Mountain Guide and strength coach Brian Harder pulls a heavy deadlift.

Frequently asked questions:

I'M NOT A MOUNTAIN ATHLETE. CAN I STILL TRAIN YOUR GYM?
Yes. Our programming and training will benefit any athlete. In addition to mountaineers, we've train endurance runners, motocross racers, triathletes, nordic skiers, weekend warriors and house wives. You do not have to be an accomplished mountaineer, athlete or even in shape to train at our gym. But you do have to work hard.

HOW DO YOUR TRAINING SESSIONS WORK?
We coach in small group (up to 8) athletes at a time. Sessions begin on the hour, and generally, all the athletes in the session do the same workout under the guidance of a coach. Training sessions, however, are not "walk-in." Please call ahead (360-6825) or emai: rob@mtnathlete.com to schedule a session.

HOW IS MOUNTAIN ATHLETE DIFFERENT THAN A COMMERCIAL GYM?
First, we provide the athlete's programming. This means we design each workout with the ultimate goal of developing the athlete's raw strength, strength endurance, explosive power and power endurance.

Second, you are coached. Rob teaches exercises, criticizes techniques, records weigts lifted, and pushes the athletes. Unlike a commercial gym, athletes can't come in and start doing their own workout.

Third, our workouts are killer. You've never worked this hard.

Fourth, we don't have any weight lifting machines. We only use free weights.

Fifth, have you ever swung a sledge hammer, flipped a tractor tire, carried a 60-pound rock, climbed a rope, done wind sprints, run while shouldering a sand bag or done a power clean at a commercial gym? You will here.

I'M NOT IN SHAPE. CAN I STILL TRAIN THERE?
Yes. Workouts are scaled down with lighter weights, less reps, fewer rounds, etc. to meet the fitness levels of beginning athletes. It's still not going to be easy, but new athletes are not expected to perform as well or lift as much as experienced athletes.

I'VE NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS. CAN I STILL TRAIN THERE?
Yes. Many of our current athletes had little to no weight lifting experience before starting with us. Don't be intimidated by the photos on the website. You too can do this stuff.

I HAVE AN INJURY. WILL YOU STILL TRAIN ME?
Yes. We have trained athletes who have had broken shoulders, busted up knees, back problems and other injuries. We simply train around the injuries by choosing exercise and programming which avoid the injured area, but work the rest of the body. Just because you are injured doesn't mean you have to lay around getting fat and lazy. The rest of your body can stay in shape while the injured area recovers.

DO YOU PROVIDE PERSONAL TRAINING?
Yes. Call or e-mail Rob for details.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORKOUT LOOK LIKE?
We strive to enhance four primary athletic attributes: Raw Strength, Strength Endurance, Explosive Power and Power Endurance. A typical workout will be designed to address one to two of these attributes. Please surf to the workouts page for examples, photos and video.

WHEN DO YOU TRAIN?
Monday & Wednesday: 7 am, 9am, 12 noon, 4,5,6,7 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday: 4, 5, 6 p.m.

Friday: 7 am, 9am, 12 noon, 4,5 p.m.

Training sessions begin on the hour. Don't be late.

WHERE IS THE GYM LOCATED?
2.5 miles south of Jackson, on the east side of the highway. Turn onto Deer Drive and drive past Enclosure Rock Gym. Above the rock gym are two long gray buildings. Park on the road before reaching the buildings. Walk up the hill and turn into the alley between them. The gym is located on the left, Unit 202.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
We have two pricing options. A full month of unlimited training sessions costs $150. Individual session workouts cost $25.

HOW DO I START?
First, call Rob at 360-6825 or email: rob@mtnathlete.com to set up a training session. You are encouraged to observe a training session before participating.