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Stabilization
Establish a solid foundation focusing on balance, coordination, and joint stability.
Prepare for your next international trek with a program designed to enhance your endurance, strength, and stability. Tailored to help you confidently handle consecutive days of challenging hikes, this regimen ensures you’re ready to tackle diverse terrains and transform your trekking goals into memorable adventures.
At OAT, we specialize in preparing you for international treks, equipping you with the essential skills and stamina for prolonged hiking adventures. The Trek Prep Program employs science-backed training strategies to enhance your physical endurance and reduce the risk of injury, ensuring you can handle diverse and demanding terrain confidently. Whether you’re planning your first multi-day trek or seeking to improve your trail performance, this program is designed to build your strength, stability, and endurance to transform challenging treks into rewarding experiences.





EXCELLENT Based on 76 reviews Posted on Kate SnyderTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve gotten a lot of benefits from OAT’s Knee Hab program. For background, I had a knee replacement 1.25 years ago, and have been active hiking and snowshoeing. OAT’s concise, challenging and fun program has helped improve my strength, mobility and balance. The foam rollering, mobility work and challenging variations in the strength workouts were a welcome improvement to my workout plan. I also like the flexible scheduling so that I can fit the program into my life. I’m looking forward to doing their Backpacking Bootcamp so that I can return to the activity that I love.Posted on Stef RamsayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Powder Prep totally prepared me for ski season…even if there has been a lack of deep snow out west this winter. I’ve been a skier my whole life and participating in this program definitely made me stronger and better! I didn’t experience the usual killer soreness after the 1st day, just ready to ski more over multiple days. The stabilization and mobility phases of the plan were especially helpful in preparing for long days on the slopes and they carry over with day to day activities. There’s plenty of room to adjust/modify your personal workouts in this plan- the lower body workouts are my favorites, everything translates so well. Mikey knows his stuff and I appreciate his thoroughness in motivation, explaining and educating the how and why on the video app to the follow up texts and zoom call. I feel good about supporting Mikey, Emily and their OAT program as I’m continuing training and will definitely participate in Powder Prep next preseason!Posted on ChantalTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to Outdoor Adventure Training after I booked a multi-day hike around the Mont Blanc. The training was fantastic: well-organized progression, lots of guidance on good form and mobility work to avoid injuries. The videos are challenging and fun. I was able to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc easily thanks to OAT.Posted on Amanda “Mindy” LamoureuxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loving my training at OAT! I’ve completed the Alpine Touring program and just started Summit Ridge for variety. The built-in rolling and stretching really help keep me accountable. 😂Posted on Clara ScattergoodTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I didn’t know where to start for my pre skiing fitness ,this programme really helped me with the right exercises and challenges for any fitness level , for me as a total beginner it was perfect with plenty of help and advice from mikey . I came back from my skiing with no injuries or soreness ,I’m 53 and believe this programme really played a part in that .Posted on Jon PreeceTrustindex 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 jhesskeeptravelingTrustindex 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 Henry MeltserTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. mike is great--10 weeks prep--4 days of skiing in Europe---for a 55 yo ---the legs felt awesome---highly recommend his programPosted on Pankaj RaithathaTrustindex 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 GrouellTrustindex 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.
Try any of our training programs risk-free for a week. Experience customized workouts and support that will prep you for your trek.
PROGRAM STARTS EVERY MONDAY
Master the fundamental biomechanics to enhance your balance and refine every step on the trail. Build the essential stability needed to navigate diverse terrain and endure extended treks.
Develop the strength to traverse challenging treks. Strengthen your legs, core, and upper body to confidently manage your gear and sustain rigorous daily hikes over any terrain.
Enhance your reaction time and explosive power. Train to quickly adjust to the changing trail conditions and obstacles, increasing agility for dynamic movements required on unpredictable trails.
Increase your flexibility to maneuver through tricky sections of the trail and protect your body with targeted routines. Improve your range of motion and reduce the risk of injury, ensuring you can continue trekking more efficiently and safely.
Build the endurance needed to maintain high energy levels during long trekking days. Our cardio program is crafted to boost your stamina and respiratory efficiency, helping you thrive during extensive treks.
The Trek Prep Program systematically moves you through three unique phases of training.
Establish a solid foundation focusing on balance, coordination, and joint stability.
This phase focuses on building functional stability and core strength, vital for long trekking days on varied terrain. Using a repetition tempo of 4/1/2 (4 seconds eccentric, 1 second isometric, 2 seconds concentric), each exercise is designed to enhance neuromuscular efficiency and muscular endurance. Key activities include balance-enhancing workouts, core-stabilizing routines, and joint-friendly exercises to prepare your body for the rigors of trekking, setting a strong groundwork for more demanding physical challenges.
As you progress from the Stabilization Phase, this stage increases the intensity, focusing on muscular strength and endurance essential for trekking. Employing a 2/0/2 tempo (2 seconds eccentric/concentric with no pause), exercises involve more complex, multi-joint movements with increased resistance. This phase is crucial for building the stamina needed to handle back-to-back trekking days and steep climbs, ensuring you have the endurance to explore further and tackle longer trails with confidence.
This final phase concentrates on maximizing your power output, essential for overcoming steep and rugged terrain encountered during treks. The training tempo is variable (x/x/x), emphasizing explosive, fast-paced movements. Activities include plyometrics, agility drills, and power-focused lifting, all designed to transform your accumulated strength and endurance into powerful and efficient movements. This phase enhances your ability to navigate challenging trails with agility and speed, preparing you for high-intensity trekking demands.
Enhance Your Training with the Right Equipment
In the Backpacker’s Bootcamp 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.
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 trekking and hiking 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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