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Stabilization
Lay the foundation with balance, coordination, and core strength to stay controlled on technical trails.
Built for trail runners of all levels, this program enhances stability, strength, and endurance to handle any terrain. Whether you’re tackling local trails or training for a big mountain race, you’ll develop the resilience and confidence to run stronger, longer, and injury-free.
The Ridge Runner Program is designed to bridge the gap between strength training and trail performance, integrating balance work, plyometrics, and mobility to build a more resilient, efficient runner. By focusing on stability, muscular endurance, and movement efficiency, this program enhances power on climbs, control on descents, and durability on technical terrain. Mobility and activation drills ensure your body stays balanced and injury-free, counteracting the repetitive demands of running while optimizing overall performance.





EXCELLENT Based on 70 reviews Posted on Jon Preece2026.01.24.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really enjoy working with Mikey and the OAT team — their grasp of anatomy and exercise science is impressive. They have a huge catalog of movements and training approaches to pull from, so everything feels thoughtfully tailored to your specific situation instead of generic programming. The focus on functional training and the balance of mobility/strength is what distinguishes them from other trainers and programs I’ve used and they have it nailed. Highly recommend.Posted on jhesskeeptraveling2026.01.18.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outdoor Adventure Training (OAT) is a phenomenal. Mikey and Emily have created one of the best outdoor adventure fitness programs out there. I deliberated for like 6 months whether to join and I am so glad I took the leap. I am currently doing the Backpacker boot camp to climb a mountain in my own backyard for long term training in Nepal in few years. You get 1:1 chat with your trainer and the app is so easy to navigate. There’s guides on cardio, backpack weight and more. You feel like you are apart of a hidden gem community. Do yourself a favor and book a free consultation with OAT and be prepared to work diligently to your outdoor adventure goals/objectives. You get research-based training and support from outdoor adventure coaches who truly care. I have reoccurring injuries that have improved with guidance and the training plan. Even though the training is tough sometimes, you will feel better them when you are in the outdoors. Blessings to OAT and the community. My life is better for choosing to join. Thank you so much Mikey and Emily!!Posted on Pankaj Raithatha2025.12.31.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started hiking about 18 months ago and have climbed Snowdon (Wales) and done the Annapurna trek in Nepal. In both, I found that my old knee injuries held me back from fully enjoying the treks without pain and stoppages. I came across the Outdoor Adventure Training website and saw a knee strength youtube video where the trainer was Emily. Before the Nepal trek, I did some training following the video. The benefit was evident during the trek and I then decided to start their 8 week 'kneehab' programme. The video exercise sessions were excellent with both Mikey and Emily providing clear explanations and advice on the purpose and benefits of the exercises. The results surprised me. I can now walk on treks with more speed and less pain during the walk and also after the walk. Climbing steps up or down used to be a challenge. Now I can confidently manage them. I am planning to embark on a further tailored training programme to increase knee strength and enhance my performance. My thanks to the Outdoor Adventure Training team.Posted on Erika Grouell2025.12.29.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found Mikey through one of his YouTube videos when I realized my training wasn’t quite where it needed to be. I was preparing for a backpacking trip to Patagonia and, with only five weeks to go, knew I needed expert guidance. Mikey built me a customized training plan that completely changed how I approached my prep. He helped me understand the importance of building endurance, balance, and mobility, areas I hadn’t been intentionally training before. His mobility work, in particular, was a game changer. The evening stretch routines he gave me kept me feeling strong, loose, and pain free throughout training and all the way through my trip. I completed four consecutive days of 16 mile hikes feeling confident and capable, and I came home injury free. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome or a better coach. If you’re looking for someone knowledgeable, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in your success, you’re in excellent hands with Mikey.Posted on Lyndsey Scofield2025.11.30.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you’re interested in functional training and conditioning, especially in preparation for outdoor adventures like long hikes or backpacking trips, I highly recommend checking out OAT’s programs. I had a solid baseline of fitness, but had become more prone to injury over the years. I signed up for 3 months of Backpacker’s Bootcamp to prepare for a trip to New Zealand. I enjoyed the workouts and app, including the ability to drag and drop workouts if I needed to make an adjustment. I could notice the difference in my knees and felt so much less sore after long hikes. Mikey also added some extra targeted mobility exercises when I mentioned a shoulder issue I was having. On my trip to New Zealand I was able to do over 80 miles of hiking without any injury and often without much soreness at all! The community is also inspiring with tales of triumph and beautiful photos of hikes around the world!Posted on Antony JC2025.11.24.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Used OAT for training for the Patagonia O circuit hike in November 2025 at Torres del Paine National Park. Took the 3 month course for the hike. The 3 phases builds up your endurance gradually. It was a grueling 85 mile hike, but the training helped me immensely. Was able to avoid any significant injuries despite a rocky terrain. All the stretching exercises minimize the injury risk. Mikey responds promptly to any queries. His infectious enthusiasm is great. Would strongly and wholeheartedly recommend the program to anyone embarking on an endurance hike. Thank you Mikey!Posted on MJ Camerino2025.11.06.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience with my trainer, Emily, who prepared me for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September via OAT's "TREK PREP" Program. The program provides a structured workout calendar and endurance recommendations accessible through their web-based portal and app. These routines specifically focused on the strengthening and conditioning required for multi-day hikes. The combination of focused training and dedicated mobility and stretch sessions made a significant difference; I felt strong and capable throughout my time on the mountain. I truly appreciated Emily’s comprehensive guidance on various aspects of my preparation, including adequate nutrition and leveraging fitness tracking equipment to understand my unique cardio zones, all while we tackled a plantar fasciitis flare-up. Through the OAT program, I felt myself getting stronger over the almost four-month process. We formed a great rapport, and Emily bolstered my confidence. Bottom line: any goal requires work and dedication, but the OAT Team supplies you with the necessary tools to reach your peak—pun intended !!Posted on Roger Loyer2025.10.31.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. At age 75 I am nowhere close to having the strength and endurance I one had so when my son asked me to do a 4 day 3 night backpacking trip in the grand canyon I turned to OAT fitness for a remote training session to help me prepare for the trip. Over the course of 8 weeks the daily 45 minute training sessions provided progressive workouts to prepare my body for the rigors of the trail. The program also provided guidance about nutrition, backpack fitting and weight distribution as well as other useful tips. I was still a bit anxious about how my body would respond to the stress of a 8 mile down climb of 4000 feet on day 1 when I arrived at the staring point. The hike presented many challenges but I am happy to say that rather than exhaustion and body aches at the end of the day, I instead was relaxed and energized. The science behind the OAT training programs worked for me with impressive results. I highly recommend OAT for anyone wanting to improve their performance.Posted on Marissa Bluestein2025.10.14.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Using the OAT app has been a great way to take the guesswork out of how to train properly for hiking and backpacking trips. There is a weekly schedule and easy to follow videos along with consistent support and availability from Mikey if you have any questions. I used the program to train for a Colorado trail thru hike and was able to finish the trail injury free and still feeling strong after 500 miles. I would highly recommend training with OAT if you want to increase your mobility, feel strong and be prepared for whatever adventure you have planned.Posted on Blake Bluestein2025.10.13.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The 6-month Summit Strength program from Outdoor Adventure Training was a complete game changer for me. I found the sport specific workouts to really increase my performance and endurance while climbing difficult objectives in the North Cascades. The app provides all the background and videos for each exercise and movement, making each workout easy to follow. Mikey is very helpful checking in throughout the program, answering questions, and offering different exercises or modifications. What I found very helpful were the mobility routines. I found that staying consistent with the mobility routines really helped me with some tightness and aches in my knee that would bother me after long hikes/climbs. I have recommended this program to friends and family, and they also have had great results! Highly recommend working with OAT for training any outdoor sport you do.
Try any of our training programs risk-free for a week. Experience trail-specific workouts and expert coaching designed to build strength, stability, and endurance for stronger, injury-free runs.
PROGRAM STARTS EVERY MONDAY
Master the biomechanics needed for efficient, controlled movement on uneven terrain. Build rock-solid stability to handle technical trails, steep descents, and unpredictable footing with confidence.
Develop lower-body and core strength to power up climbs and stay strong on long runs. This foundation helps absorb impact, maintain control, and prevent fatigue over miles of rugged trails.
Enhance explosive power and agility for quick footwork over roots, rocks, and switchbacks. Dynamic movements train your legs to react faster and stay efficient on varied terrain.
Improve flexibility and joint resilience to keep your stride fluid and injury-free. Mobility work counteracts the repetitive stress of running and ensures long-term durability on the trail.
Build the aerobic endurance needed to sustain effort over long climbs and rolling singletrack. Increase stamina, improve efficiency, and keep your engine strong for full-day adventures.
The Ridge Runner Program systematically moves you through three unique phases of training.
Lay the foundation with balance, coordination, and core strength to stay controlled on technical trails.
Before you can run fast, you need to run strong and stable. This phase focuses on balance, core control, and neuromuscular efficiency, essential for navigating technical terrain, steep descents, and uneven footing. Using joint-friendly movements, single-leg work, and slow-tempo strength exercises, you'll develop the control needed to reduce injury risk and move with confidence on any trail.
Build the muscular endurance needed to power through long climbs and back-to-back trail days.
Trail running is all about sustained effort, and this phase builds the muscular endurance required to tackle long climbs, rolling terrain, and multi-hour runs without breaking down. Expect progressive strength work, integrating loaded exercises, tempo movements, and multi-joint training that improves durability while maintaining efficiency. This phase ensures your legs stay powerful deep into your runs, helping you handle steep, extended efforts with ease.
Develop explosive strength and agility for fast descents, steep ascents, and unpredictable terrain.
This is where strength turns into speed. With a focus on plyometrics, agility drills, and explosive movements, this phase trains your body to react quickly and efficiently to changing terrain. Whether you're charging uphill, navigating rocky descents, or picking up speed on fast singletrack, this phase builds the reactive strength and coordination needed to move effortlessly over the trails.
Enhance Your Training with the Right Equipment
In the Ridge Runner Program, having the right equipment can significantly boost your training results. While we’ve designed the program to be flexible, certain tools are essential for maximizing your experience. Below, you’ll find a list categorizing the required and optional equipment for the program.
Remember, if you don’t have access to any equipment, our Bodyweight Base Camp Program is an excellent alternative.
Equipment Guide:
Optional Equipment:
Note: An asterisk (*) indicates required equipment. “Optional” denotes tools that can be integrated into the program for additional variety and challenge.*
Explore More: Want to learn more about these tools and how they can benefit your training? Visit our Home Gym Equipment Library for detailed information and tips on utilizing each piece of equipment effectively.
Maximizing Your Training Results: The Importance of Time Commitment
At Outdoor Adventure Training, we recognize that life is more than just training, and perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. To see significant and lasting results, consistency in your training routine is key. While we all have busy lives and unexpected commitments, aiming to meet your training goals at least 4-5 days a week can lead to remarkable improvements.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated daily time requirements for each phase of the program:
Stabilization Phase (40-50 minutes daily): In this foundational phase, dedicating about 40 to 50 minutes each day will help you build the necessary stability and balance. This time frame is designed to be manageable yet effective, fitting into your daily routine without overwhelming you.
Strength Endurance Phase (45-60 minutes daily): As you progress to the Strength Endurance phase, the intensity and duration slightly increase, ranging from 45 to 60 minutes per session. This extra time allows for more comprehensive strength-building exercises, crucial for endurance on longer trails.
Power Phase (45-60+ minutes daily): The Power Phase, the most intensive part of your journey, requires a commitment of 45 to 60+ minutes daily. This phase focuses on maximizing your power and agility, and the additional time ensures you can thoroughly engage in high-intensity, power-focused workouts.
Field Time – Embracing Outdoor Training Hours:
For athletes focusing on big mountain endeavors and endurance sports, it’s crucial to understand the significant commitment to field time. Initially, this may involve dedicating 2-4 hours each weekend to sport-specific training. However, as you progress and edge closer to your objective, this commitment will gradually increase. Expect to extend your outdoor training to between 6-10 hours, ensuring you are thoroughly prepared for the challenges ahead. This increase in field time is vital for building the endurance, skill, and mental fortitude required for high-level mountain and endurance activities. It’s not just about training your body, but also acclimatizing it to the demands and duration of your chosen adventure.
Balancing Training with Life: We understand that some days will be busier than others, and it’s okay if you can’t hit the mark every single time. What matters most is your overall consistency and dedication. Even if you can’t dedicate the full recommended time on certain days, doing what you can is better than doing nothing at all. Remember, every step forward is a step towards your goals.
Stay committed, stay flexible, and watch as you transform into a stronger, more capable version of yourself. Let’s make every minute count!
Before embarking on any training program with Outdoor Adventure Training, we encourage our clients to consider the following:
Fitness Level Assessment: Evaluate your current fitness level. Our programs are designed with various levels of intensity and skill, and it’s crucial to choose one that aligns with your capabilities.
Time Commitment: Consider the time commitment required for the program. Consistency is key to achieving the desired results.
Equipment and Space Requirements: Some programs may require specific equipment or space considerations. Ensure you have access to the necessary resources.
Dietary Considerations: If you have dietary restrictions or are following a specific diet, take note of how this might impact your training and recovery.
Goal Alignment: Ensure that your personal fitness goals align with what the program offers. Each program is designed with specific outcomes in mind.
Risk Acknowledgement: Be aware that all physical training involves some risk of injury. By participating, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
Additional Recommendations:
By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about your participation in our programs and set the stage for a successful and enjoyable training experience!
Check out the OAT YouTube Channel for free trail-specific training resources!
We understand that starting a training program is a commitment you’re making, and we want to ensure that you get the most out of your experience with us. Ahead of registering for one of our programs, we’re available for a consultation where we can learn more about you and answer any questions you might have.
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