Training for Tasmania’s Trails: Real Hiker Success Stories You’ll Want to Read

1/3/2026

At Summit Strength, we've helped dozens of hikers train and prepare for Tasmanian hiking and trekking adventures, building the fitness, strength, and resilience needed for success on the trail. With the right training, expert education, and personalised support, our clients consistently achieve outstanding results across Tasmania's most iconic hikes.

Below, you'll find a collection of real Tasmanian hiking success stories from hikers who trained with us and went on to successfully complete legendary tracks such as the Overland Track, Three Capes Track, and Walls of Jerusalem.

Training For The Overland Track: Summit Strength Reviews

"I started working with Summit Strength to get ready to trek the Overland Track in Tasmania.

They approached my challenge with expertise and easy to follow specific training plans. There was great support , totally changed my gym training plans and body shape.

I would recommend them to other hikers, they helped me achieve my goal - and I was able to power up the hills carrying heavy pack on long day hikes."

- Leanne

"The training program you created for me was perfect. It really did prepare me. It really did ready my knees, ankles, shoulders, arms, and back for the hike. The balance exercises kept me safe on so many occasions. And those squats got me up, down, and over endless tree roots and rocks. The confidence I had because of the preparation had me believing from the start that I could do it one day at a time.

This preparation meant that my memories of the Overland Track are all about enjoying the hike, loving my achievement, and feeling great pride and satisfaction. Again thank you, thank you. I tell everyone how good you are and recommend you often."

- Jackie

"I worked with Summit Strength to get fit for The Overland Track in Tasmania.

The experience was professional,friendly and responsive. Made me feel like they had my back and I was not just a number.

The program was managed through the use of a highly personalized app that made everything simple to manage training schedule and progress. Meaningful tutorials included greatly benefited my training and techniques that prepared me for my adventure.

When my adventure was over, I loved the advice and guidelines that left me with tools to develop an ‘after the adventure’ training program so I could maintain or build onto my fitness when my adventure was over.

Definitely recommend them and would work with Summit Strength again to prepare for adventures that required a higher degree of physical preparedness."

- Jane

"Back home from the Overland Track hike. It was amazing, we hiked in sun, sleet & falling snow. Saw plenty of wombats and other animals. Climbed mountains and scrambled to the bottom of waterfalls. Had ice baths in flowing creeks, only had to dodge one tiger snake and we wouldn’t change a thing.

The strengthening exercises I was doing as part of my Summit Strength training definitely helped me get through this hike without any injuries."

- Jenny

"I worked with Summit Strength to help with preparation for my first multi-day hike - the Overland Track, Tasmania

I have learned more in the last three months about strength and cardio fitness and nutrition than I have over a couple of years of doing classes at a gym. I feel like I finally had a program where I could see and understand how I would progress.

The educational videos have been invaluable and have provided lots of tips and information to go away with. I feel much more informed and confident that I can ensure that my training from here is meaningful and consistent. My coach, has been excellent at keeping in touch, and providing support, encouragement and modified training when things have been difficult. I also really appreciate the ongoing training information - that has also been invaluable.

I would definitely both work with Summit Strength again, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. The program is not just a series of exercises to get you fit, but an invaluable educational resource providing a huge amount of information on the training, nutrition, and hiking in general. The things I have learned in the three month program will inform my training, and indeed life, going forward."

- Cheryl

"Thanks to the crew of Summit Strength who gave me tips on food, nutrition, and gear. I completed the Overland which was huge for me, considering all my obstacles I needed to cater to.

Every bit of the training I did, I could see why we did it whilst I was there so kudos Rowan and Kyle for the nutrition advice it really was helpful!"

- Tracey

"What a great week on the Overland Track, Just magical in the rain, especially as I managed to stay warm and dry and guess what? No knee niggles at all!"

- Sandra

"I DID IT!! Many thanks to Rowan Smith and the Summit Strength Team !

My trip on the Overland Track would not have been possible without your guidance and support"

- Marita

"Thanks Rowan - the knees held up fine over the 8 days on the Overland and Pine Valley and I was strong on the uphills even with a nearly 20kg pack on day 1.

The hike was spectacular and we had glorious weather, just carried the over pants and gaiters for fun and think the rain jacket got a drop or 2 of rain on it…. Now off for more hikes!"

- Jodie

"Rowan, you are an absolute legend. Not only did I conquer the chain climb to Marion's lookout on Day 1 of the Overland Track, I managed to get to the Mt Ossa summit (photo) (it was an almighty struggle but I got there)

Time and time again over the 6 days, I was thinking how spot-on the strength training was, as well as all the advice which made the trek stress and pain free."

- Elisa

"Just finished the Overland Track in Tassie and wanted to give a massive shout out to Summit Strength.

Training with you guys helped me kick Marion's lookout in the nuts, sail up heart break hill, tackle 6 days of challenging terrain with fresh muscles each morning, and maintain mental resilience. Thank you!"

- Rebecca

"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

"I worked with Summit Strength to help prepare myself mentally and physically for hikes, especially my first big hike in Tasmania.

Summit Strength get to know you first so they can ensure you receive the best advice possible!

My general experience was 10/10. Rowan and the team go above and beyond to deliver the absolute most information possible. All questions are answered

Anyone wanting to learn more about anything hike related will benefit from the Summit Strength experience! The team are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and provide plenty of information for beginners like me. and my coach keeps in touch weekly to ensure I’m managing my fitness load."

- Tara

Training For The Walls Of Jerusalem

"The Training plans address issues that have been identified by Rowan in my initial exercise assessment, as well as working to improve my aerobic capacity. The progression of strength exercises and aerobic workouts are subtle yet very effective.

The online program is easy to follow and the exercise demonstration clips are a huge help. Information and tips provided by Rowan are very relevant for my trekking ambitions and he always responds quickly to any queries. Recently I trekked the Walls of Jerusalem - no problems with the pack load and I was very surprised at how much my confidence and balance on rocks had improved.

I will definitely continue with Summit Strength so that I can be ready for my next adventures! I highly recommend Summit Strength to anyone planning a trek. I have been training with Summit Strength for about 3 months but it is already improving my fitness. It works – thanks Rowan!"

- Lene

Training For The 3 Capes Track

"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."
- Alison

"I worked with Summit Strength to prepare for The 3 Capes Track in Tasmania.

The program was easy to follow, the various tools to complete the program were easy to use and the coaching encouragement was very valuable.

Yes, I would work with Summit Strength again. The combination of the on-line program, backed up by coaching worked well for me. My coach's availability and encouragement was really valuable."

- Annette

How To Get Fit For Hiking In Tasmania

At Summit Strength, we’ve helped dozens of hikers train and prepare for hiking trails in Tasmania, building the fitness, strength, and confidence needed to conquer some of the state’s most iconic walks.

From the Three Capes Track and the Overland Track to the Walls of Jerusalem and many other Tasmanian hikes, our training programs help hikers arrive trail-ready and resilient.

So, how do we help hikers successfully prepare for Tasmanian hiking adventures?

We do it through our online personal training for hikers:

We provide specialised and personalised workout plans (making sure you have the strength, fitness and resilience to stay comfortable and confident on the trail).

We educate you on the topics you need to survive and perform in this while hiking(such as nutrition and hydration tips, gear advice, mental strength and mindset, recovery strategies and much more).

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 a hike in Tasmania, and you 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 Hiking In Tasmania

Yours in trekking,

Rowan

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Summit Strength is a personal training for hiking service created specifically to help hikers have the best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure.