BACKCOUNTRY HUNTER PRESEASON PREP 2.0

Program Now Available on The MTNTOUGH+ App

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PRESEASON PREP 2.0 is the culmination of 3 years of R&D with some of the most dedicated mountain athletes into a program that will make you faster, stronger and more resilient in the mountains.




Why We Built It

Human performance is a constant evolution. PRESEASON PREP 2.0 is the culmination of four dedicated years of R&D in the MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab with thousands of backcountry hunters to improve our flagship program to make you stronger, faster and more resilient in the mountains. The on-demand 16-week program consists of two eight-week phases that can take a beginner to elite status in only 80 days giving you the ability to train for the demands of the mountains regardless of where you are. 

Or take an elite mountain athlete even further. 

Backcountry hunters face the grueling task to stay physically fit and mentally tough enough to shoulder through high elevation, rugged terrain, multi-day hunts that end with 100+ lb pack-outs and tons of memories. PRESEASON PREP 2.0 breaks down the skill requirements needed so you can train for tough terrain and high elevations no matter where you are with plenty of recovery time and prehab built directly into the program.

Each workout builds upon the one before it, boosting strength and increasing endurance through heavy lifting, intense cardio and pack work so there are no surprises. PRESEASON PREP 2.0 incorporates elevation training, allowing you to complete mission specific workouts to prepare you for high elevations and rugged terrain even if you live at sea level (or below). 

No one wants their fitness level to be the limiting factor during the hunt-of-a-lifetime. And in only 16 weeks, you have the potential to reach peak physical fitness for backcountry success this fall – and into the future. PRESEASON PREP 2.0 is the ultimate program that will make any backcountry athlete thrive during their time on the mountain.

It’s time to hit the mountains running. Start training now.

What and How




From couch to mountain

For 80 days, train with MTNTOUGH Founder Dustin Diefenderfer and coaches Jimmy Alsobrook Jr. and Sarah Maschino so you are primed to tackle that mountain – and hunt hard – this fall.

Built-in prehab for injury prevention

PRESEASON PREP 2.0 incorporates prehab stretches that address old injuries and prevent new ones into daily workouts to keep you healthy, strong and ready to mountain on.

Tough terrain = no problem

Fancy gear and shooting practice won’t matter if you haven’t trained for high elevation and tough terrain. With PRESEASON PREP 2.0, your fitness level won’t be a limiting factor on your hunt.

Full Gym Required
  • Dumbbells and Kettlebells
  • Box or Sturdy Cooler like Yeti
  • Push Sled
  • Squat Rack, Plates, and Bars
  • Treadmill with Incline Functionality
  • Assault Bike, and/or Ski Erg, and/or Rower



MTNTOUGH Founder
Meet Your Coach: Dustin

MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab founder 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.

“Hunting has always been my passion, and backcountry hunting has tested my mental toughness like nothing else,” says Dustin. “Without a doubt, it has made me a better man."

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. “The goal isn't to look fit; the goal is to actually be fit. Endurance and resilience is what we are after, and most importantly resilience of the mind. If you work for it, looking better will certainly happen, but forging an unbeatable mind is the primary objective. It is about training your mind so that it is on your side, not working against you.”

Athletic Director
Meet Your Coach: Sarah

A Division-1-soccer-player-turned-personal-trainer, Sarah knows a thing or two about what it takes to get stronger and become a better athlete. It’s all part of the training process – and one she is passionate about. When the Tennessee native isn’t crushing life in the mountains, she’s busy fostering mental toughness for all levels (from beginner to elite) by creating workouts intended to push you to your limits – physically and mentally – and make you stronger inside and out.

“Fitness should be treated as a means to conquer all of your passions — whether it be recreational, professional, spiritual, or your relationships,” says Sarah, who is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has certificates in Corrective Exercise and Performance Enhancement. 

“We can build our bodies and minds to gain confidence and toughness for any endeavor we choose!  But we have to take the first step. Even if we need our hand held a bit.”

YOUR FIRST 14 DAYS ARE FREE - CANCEL ANYTIME - ALL PROGRAMS ARE INCLUDED

Annual Plan

Set it and forget it - no hassle one-time yearly billing

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Month-To-Month Plan

Our most flexible plan. Cancel anytime.

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Trusted By The Dedicated

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.

SITKA Gear

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.

Stone Glacier

MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab has established itself as the elite source for improving mental toughness, physical preparation, and performance research for the backcountry hunter.

Journal of Mountain Hunting

The Best Heavy Pack Workout to Build the Strength and Endurance for Backcountry Hunting. Forge the muscle endurance and strength needed for backcountry hunting with MTNTOUGH Fitness' heavy pack workout.

Men's Journal

Why MTNTOUGH?




TRAIN ANYWHERE

Programs for the gym, home gym or body weight. MTNTOUGH+ has on-demand workouts on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Location is not an excuse.

TOP INSTRUCTION

Wold-class industry trainers, former military leaders, and avid backcountry hunters will keep you encouraged, motivated and on the correct path. 

TESTED AND PROVEN

Programs are meticulously and scientifically tested in the Lab with local athletes before release so they are effective, safe, and improve your odds in the feild.




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