Success Stories

"I just returned from a successful climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro! I am beyond amazed that I had ZERO knee pain, or physical pain of any kind, on the trip. As someone with a history of over-use injuries and intense knee pain on descents, I thought my long-distance hiking days were behind me (at 32!).

Rowan put a structured, easy to follow, and comprehensive plan into place that helped me gain strength, endurance, and mobility in the months leading up to my trip. I am so excited that I can hike without pain, it has me already planning my next mountain adventure. I have the deepest gratitude for Rowan and all he does. I’m so thankful to have found my way back to an activity I love.“ -  Jen
"I initially joined Summit Strength as I had a 1000km/7 week hike that Even though I am an experienced multi day hiker, taking on the challenge of a 7 week hike as my first solo hike was something that I thought I needed help with to get the best out of my body.

Rowan is a wizard! And his strength programme is pure magic. Your strength sessions have definitely made a difference to me. Thank you so much. When a programme works as well as Rowan's everyone should know about it. The secrets out!​"

- Deb
"Summit Strength showed me great exercises that I could do at home. I could really feel my body getting stronger again. I was so happy that I didn't have to try and fit in sessions at the gym and instead just work independently at home, using a few simple pieces of equipment.

I felt supported and encouraged. I also really enjoyed the extra training modules that were available, covering altitude, recovery, and nutrition."

- Karen
"I hired Summit Strength to prepare for the Tour Du Mont Blanc. I was delighted with the online training program that Rowan put together for me! It was easy to incorporate into my schedule, and targeted key muscles to help me hike without any injuries.

​I felt very well prepared for my 10-day hike, it was great to have a structured program to make sure I covered all bases. Would I work with them? Absolutely, in fact, I am planning to!"

- Clare
"I joined up with Summit Strength to help prepare my body for multiday hikes so that I can enjoy the hiking without worrying about niggling pains and also to improve my balance and avoid falls.
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I have built up strength, resilience and confidence in my abilities. I now feel ready to take on multi day hikes without the nagging doubts that I am not capable or would not be able to keep up with groups. This has been a great program and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone in the hiking world.”

- Bree
"Rowan has been training me for well over a year now. This period has covered a trek to Everest Base Camp last year and a trek to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this. For both treks I have felt really well prepared.
Rowan tailors his sessions and there has been a fantastic and structured build up to each trek. The result was I found the trek last year went really well and this year was all good too! No headaches at all and it is all down to the great training and advice before hand. The breathing techniques and the practice prescribed really helped!"

- Steve

Want To Get Fit, Strong And
​Resilient For Your Hiking?

A Quick Overview Of The Process

The Online Summit Program

The Online Summit Program is designed for:
  • Hikers
  • Backpackers
  • Trekkers
  • Mountaineers

Our expertise lies in providing personalised
coaching, guidance and support to ensure our
clients feel fit, strong and resilient for anything the trail
throws at them. 

So ultimately, you can be confident you will have a safe,
enjoyable and successful adventure, whatever they may be.

1. specific training for hiking

We provide the training, guidance and direction to ensure your body is getting ready for anything the trail may throw at it. Through a combination of strength training, cardio, recovery and on-trail hiking, we ensure we cover all our bases to get you fit, strong and resilient for the trail. 

This is NOT a pre-made, cookie-cutter program, but all our recommendations are personalised to you, your goals, your needs and your preferences.

2. Education

There are dozens of other tips, tactics and strategies that can significantly enhance your training and hiking. And that is where the Summit Education Series comes in. Here we cover topics such as muscle recovery, nutrition, sleep, mental strength development, pacing, breathing and dealing with aches, pains and discomforts. 
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All of this (and much more) are covered in the Summit Education Series.

3. coaching and support

Each of our hikers gets assigned a 1:1 coach, who will be their guide and mentor through this journey. On top of this, we host several live group Q&A sessions each week with a series of experts. And also provide a welcoming and supportive community of like-minded hikers. 
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Not only do these support structures ensure everything is running smoothly week to week, but it is incredibly beneficial to help keep you accountable to the process!

Want To Get Fit, Strong And
​Resilient For Your Hiking?

Frequently Asked Questions

I  am new to exercise. Will this be appropriate for me?
The exercises and programming are all tailored to you and your experience. If you are a beginner in training, things will be kept simple. And we will take you step by step through the process. Alternatively, if you are an experienced trainer, we will ensure the programming is on your level.
Are these live training sessions?
No, our training is not live sessions or pre-recorded workouts. Instead, we create a customised and personalised training plan (which is delivered via our Training App), and you follow this when it best fits your schedule.
What if I get foot, knee or back pain? (or have any other injury)
The number one priority of our programming is injury prevention. Meaning, that if you do have an issue, we will do everything we can to help. If you see a specialist, we will collaborate with them to ensure we are doing everything possible to help. And if you are not seeing a specialist, and we believe the issue is beyond our scope of practice, we will work around the injury until you can find one.
Do I need any equipment?
No, equipment isn't necessary to complete this program. If you would prefer to train with just bodyweight and a pack, that is fine. Alternatively, if you have access to some equipment (either at home or in a gym), we will definitely incorporate that.
What does the training look like?
Well, it might be easier to tell you what it doesn't look like. There will be no burpees. There will be no generic HIIT sessions. There will be no lying on the floor after your workouts in a puddle of your own sweat. We don't create our workouts simply to get you tired... but instead, they are created to ensure continuous, safe and positive improvement towards your goal!
How many times a week do I need to train?
This is entirely personal. Depending on your goal, your experience and what you realistically can fit in your life will determine how many times a week you will be training. Once we get all that information from you, we can give you a specific recommendation.

Join 400+ Successful Hikers