Why MTNTOUGH?

There are a thousand reasons to dedicate yourself to a fitness regimen, and there are thousands of programs to choose from today. So... WHY MTNTOUGH?

The first step of any climb is easy. It’s the thousandth step you’re preparing for. The journey there is part of the process. Are you ready? 


MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab was created with the mountain athlete as its cornerstone. We think the hunt or day in the field should be the easiest part of the equation, which is why our founder, Dustin Diefenderfer, created a fitness formula that’s holistic and applicable to anyone who wants to attain peak performance and, ultimately, lead a healthier life. Led by certified trainers and experts, MTNTOUGH programs are crafted to build physical and mental strength regardless of your fitness level, age or outdoor pursuits. 

dustin-diefenderfer


MTNTOUGH wants to help you stay fit for life, which is why we don’t offer the same stagnant programs over and over. Instead, adaptability is our secret weapon when it comes to designing workouts that anyone can do – you don’t have to be a mountain athlete or military operator to crush it. You just have to want it hard enough. 

IT'S MORE THAN GRIT AND GRIND

Each program has been tested and retested by thousands of backcountry athletes in our Fitness Lab to ensure quality movements no matter your experience level. Whether you are beginner, intermediate or elite, these science-based workouts are geared toward building strength, endurance and mental fortitude so you can conquer whatever comes your way. 



We want you to stay strong no matter your age. Through continuous R&D, we monitor our athletes’ performance across ages and fitness levels, adjusting MTNTOUGH programs to work for our entire community. Whether you’re a college athlete or in your sixties, MTNTOUGH programming was built with you in mind. MINIMAL GEAR ON-RAMP eliminates the intimidation factor when it comes to starting our programs. Move onto our FOUNDATION PROGRAM, which teaches proper form with each movement building upon the next. Or try other minimal gear programs like KB20 or our daily MINIMAL GEAR WORKOUT. Or, if you have access to a complete gym, give our flagship program BACKCOUNTRY HUNTER SERIES a try.

Flexibility and adaptability are powerful tools that we harness to help you become well-rounded in your physical and mental health. 


MTNTOUGH WAS BUILT ON THREE PILLARS THAT SERVE AS A FOUNDATION FOR EVERY PROGRAM


PILLAR ONE: BACKCOUNTRY ATHLETES ARE NOT ORDINARY ATHLETES

Backcountry athletes are in it for the long haul and that longevity separates them from the regular athlete. Our hunts are longer than the average race or game and most of us are doing it alone. Each program offers mission specific movements that promote mobility and endurance to make you strong enough – and durable enough – to get that pack off the mountain.


PILLAR TWO: HUMAN PERFORMANCE IS ALWAYS EVOLVING

We’re still learning how strong, fast and mobile we can be in the mountains and how to properly prepare for challenges ahead. Pushing yourself to be stronger is one thing, but preventing injuries is another. This is why prehab and rehab are built into our programs and why we offer MTNPT 2.0 and MTN MVMT as ways to incorporate physical therapy and functional mobility into your workouts so your fitness evolution continues as long as you want it to.


PILLAR THREE: MENTAL TOUGHNESS IS PART OF THE TRAINING

Mental toughness is learned and will help you thrive in every aspect of your life. It’s the grit that keeps you going when times are tough and it will help you perform consistently under stress and pressure. We incorporate mental toughness into each program to teach you control and commitment so you attain resilience and perseverance for life. As part of this mental toughness training, we offer MTNTOUGH MINDSET and LIVE UNTAMED to create well-rounded athletes. 


THE PERKS OF MTNTOUGH+

Use MTNTOUGH+ to elevate yourself to another level with programs that go beyond fitness and exercise. We offer a nutritional course, educational content for the mountain athlete lifestyle and exclusive podcasts featuring leaders in fitness, hunting, the military and more. We want to transform your life. 

Start your journey today.