

The Training For Mountaineering Podcast
Rowan Smith: Mountaineering Fitness Coach
The Training For Mountaineering Podcast is created to help mountaineers and alpinists best train, prepare and conquer their mountain adventures. Rowan shares with you the simple and proven training strategies to get you fit, strong and resilient for the mountain. Inside he dives into training, injury prevention, nutrition, mental strength and much much more. So you can have the best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 27, 2026 • 22min
TFM80: Upper Body Strength Training For Mountaineers
In this episode, we explore an often-neglected area of training for mountaineers - upper body strength. You will learn: Why is upper-body strength important for mountaineers Principles of effective upper body training A few great upper-body exercise options for mountaineers How to program upper body strength into your week == Interested in online training for mountaineering? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

Mar 20, 2026 • 31min
TFM79: How To Train Mental Endurance For Mountaineering
Inside, I share some strategies a mountaineer can use to build and sustain mental endurance for the mountains. Fair warning, these ideas are SIMPLE - but if applied, they can make a genuine difference in the mental battle when things get tough. == Interested in online training for mountaineering? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

Mar 13, 2026 • 14min
TFM78: Common Cardio Mistakes For Mountaineers
In this episode, we explore some of the most basic (but most common) mistakes I see from mountaineers with their cardio training. == Interested in online training for mountaineering? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

Mar 6, 2026 • 15min
TFM77: Better Metrics Of Readiness For Mountaineers
In this episode, I explore some better ways of judging your fitness, preparedness, and readiness for mountaineering than using a VO2 max test. == Interested in online training for mountaineering? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

Feb 27, 2026 • 38min
TFM:76 Breath Hold Training For High Altitude Mountaineers And Hikers
In this episode, we explore breath-hold training for high-altitude mountaineering and hiking, breaking down some of the claimed benefits of this breathing training method and exploring its relevance and effectiveness for high-altitude preparations. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer

Feb 20, 2026 • 14min
TFM75: Simple Strength Training Guidelines For Mountaineers
Simple guidelines for well-rounded strength training tailored to mountaineering. Prefer full-body sessions and balance push and pull movements to avoid imbalances. Mix double-leg and single-leg work for stability and load capacity. Learn when to stop before failure, allow adequate rest between heavy sets, and keep cardio separate from strength. Include short loaded core work and stick with a routine for several weeks.

Feb 13, 2026 • 10min
TFM74: Positive Self Talk For Mountaineers
A practical mindset strategy for climbers and trainees. Explains how internal self-talk shapes effort and performance. Shows examples of negative thoughts and a live demonstration contrasting negative versus positive phrases. Teaches reframing techniques and creating personal affirmations with tangible reminders to use during tough moments.

Feb 7, 2026 • 31min
TFM73: VO2 Max For Mountaineers
In this episode, we chat about VO2 max for mountaineers, explore its relevance when training for mountaineering, and answer a few common questions on the topic. == Interested in online training for mountaineering? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

Jan 30, 2026 • 29min
TFM72: Altitude Chambers And Masks When Training For Mountaineering
In this episode, we explore altitude chambers and masks and discuss how a mountaineer can apply them to their training (if they already have access to them). == Interested in online training for mountaineering? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

Jan 24, 2026 • 11min
TFM71: A Different Strength Workout Structure For Mountaineers
In this episode we explore an interesting workout structure a mountaineer can use to develop maximal strength, muscular endurance and resilience for the mountains. == Interested in online training for mountaineering? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html


