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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 41 reviews Cob Peier2025.04.03.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mikey and his programme have been the perfect preparation for continuing hiking as an older person. I didn't realise how underdeveloped so much of my body was! I feel many years younger and so much stronger and less prone to injury. Also, recovery time is drastically reduced with much less pain. I appreciated the cadence of the workouts and the calm of the way it was presented. He is always quick to respond to messages. I will never be as flexible or powerful as he is, but that is not the goal. I am at my best for my upcoming adventures and thank him for bringing me to this stage. It wasn't easy, but it met my needs in many ways. Thanks OAT. Shea Coons2025.04.02.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I joined the Alpine Touring program with OAT to break out of a rut and shake up my routine. The first stage felt a bit basic for me, as I entered with a high level of base fitness, but it would be ideal for someone coming off a period of rest or starting from a lower fitness level. As the program progressed, the workouts became much more engaging and challenging. I especially appreciated the strong emphasis on single-leg strength and stability, which noticeably improved my skiing. The rucking was also incredibly beneficial—not only for hauling gear on a Yurt trip but for overall backcountry fitness. One of my favorite aspects was the mobility routines—my body always felt refreshed afterward. Mikey was highly responsive and did a fantastic job designing this program. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to prepare for their mountain pursuits! David Mack2025.03.19.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mikey has a great program that I believe would be helpful to skiers of all abilities. He is an enthusiastic instructor, and the follow along videos are challenging, but fun! The training program really helped me a lot this season and I plan on doing it again next season. Katherine Melbourne2025.03.06.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. OAT has improved my fitness so much! I have gone through one of my best half marathon training cycles as a result of the strength programming of Coach Bell. Plus he is a joy to work with and always supportive and there to answer your questions! I’m so glad I found this program! Rakel Goiri2025.02.20.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. **Outstanding Outdoor Adventure Training Programs!** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I've had an incredible experience with Outdoor Adventure Training Programs! Mickey is exceptionally supportive, always quick to answer any questions, and clearly communicates the goals of each section. His knowledge and guidance make the entire process seamless and motivating. I've personally used both the **Trek Prep** and **Powder Prep** programs, and they've been absolute standouts. Each program includes a perfect blend of mobility work, plyometrics, isometric holds, strength, power, and stability training — all tailored specifically to the outdoor activity you're preparing for. The training is easy to follow with the mobile app, and if you need extra guidance, the video training sessions are super helpful, even offering alternative exercises to fit your needs or limitations. The structure and support make it simple to stay on track while feeling confident you're preparing your body the right way. Highly recommend for anyone looking to level up their outdoor adventures! Scott Martin2025.02.18.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outdoor Adventure Training has been the best winter sports program I've done! It started with easy movement and built up gradually—I wish I had done this years ago. I'll continue with it in the future. I recently did a 12-mile splitboard day and felt strong and fit, even at the end! Pete Ray2025.02.14.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great programming and super-responsive to questions, etc. If you enjoy outdoor adventure, OAT will help you build a solid fitness foundation so you can do more of what you love Richard Davis2025.02.14.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been following OAT programming for 3 months and plan to continue indefinitely. Below are my thoughts on the programming I've experienced: Programming: Foam rolling – Mikey is a foam rolling enthusiast and it shows. I appreciate that every workout begins with programmed foam rolling for target muscles. I typically add a few more minutes during the foam rolling warmup phase. Mikey programs all types of foam rolling and you will likely roll muscles you never considered before (like your triceps). Circuits – Pretty much every workout is a circuit, with 2 different circuits with 2-4 “sets” of 3-4 “reps” of 30-90 seconds. Great for elevating your heart rate while doing resistance training. Very lower body-focused with lots of single sided work, so you can find and work on asymmetries. The movements in these circuits are varied, though Mikey has his favorites that he programs in most workouts (these are going to be ones you hate. You hate them for a reason). Bodyweight/Equipment – Most exercises are bodyweight movements. In the videos, Mikey goes over variations to both increase and decrease intensity. The type of equipment Mikey favors is multi-purpose, relatively cheap, and small so if you have the space, a home gym can easily accommodate these workouts. In good weather (or bad if you’re a savage), these workouts can be done outside easily. Stretching – Balance of dynamic and static stretching. Lots of hip mobility work. Supplemental workouts – You have access to all of the workouts in the program phase you are in and you can switch around. Mikey highly recommends doing mobility work beyond the programmed workouts. Cardio – I am in a downhill focused program, so cardio is less than the uphill focused programs, but it is programmed twice a week, primarily zone 2 HR. It’s a good opportunity to get outside. Access: Workouts are programmed to your calendar using the OAT Fit app. The app is intuitive, and you can change your workouts timing around your life obligations. You rate your workouts on difficulty and leave a note. Mikey reads these and follows up. Mikey: Even though you’re watching workout videos and following along, you actually have access to Mikey and he is very responsive. I’ve asked him for book recommendations, had him modify my schedule to accommodate some injury issues, and asked him some clarifying questions on programming. He gets back quickly with detailed and contemplative responses. He is a very kind person and he encourages intensity, but not at the expense of good form and he has the calm demeanor and clear communication of a great yoga teacher. He has filmed videos for each individual exercise where he explains cues, variations, and general instruction on the movement. He has also filmed videos for the full workouts. His work ethic is incredible and deserves recognition. Mikey talks about proprioception often and has highlighted how important knowing one’s body is in training. Melina Saxman2025.01.21.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a great experience with the Alpine Touring program at OAT! Spent 3 months getting ready for splitboarding season and it was exactly what I was looking for. Really appreciated how the program mixed solid training with a laid-back mountain vibe - the mobility work was super helpful, and doing rucks with friends made the training days something to look forward to. Definitely feeling way more prepared for backcountry adventures now. If you're looking to step up your touring game, this program delivers! Big thanks to Mikey for creating such an awesome training environment. I've been loving reaping the rewards of this training program in the field this winter. Tereza Kunkelova2025.01.20.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been doing the backcountry skiing outdoor training program for the past two months, and I absolutely love it! The workouts are easy to follow but still challenging enough to help me build strength and keep me motivated. Mickey is an amazing trainer—super supportive and always quick to answer any questions I have. I really enjoy the variety in the program. Each session targets different areas, including core, legs, and upper body, so it never gets boring. Plus, the inclusion of mobility exercises in every workout has made such a difference in my overall flexibility. If you’re looking to get in shape before any outdoor adventure with a fantastic trainer, I highly recommend this one!
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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