In this episode of the Rugged Athlete Podcast we visit with guest Brandon Schrom who is an expert on fitness wearables such as Garmin, Whoop, Oura Ring, Apple Health Kit, and Fitbit.

Brandon is a research physiologist for the US Navy where he specialized in wearable technology in Warfighter Human Performance. He also helps lead the Type 1 Readiness Program for Hotshot Wellness. Before working with tactical athletes, he was a sport technologist for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee working in cycling and track and field. He received his BS and MS in Exercise Science from SUNY Cortland.

In this episode Brandon explains wearable are, how to understand and use information such as HRV and sleep scores, practical tips for analyzing daily readiness scores vs trends over time, and his personal opinion on the pros and cons of all the popular wearable brands on the market today.

Our sponsor for today's episode is READYBAR. READYBAR is the perfect meal replacement/protein/energy bar for the fireline. The flavors and macros on these things are top notch. Check them out over at getreadybar.com!

In this episode of the Rugged Athlete Podcast we visit with guest Brandon Schrom who is an expert on fitness wearables such as Garmin, Whoop, Oura Ring, Apple Health Kit, and Fitbit.

Brandon is a research physiologist for the US Navy where he specialized in wearable technology in Warfighter Human Performance. He also helps lead the Type 1 Readiness Program for Hotshot Wellness. Before working with tactical athletes, he was a sport technologist for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee working in cycling and track and field. He received his BS and MS in Exercise Science from SUNY Cortland.

In this episode Brandon explains wearable are, how to understand and use information such as HRV and sleep scores, practical tips for analyzing daily readiness scores vs trends over time, and his personal opinion on the pros and cons of all the popular wearable brands on the market today.

Our sponsor for today's episode is READYBAR. READYBAR is the perfect meal replacement/protein/energy bar for the fireline. The flavors and macros on these things are top notch. Check them out over at getreadybar.com!

In this episode of the Rugged Athlete Podcast Austin and Justin discuss the Type 1 Fitness Test - a fitness test we created to better assessment occupational performance for type 1 resources, and to attempt to enhance the fitness culture in the profession.

We breakdown the details of this fitness test including the why behind the exact specs of the test, as well as the scoring standards and expectations for type 1 firefighters.

We also cover a plethora of critiques, suggestions, and "hate comments" surrounding this fitness test. Just a heads up, this fitness test is extremely controversial apparently.

This episode is sponsored by READYBAR. Check them out at https://getreadybar.com/

In today's episode Austin and Justin answer the question, do we need to reassess the pack test?

We dive into the history of the pack test, including how it became the universal fitness assessment back in the mid 1990's, as well as the fitness test that preceeded it: the 5 minute step test.

We also give our personal opinions on the pack test - what's good about it and what it's flaws are.

This episode is sponsored by READYBAR. Check them out at https://getreadybar.com/

In this episode of the Rugged Athlete Podcast Austin shares his professional strength and conditioning journey.

From college baseball, to professional baseball, to fighting wildfires, and ultimately starting Rugged Athlete - Austin details his unique career path.

Huge shoutout to the sponsor of today's episode: READYBAR

Check out READYBAR here: https://getreadybar.com/

In today's episode Austin and Justin answer viewer questions including:

• What advice do you have for firefighters going into their first season?
• What nutrition tips do you have for at fire camp and on the fireline
• How do you train for uphill hiking if you live somewhere where there are no hills
• Do you do female specific training/research? How do you incorporate it into your training plans?
• Do you program anything specifically for bone health and bone density?

If you like these Q&A style episodes let us know, and if you want your questions answered be on the look out for our next question drop on our IG stories @ruggedathlete

In today's episode Austin shares his presentation from the 2026 Wildland Firefighter Human Performance Summit.

This virtual summit is 100% free and is delivered through the Rugged Athlete App.

Tap here to register for the summit

Tap here to get a free trial of our Pro Membership on the app

Tap here to download our Physical Preventative Maintenance Course

In this episode Austin and Justin provide the complete blueprint to improving your hiking performance.

Topics of discussion include work capacity development, biomechanical efficiency during hiking, how to pace and breathe correctly, the metabolic demands of hiking, and training principles to abide by to crush your next hike.

Several hiking related resource were mentioned in the show which you can access below:

Tap Here to Download our Free Program Design for Hiking Module

Tap Here to Download our High Performance Hiking Course

Tap Here to download our free Work Capacity Development Mini-Course

In this episode Austin Womack and Justin DeMoss breakdown what human performance is, the difference between human performance and wellness, and share predictions on what the future of human performance in the wildland firefighter profession will look like.

This episode features our two nutrition coaches, Heidi Brackebusch and JJ Shelley.

Listen to them share their stories about how they both transitioned from wildland firefighters to nutrition professionals, how they coach Rugged Athlete 1:1 clients through nutritional assessments and goals, and other topics such as food tracking.