first for me, but I felt really exhilarated that not only had I succeeded at walking 110 kilometres on a not easy trail, but it meant that with a specific training plan, I could go on to other adventures I previously felt were out of reach. So it opened up a lot of new doors. "
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- Mary 

​*Note: The video above contains a 35 minute interview with Mary about her exerperience training with Summit Stength to complete her Larainta adventure. 

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"Rowan is SUPER knowledgeable, and his programs are awesome! I followed his program diligently and as a result was able to hike the Larapinta trail with ease.

It was the first multi day hike that I felt like I was overprepared for and was able to finish each day feeling fresh (such a great feeling).

Plus, the program incorporated knee strength and as a result of the strengthening exercises it was my first ever multi day hike in 10+ years that I did not tape my knees for."

- Alyce 

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"Thank you Rowan Smith for enabling me to successfully complete the Larapinta Trail (NT, Australia).

It was incredibly challenging and totally awesome - most importantly I had no issues with my knees (one is titanium & the other is not very happy) or feet or any other body part.
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The training program gave me strength in all the right places! And enabled me to have a fabulous adventure over 300kms in 20 days (+ 2 rest days)! Another great outcome is the confidence it’s given me to keep pursuing more hiking adventures."

- Liza 

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"Last year I set off to do the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, but pulled out just 4 days in due to very hot weather. Unfinished business.

12 months on I returned to tackle the 6 hardest sections of the trail.

I nearly pulled out thinking it would be too hard. Then I went back to training. I trained for this for 6 months in the gym, stair climbing. practice hikes. It paid off. Yes I’m still slow up hills but 110km over 6 days with an elevation gain of 4500m. - that’s a lot of hills and rocky terrain, early starts and long hot days. But I did it. Big sense of accomplishment.

Thanks to Rowan for the training program and all the support on nutrition, recovery, mental approach and more which makes this all possible."

- Marianne

"I worked with Summit Strength to gain good fitness for good health and to do the Larapinta Trail.

​The program was easy to follow and the educational side was excellent. I will definitely recommend them and also use them again. It's great to take on a challenge to improve myself."

- Petro

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"I first started working with Summit Strength to prepare for the 3 Capes hike, and later the Larapinta trail. Summit Strength created a program that fit into my schedule that would prepare me for the challenges ahead

Rowan created a program that was never too hard. In fact, when I first started, I wondered if it was actually too easy, and wondered how much it would actually help.

Rowan's guiding approach created a strong sense of confidence so I trusted and followed his program. It wasn't long before I noticed I now longer struggled with some day to day activities and I knew the program was working.

It used to be so painful getting on and off a stool to reach high cupboards - it's a breeze now. I feel much stronger and am excited to see how much stronger I can be.

I'll be working with Rowan again, and I would absolutely recommend Rowan to others."
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- Alison

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"I started working with Summit Strength to increase my fitness and strength with the goal of completing the Larapinta trail.  I love how the program is tailored to my fitness, strength and goals.

I have some limitations with previous injuries, and this was taken into consideration. If I tried an exercise and it wasn't working for my body, Rowan modified it.  I really like how the program is structured and it's easy to follow. 

Thanks, Rowan, for an awesome 12 weeks! I loved the program so much and have seen great improvements in my overall fitness and strength. I was so impressed by my achievements that it was an easy decision to sign up for a further 12 months. I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me! Thanks for all your support!"
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- Julie 

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"I first hired Summit Strength to help me get stronger and fitter to hike longer and to hike the Larapinta Trail for 6 days.

Through the process I became stronger in body and mind, ran/ hiked faster and longer and I stopped my mind limiting my body. As well as this I have no knee or foot pain any more! It was an amazing experience would recommend it to any and everyone"

​- Peta

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"We hired Summit Strength to prepare for hike in Central Australia. Rowan set out a very clear and do-able program that had us progressing with our fitness.

The experience was very professional. Rowan really knows this field.

We highly recommend Summit Strength and will not hesitate to use them again."

- Lisa and Colin 

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"One month ago I completed the spectacular Larapinta Trail solo.

​I could not have done this without the support and preparation with Rowan and his team. It was incredibly challenging in countless ways but so rewarding. Thank you Summit Strength Team!"

- Adrienne 

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"Brinkley bluff this morning on Larapinta trail. Nice spot for brekky. Physically demanding trail that's for sure, but so worth it.

​Recovery for next has been great. Waking up with muscles feeling refreshed. Thanks Rowan Smith
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- Mark 

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"I just want to share my experience with Summit Strength. Since undertaking Rowans program mid last year I have gone way beyond what I thought was possible for me. I joined the program as I was going on a tour that included walking in gorges and I was anxious I wouldn't be up to it. I had lost confidence in my ability to hike. I was 64yo at the time. These were not long hikes just steep.

Not only did I manage the Gorge walks I went on to walk on the Overland Track and recently 6 days on the Larapinta Track. All guided and with huts/tents provided which for me was what I wanted. I used to think I could never do these 2 iconic Australian walks especially at 65 yo when I had never previously done multi day walks. Training with Summit Strength gave me the confidence to take on new challenges.

​I was able to build up my strength and endurance to enjoy these walks without experiencing any injuries or pain.  I had previously suffered with knee pain but not anymore. Rowans program has set me up to now take on more challenges. My next one will hopefully be the Cape to Cape walk in Western Australia. I can't wait!"

- Gina 

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How We Get Hikers Fit For Larapinta

Larapinta is an amazing trail, and one of Australia's truly iconic hikes. But it is a trail you do not want to underestimate. 

At Summit Strength, we have helped many hikers train, prepare and conquer their Larapinta adventures.

From first-time hikers, who are looking at tackling their first multi-day adventure on a section of the trail...

To more experienced hikers tackling the end-to-end with a full pack.

And every type of hiker in between.

How do we do it?

We provide specialised and personalised workout plans (making sure the legs, ankles and feet and 100% ready for Larapinta's endlessly rocky trails and tough ascents and descents).

We educate you on the topics you need to survive and perform in this rugged hiking environment (such as nutrition and hydration tips, strategies for hiking in the heat, gear advice and mental strength)

We provide the support, coaching and accountability to keep you on track (though any challenges or roadblocks life throws at you).

If you are a hiker preparing for Larapinta and want to give yourself the best chance of a safe, successful, and enjoyable adventure, we would love to chat with you.

To learn more about our Online Personal Training For Hikers, you can check it out here:

Online Personal Training For Hikers

Yours in trekking,​

Rowan