When I first started going to Mountain Athlete seven months ago, at the age of 65, I was so crippled from various injuries over the past fifty years of climbing and hiking that I needed support to get down stairs. I was concerned that hardcore workouts at a gym would make things worse.

Now I carry boxes of books up and down stairs, I remain free of injury, and I'm stronger than I've been in a decade.

I attribute those changes to Rob Shaul's excellent coaching, and the innovative workouts at his gym.

Mountain Athlete is not a fancy place. There are no weight machines or mirrors; no one wears trendy clothes. Instead one finds rowing machines, lots of free-weights, sandbags, and some very large rocks. The ambiance is serious. Each workout is tough and pushes you to exhaustion.

And to my surprise I've become a bit addicted to it all - the grueling routines, the suitably apocalyptic music, and the camaraderie of group of athletes training hard.


JACK TURNER
Author, Senior Exum Guide
President, Exum Mountain Guides

Before coming to Mountain Athlete, I was a regular, if not seasonal, gym rat. I studied weight lifting as a hobby but my interest was directed by popular fitness magazines and I followed typical body building routines. I was sort of strong in some lifts but these were mostly "supported" lifts involving either sitting or lying on a bench. The strength I possessed really had no real-world application. I had the coveted six-pack and my abs were strong but my pillar strength (core) was weak. My low-back strength was pathetic.

I initially became aware of this alternative style of strength training a couple of years ago when someone told me about Mark Twight's Gym Jones in Salt Lake City. I was very curious about what he was doing but lacked the facility here in Jackson to really experience what it was all about. Then Rob came to town with Mountain Athlete and approached me about training with him as one of his experimental "subjects". I jumped at the opportunity. My background in exercise physiology and sports medicine made me innately curious about how I would respond.

My initiation to the workouts was fast and furious. My athletic base allowed me pick up the movements relatively quickly but I was still physically and mentally crushed on a number of occasions. I could not believe how sore I would get after only 45 minutes of training!

Over the past 7 months, my work capacity has increased tremendously. Previously devastating sessions are no longer so. At 46 years of age, I am way stronger than I was when I was 20. From a strength stand point, I feel much more "tied together" than I was previously. Typical body building workouts separate the body into "parts" but our training at Mountain Athletes pulls everything together. My strength has real world translation. I approach daunting physical tasks with aggression and confidence.

I also feel more bullet-proof in terms of injuries. All my nagging shoulder tweeks and low back issues have evaporated as my strength and power have increased. During dynamic activities like skiing, I have the ability to respond to unexpected balance challenges and crash less.

Overall, I feel like a much more complete and capable athlete. My strength and endurance is applicable to a much wider variety of activities and challenges. I could never go back to the way I trained before.

I can't wait to get in and train!

BRIAN HARDER
Exum Guide
Certified Physicians Assistant

As a strength and fitness coach, can you imagine a more horrible client - a 42-year-old female asthmatic triathlete with multiple orthopedic injuries?

I first met Rob in May of 2007 after returning from a European backcountry ski trip during which I had fractured my left shoulder and arm and injured my cervical spine. My entire left upper extremity/shoulder was in an immoblizer. Rob patiently reviewed injuries, athletic background, goals and then promptly chained me to a truck tire and instructed me to pull it around the industrial complex that houses his gym - including the uphills and speed bumps! I will never forget his demonic laugh and words of encouragement as I struggled with this task. That first experience "hooked me" on Mountain Athlete.

My injuries were very limiting in terms of the types of workouts that Shaul normally constructs, but he tailored mine to enhance my recovery and avoid further potential damage. He was extremely flexible in scheduling my workouts around the physical therapy sessions prescribed by my orthodpedic surgeon. To his credit, he took extra time and care to modify existing equipment to meet my needs and allow me to workout safely and effectively.

I am close to 100% of total function now and I credit Rob with the tremendous strides I've made in the recovery process. As I self-confessed aerobic and distance junkie, Mountain Athlete has impressed upon me the importance of strength training as a indispensible arrow in the quiver of any athlete. My improved core strength and endurance even earned me some race medals shortly after my injury in Summer of 2007.

Mountain Athlete's gym atmosphere is what I would characterize as supportive and friendly, yet competive enough to challenge me in making my best efforts: And I'm always having a good time! No matter how much pain I'm in, there is always a smile on my face. Shep and Bella, Shaul's Border Collies, always greet with me enthusiastically when I arrive and lick my hands sympathetically at the completion of my workout, as if to say: "Welcome to the task that makes you stronger." and "Good job Molly, see you next time!"

As I my injuries caused me to miss my triathlon world championship qualifier race in May 2007, my Summer and Fall were spent renovating my Jackson home. The attached photo is testimonial to what Mountain Athlete can do!

MOLLY BRESLIN
Wyoming State Triathlon Champion 2005
Ranked in Top 50 US Female Triathletes 2005

For the past 10 years I have walked into one of the local gyms intent on buying a membership so I have an option to work out through the off season. The same thing happens every time! I walk in and immediately my throat starts to close up. I hear the swooshing sound of stair-masters and treadmills mixing with CNN. Then I hear off in the distance a "Come on ladies, lift those legs"...and then the worst happens - someone I know screams across the gym a "Oh my god, Jannine Witte in a gym?". This is when I turn around and run.

Mountain Athlete changed it all. Aside from the obvious leaps and bounds in my physical strength and fitness what I love most is the mental strength I am gaining from this experience. One hour in Rob's class teaches you so much about yourself. You learn to push on and tackle through some tough situations. You learn that you CAN do it and that you WANT to do it. It has easily transferred into my everyday life situations.

The feel of this gym is very comfortable for me. No mirrors, no smoothie bars, no leotards, and best of all...NO EGO. Everyone is in the same boat. We are all working together to get through the tough workouts. Everyone is suffering and everyone WANTS to get stronger. No matter how little or heavy the weight you can toss around, everyone is supportive and fired up to watch you excel. Rob's coaching style is like tough love. He will push you and encourage you, but will also take your feedback openly. If you let him know you are tired or feeling some pain in certain areas, he will work with you to get through the workout as safely as possible. His encouragement and drive is priceless. He will make you feel like the strongest person in the world if you give him your dedication.

I am totally addicted to this gym. I never thought there would be a day that I would choose a gym workout over a ski run off the Pass. But, I admit it....I am becoming a gym rat...and I'm lovin it!

JANNINE WITTE

Training with Rob Shaul/Mountain Athlete has allowed me to break through strength barriers that I had working out on my own. The gains I have made working with Rob/MA have directly translated to me being a stronger, faster, and as a result, safer climber. Thanks Rob!




STEPHEN KOCH
Senior Exum Mountain Guide
Snowboard Mountaineer
Sponsored Athlete
www.stephenkoch.com

When I first started with Rob I wondered if I would ever be as strong as the other athletes. Those first workouts were a struggle and I wondered how people could push those big weights and not just give up.

Was it easier for them than me? Would I ever be that strong? Would those first few weeks of soreness ever go away?

Well it's all relative. No, it's not easier for other athletes. Upon entering the gym everyone is faced with the same choice to work hard and reap the benefits or give up.

The strength that I have gained amazes me. And there are those golden days when I walk out of the gym and say to myself, "I am strong".

I will never be as strong as the other athletes but their strength, along with Rob's coaching, encourages and motivates me to work harder so I will continue to grow stronger.

One day as is struggled through a particulary "killer" workout I could hear Rob repeating in the background "one rep at a time." It doesn't matter if I'm lifting weights, hiking the Pass, cllimbing at the rock gym or struggling through the realities of everyday life, everything must be done one rep at a time. It's a valuable lesson that Rob has shared and I find myself repeating it often.

As I began training with Rob I remember days driving to the gym with dread. I would get so anxious about what he was going to make us do and try and push and flip. Whoever thought I would be flipping a tire that outweighs me and more importantly, why?

The days of dread have slowly switched to anticipation. What new, crazy things would he think of next? Am I going to be able to do it? You bet.

And if I can't, I'll keep trying till I can. I am addicted to Mountain Athlete and as many athletes have said before, I will never go back.

Thanks Rob for your strength, encouragement and drive that is making a stronger athlete and a stronger person.

CONNIE SCIOLINO

I came into Rob's gym skeptical of the usefulness of lifting weights and indoor exercise in general and feeling like I was already a plenty strong athlete.

I quickly learned that I was actually only strong in certain ways and weak in many, many others. The overall strength and endurance gains I have achieved since I started have been a surprise and a pleasure. The experience of continuing to raise my athletic abilities in all sorts of ways is something I look forward to before every work out and the gym has spawned many friendships that have added a great deal to my life.

I have more confidence in all my athletic activities (including being the parent of two extremely active boys) and less fear of injury - because I can feel that the entire "system" is stronger.

And perhaps most of all its just a whole lot of fun. Now both my wife and I attend the gym regularly and both feel like it's added to our life immensely in all sorts of ways.

DAVE BAXA

Since first training at mountain athlete, I have seen some awesome results. I went into my fall personal climbing and guiding season with a ton of confidence and explosive power that exceeded my expectations.

I felt super strong on the sport and trad. routes around Vegas and though still hard, the splitters around the Creek were going down in much better style.

Preparing for ski season was a different experience, as I never ran or did the things I used to do, I trained with Rob at Mountain Athlete. My legs were strong and never pumped... my chore and the work at Mountain Athlete has carried me through.

I am psyched and recommend this style of training for anyone who wants to work hard and be mentally tough.




ROB HESS
Owner, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides
American Mountain Guides Association Technical Director
IFMGA Certified Guide
2007 AMGA Outstanding Guide of the Year

I had long believed that the best training for climbing is climbing and the best training for the alpine is long runs and more climbing. I scoffed at people worked out with weight machines and pop music.

When, in the middle of the summer climbing season, injuries forced me to take an extended rest, a friend suggested to keep in shape I train at Mountain Athlete.

My conceptions of weight training made me reluctant, but my atrophy convinced me to give it a try. I told myself I would train only until I was ready to climb again.

Quickly I learned that Mountain Athlete is different than popular fitness gyms; no one at Mountain Athlete sits around toning their biceps in front of a mirror. Every exercise has complex movements that improve real-world strength and endurance.

I now understand that I kept hurting myself because my body was strong only in isolated areas and as a whole unit was weak. After 4 months of hard work in Mountain Athlete, I'm faster and stronger than I've ever been.

Usually at the beginning of the winter, it takes me time to be comfortable climbing steep ice but this winter I felt strong from the start. I never thought I'd choose to move weights instead of climbing, but now, three times a week, I pass on the rock gym to train at Mountain Athlete.

Rob Shaul taught me a training philosophy I'll use for the rest of my life.

WILL WETZEL

I started training at Mtn. Athlete because I was disappointed of the options available to exercise in the winter months. The idea of the treadmill or a spin class was not pleasant.

I am not a hard core skier, climber, runner, or cyclist. I'm just a hard core "mom" who wanted to be stronger and get in shape. -- And that is happening. I was so nervous to make that initial "first" appointment. It took me over a month to finally make that appointment. Now I am ADDICTED!

Since training with Rob, I have become much more self confident. I believe I am getting stronger, my fitness level has improved, and my mental toughness is on target. I don't like to give up! It's amazing what Rob's encouragement can do!

Rob's coaching style has pushed me through the hard work outs. His persistent voice of "just one more rep" and "nice job" keep me going, and the firm hand shake or pat on the back after the grueling workout means "I survived one more day!" "Good for me!" I leave the gym feeling exhausted at times, but always thankful of accomplishing the workout on the white board.

I never knew anything about climbing a rope, and felt so INTIMIDATED and weak on that first try of the rope. I went home feeling like a loser! But now I AM THE WINNER of that battle! Another example of mental toughness!

The anticipation of being sore is no longer there, as I look at it as a result of my hard work in the gym. I used to be tired during the day, now I have more energy and my mood is bright. I don't know how this training will effect my athletic endeavors, as it's not softball season yet....maybe I will be the person who can hit the infamous "Grand Slam"! All I know is that I feel better physically, and emotionally. I feel great and it has impacted the atmosphere in my home.

My kids tell their friends that their mom is "buff"..... And at 44, that makes me smile......Thanks Rob for helping me achieve my goals!

KELLY TUCKER

I'm fifty-five years old, and before Mountain Athlete, I'd started believing that my soft and sagging body was natural at this point in my life, and not due to my lack of discipline. After six months with Rob, I feel that there is no limit to what I can do, physically. Which, I know is total bullshit, but that's how I feel. He's created a great community of people, each of us with the desire to live on our own edge of what is possible. How he manages to do that for such a diverse group is a mystery. He has a gift.

Plus, the woman I've been married to for over thirty years can't remember me looking this good naked.

BROOKE WILLIAMS

Rob's program has been the best thing that I could do for myself. I am stronger both physically and mentally. The workouts allow me to not only work my body as hard as I possibly can, but for a full hour, completely clear my mind of daily stresses.

LYNN SINGER

Before coming to Rob's gym, I felt that I was a complete has been. A business owner, house hold runner, 40+ mother of a small child, doctoral student and a complete has been mountain athlete.

I have let my physical body go to pursue my business, motherhood and professional advancement. Nothing could be more wrong with that model of living. Attempting to go to a gym, I just turned into more of a philanthropist than a participant. I always found other reasons to not go than go. This is NOT what I advocate in my daily work life.

Prior to my neck surgery, I couldn't lift over 25 pounds over head, I could buck hay with my husband very, get a saddle on a horse, lift bags of soil and compost for my gardens. I could always bike and ski and was proud of my prowess, but that was only my legs. After surgery, I did not stressed myself or bring myself much beyond my pre-surgical level. After my baby, I just let everything go.

I have found that my mountain biking, hiking and skiing were all suffering, as well as my ability to generate general power, which was always easy for me. I slowed down in the mountains and the couch began to look better than before.

I started at Mountain Athlete and admitted to being a "has been," but I did not divulge my inability to commit to myself like I use to. After wanting to throw up and get violently sick after my first workout - I realized that I had to buck up and change things.

Since starting in February 2007, and not being super consistent as I and Rob would like me to be, I have significantly increased my power, strength and ability to move efficiently and with power. My telemark skiing at 6 weeks improved so that I could keep up with my alpine friends, even though I was skiing 1-2 days a week. .My hill climbing on the mountain biking improved significantly due to the return of my power and aerobics. I had no problem and significantly more eased carrying soil, compost, small trees and hay.

I love the raw atmosphere with the friendly competitive air and I love how functional some of the exercises are that we perform that roll over into our daily lives. Stress levels decrease, attitude immediately improves when Rob says, "nice to see you back" and "you did a great job." You just want to perform for your coach like you did in high school especially when you get the evil giggle.

NORENE CHRISTENSEN
Physical Therapist