Built and tested by Montana hunters & military SOF to forge mountain athletes that thrive in life and the backcountry. Excel at carrying heavy loads in rugged terrain at high elevation.
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Research and Development is at their core, and they spent over two years testing their MTNTOUGH Backcountry Hunter Preseason Prep program on some of the world’s most dedicated mountain hunters.
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MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab believes eliminating psychological barriers is the key to reaching your goals. Their team, which includes former US Navy SEALs and Army Rangers knows the most important muscle you can train sits between your ears.
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Forge the muscle endurance and strength needed to become a human pack mule.
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You can make sure your body and mind are ready to take on the toughest tasks the backcountry will throw at you.
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There is hands down one training program that really trumps them all: MTNTOUGH
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At MTNTOUGH, physical fitness also includes an additional component — mental toughness.
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MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab has established itself as the elite source for improving mental toughness, physical preparation, and performance research for the backcountry hunter.
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Reno, NV – January 17, 2025 – MTNTOUGH is thrilled to unveil the TOUGH SHEEP workout, set to take place at the renowned Sheep Show 2025 in the Reno Sparks Convention Center. This groundbreaking event promises to be the largest workout gathering in the hunting world, dedicated to raising substantial funds for wild sheep conservation. The highlight? One fortunate participant in the workout will win a once-in-a-lifetime Dall Sheep hunt in 2025! This is the most accessible and best odds in the world to win a Dall Sheep hunt.
Participants: Limited to 500 individuals.
Registration Fee: $100 per participant (Donated to WSF).
- Fitness Programs
- Mental Toughness Training
- Mobility/Stretching Flows
- Self Improvement Programs
- Prehab/Rehab
- Form Instruction
- Nutrition Programming
- Challenge Workouts
- MTNTOUGH Community Access
Founder / CEO/ Head Trainer
Dustin Diefenderfer helps individuals reach their specific personal and professional goals by pushing them to become more mentally tough. An ultramarathoner and backcountry hunter, Dustin focuses on mountain and hunting conditioning to achieve success in all aspects of life. A National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer, Dustin’s overall philosophy is based on work ethic, grit and helping his clients learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Head Trainer
Sarah graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, after playing 4 years of Division 1 Varsity soccer for the Commodores. After training with some of the finest in the SEC, she discovered her passion for coaching, working to develop strength and fitness in all levels of athlete. Sarah has been a NASM-certified personal trainer and strength coach for over 16 years, coaching youth, boot camp athletes, professional athletes, backcountry hunters, and military operators. She holds a Performance Enhancement Specialization as well as a Corrective Exercise Specialization. Sarah is gifted in the design of creative programming to motivate and inspire MTNTOUGHers to conquer both physical and mental challenges. Her insight and quality coaching creates connection, motivation, and discipline in the lives of those she serves, all while encouraging physical longevity and resilience for the mountain athlete.
Physical Therapist and Strength / Conditioning Specialist
Passionate about bridging the gap between rehab and performance, Dr. Nick Bechtold has been coaching mountain and military tactical athletes for over two years while also running a physical therapy practice, Movement Physio, with his wife, Anna, in an office directly located within the MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab. An orthopedic physical therapist, Nick is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He’s also certified as a strength and conditioning specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. A Montana native, Nick was born and raised in Billings, and earned a B.A. in human biology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Montana.
Director of Mindset
Phil brings this unique, experience to improve mental toughness to the MTNTOUGH Community. Building top performing leaders and teams has been a critical part of Phil Kornachuk’s life for the last three decades. Corporate leadership, collegiate sports teams, elite military units, non-profit leaders, emergency services and other organizations have all been impacted by Phil's unique approach to forging elite leaders and teams. He leverages over 22 years of experience serving, leading and developing elite teams within the US Army Special Operations Community. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Tactical Strength Coach
Retired Major Donny Bigham has over 27 years of service in the Marine Corps and the U.S. Army with 48 months of combat deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Yemen. Major Bigham is known as the first ever strength and conditioning coach for the U.S. Army (Conventional Forces) He co-authored the Occupational Performance Assessment Test for initial screening of future soldiers and designed the Tactical Athlete Performance Center (TAP-C) at Fort Jackson and Fort Benning, emphasizing true strength, mobility, and speed to increase lethality and survivability. He currently holds multiple world records in powerlifting and was named the International Powerlifting Federation World Powerlifting Champion in 2015, 2016 and 2019 (bronze).
Backcountry Dietitian Nutritionist
Kyle's own experience in losing 140lbs many years ago birthed a passion in him to help others achieve their own goals. He is a registered dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and passionate about helping people prepare for and perform optimally in the mountains by tailoring their nutrition in accordance with their training in a realistic, simple, and effective way.
Dr. of Physical Therapy
Tom is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Tom has a bachelor of science (B.S.) in exercise science at Montana State University and then earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree at Chapman University in Southern California. Afterwards, as well he completed a residency in orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) and a fellowship in lower quarter functional biomechanics.
Spiritual Growth Coach
Jim Ramos, married since 1992 with three adult sons and an extensive background in full-time ministry and men's leadership, introduces participants to the comprehensive toughness philosophy of MTNTOUGH, which includes physical, mental, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual toughness. As someone who personally benefits from MTNTOUGH's programs in his health, diet, strength, and endurance, Ramos brings a unique perspective on integrating spiritual resilience and moral fortitude into personal development.
Spiritual Growth Coach
Brian Van Eps is a passionate, driven, leader of leaders. His primary focus is to help men grow and develop in the deeper work of life to become the husbands, fathers, and leaders. Drawing from his 20 years of pastoral ministry experience (M.A. Denver Seminary) and now owning and operating his company, Legacy Guides, Brian helps, “craft the story that others will tell.” His approach is a unique blend of exploring the wild places on the river and the mountain, while being drawn into the depths of the untamed places within our souls. Van Eps purpose is it to, “live fully and adventurously by passionately following Jesus,
lovingly leading his family, and boldly guiding leaders. “
Mobility Coach
Heather trains individuals and groups across multiple modalities, concentrating her fitness practice around a holistic approach to physical training, nutrition, mindset and spirituality. With over 25 years of coaching and training experience, she has led fitness and yoga retreats around the world while continually taking classes to evolve her training and improve her understanding of the body and mind. “I strive to coach with passion and compassion using knowledge and experience,” says Heather. “I teach people to be patient with their practice.”
Tactical Advisor
Alex Fichtler was born and raised in the Big Sky state of Montana. He’s a former Navy SEAL that spent time not only in Afghanistan and Africa but has applied his fitness in some of the toughest conditions on the planet. He believes in setting the bar high and living the standard of being forged by the fires of trials so that we can overcome them verses being overcome by them. “I train in the gym and on the mats, I learn, I hunt, I shoot, and I perform so I can be the best man I can be. Empowering others to find the mental toughness inherent in all of us, to help them dig down and find their grit, and to ultimately become stronger, faster, and healthier is my target.”
Athletic Advisor
Bozeman native Jimmy Alsobrook Jr. grew up on the great rugged terrain that Montana is known for while becoming an avid hunter and angler. No stranger to backcountry ventures, Jimmy has climbed treacherous mountains in search of bighorn sheep and fished the expansive waters of Fort Peck Reservoir and he’s always after another adventure to add to his collection. Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Jimmy has been a personal trainer for the past 12 years. He specializes in functional training and sports conditioning and has devoted his career to helping his clients achieve their personal goals in fitness like climbing Mount Everest.
What is the Fitness Lab?
We continuously research and test backcountry performance in “The Lab”, the HQ located in Bozeman Montana. This is where is where worlds most committed backcountry hunters, special operators, and first responders are testing workouts to insure each program offers mission specific movements that promote mobility and endurance to make you strong enough and durable enough to be MTNTOUGH.
Fancy gear and shooting practice won’t matter if you haven’t trained for high elevation and tough terrain. With MTNTOUGH, your fitness level won’t be a limiting factor in your life.
You might not start as an elite athlete, but MTNTOUGH programing will get you to elite status. With thoughtful programing we meet you where you are at to achieve your goals.
MTNTOUGH is all about longevity and injury prevention. Prehab stretches that address old injuries and prevent new ones are integrated into our programs to keep ready for the Mountain.
Access guided training and on-demand workouts from your phone, tablet, TV or computer.
Everything you need in one spot - including nutrition and mental toughness training.
No equipment needed to start. Beginner to elite level workouts.
World-class industry leaders will keep you encouraged and motivated.
Access all MTNTOUGH+ content and future content. New content uploaded frequently.
From cardio to strength MTNTOUGH+ programs are designed to build the optimal athlete.
Fly the Flag
Tested and performance approved, MTNTOUGH gear is designed for the gym, at home, around town, or on the mountain.
Today and every day, MTNTOUGH proudly offers a significant discount to Military Members, Veterans, LEO’s, First Responders, and Professional Guides.
MTNTOUGH+ is used extensively throughout the US Military, WIldland Fire and First Responder communities and team/unit discounts are also available for entire departments.
Click here to save up to 40% on MTNTOUGH+ and checkout with your GovX ID.
With MTNTOUGH+ you can access our entire library of MTNTOUGH programs, workouts, bonus content and all future content. Access to thousands of hours of training on your phone, tablet, TV and web browser.
Many of the MTNTOUGH+ workouts don’t require any equipment other than a pull-up bar. All you need is space to move and a place to do pull-ups. We recommend pull-ups in all our bodyweight and minimal programs as they are an incredible way to add total body strength however many modifications can be used such as TRX straps and bodyweight rows if you don’t have a bar and/or are traveling.
KB20 requires a kettlebell and 45-70 requires a pack and sandbag kit.
Our gym programs: MTNTOUGH Preseason Prep, In-Season, Postseason Strength, Spring Training Camp and Elite Spring require gym access or a robust home gym.
With MTNTOUGH+ you can access our entire library of MTNTOUGH programs, workouts, bonus content and all future content. Access to thousands of hours of training on your phone, tablet, TV and web browser.
Yes, you can use MTNTOUGH+ when you travel. There’s a simple 3 step process to make sure you can access your favorite workouts, anywhere.
STEP ONE: Make sure you’re all signed up for MTNTOUGH+.
STEP TWO: Download the MTNTOUGH+ app for your device before you leave home.
STEP THREE: Connect to a good WiFi signal, choose your program, and go for it.
You can also download workouts to your Android or iOS device to work out without an internet connection. Work out anywhere, anytime with offline viewing.
If you want to use MTNTOUGH+ when traveling, please use one of our apps.
MTNTOUGH+ offers a free trial* to new customers to try out our entire selection of programs and workouts. If you're not satisfied, you can cancel your account before your trial ends and you will not be charged.
*Cancel anytime during free trial.
One of the best features of MTNTOUGH+ is that it's suitable for your level, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or elite athlete. MTNTOUGH coaches often provide modifications - and you can workout at your own pace to ensure you're working hard no matter your fitness level. The workouts aren’t easy but will prepare you for both the unthinkable and the everyday.
MTNTOUGH+ lets you do your workouts on most popular devices. In addition to the website, MTNTOUGH+ workouts are available through our free apps on:
Smartphone: iPhone, Android phone
Tablet: iPad, Android tablet, Kindle Fire tablets
TV streaming: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV4, and Android TV
Gaming console: Xbox One
You can also cast your workouts to Apple TV from your Apple devices and Chromecast from your computer and Android devices. Simply search 'MTNTOUGH+' in each device's app store to find our app.
