The mountains don’t conform for anyone. And being mountain ready means learning how to adapt when faced with tough terrain, bad weather, a heavy pack-out – or all three. This is why MTNTOUGH joined forces with GORUCK to bring both communities SB20, a new program that tests your stability, core and strength. We all know that it takes physical strength and mental toughness to create a holistic athlete, but even the most able-bodied backcountry athlete needs to keep things interesting to constantly evolve.

SB20 will challenge you in ways other programs haven’t. This workout can be done anywhere, anytime. All you need is a bit of space, some sandbags and dedicated determination to tax your body in a whole new way. By using sandbags instead of machines or dumbbells to complete lateral hops, lunge jumps, hop overs, kettlebell swings, carries and more, the movements replicate the uneven topography of the mountains and the awkward and asymmetrical weight of the pack-out. SB20 was created to complement MTNTOUGH’s PRESEASON PREP 2.0 while testing your core strength and power – to build your functional resilience in the most dynamic way. 

Join MTNTOUGH trainer Sarah Maschino as she coaches founder Dustin Diefenderfer through this five-day, four-week program with built-in recovery days and a variety of movements that hit on mobility, cardio, weight and strength training with mental toughness woven throughout. While you may be using sandbags as your primary gear, proper form is still stressed during each workout in order to prevent injury and reap the most rewards.

Remember that progress only happens with change. And adaptability is a mountain athlete’s secret weapon. Keep striving toward becoming as resilient as you can. SB20 is the challenge you need to stay on your A game – mentally and physically.   

For the month of September, SB20 will be available to anyone without any trial or payment. The first week of SB20 will also be posted on GORUCK’s YouTube channel to grab a quality workout wherever you are.

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.”