The line doesn't care how much you can bench if your back seizes on a ridge.

Austin Womack—founder of Rugged Athlete, former pro sports strength coach, and wildland firefighter—shares how to build a body that actually holds up under load, heat, and chaos.

What we cover:
3-Step Preventative Maintenance Routine
Soft tissue prep → Mobilize → Reinforce
Low-back and hip strategies with field-friendly tools
Proactive (before big hikes) vs reactive (when something flares)
No gym needed—works with a roller, lacrosse ball, or your pack

Training Year Breakdown
Postseason: Reset sleep, nutrition, movement
Offseason: Build aerobic base + heavy bilateral strength (squats, deadlifts, presses)
Preseason: Hiking volume, intervals, unilateral lifts
In-season: Maintain strength, manage wear, avoid overtraining

Key Lesson
The pack test is the floor, not the standard. Austin's first season taught him the hard way: crushing air bike intervals doesn't prepare you for carrying a load uphill for hours.

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Visit Our Website
livetjm.com/home

Find Rugged Athlete 
https://www.ruggedathletetraining.com/

[00:00:00] Treat Your Body Like Gear
[00:04:30] First Season Lessons And Misconceptions
[00:09:20] Physical Preventative Maintenance Framework
[00:12:45] Low Back Example: Prep, Mobilize, Reinforce
[00:15:20] Proactive Versus Reactive Care In The Field
[00:17:10] Yearly Training Model For Firefighters