VITAL TRAINING

Adventure-Ready Training Program // Alaska 2025

Welcome to Your Journey of Strength, Stamina, and Trail-Ready Confidence

Adventure demands more than cardio. It demands strength, stability, endurance, and grit. This 12-week plan will get you ready - really ready - for your epic VITAL adventure.

  • Each week you'll follow:

    • 3 Days of Strength Training (Lower Body, Upper Body, Conditioning)

    • 5 Days of Cardio (walking, hiking, rucking, running)

    • Weekly Hill Repeats (outdoor hills, treadmill incline, or stairs)

    • Daily Mobility & Stretching (quick but essential)

    • Progressive Build: Foundation -> Strength -> Endurance -> Adventure-ready conditioning

  • Essential Equipment and Access for Training

    • Smartphone or wearable for tracking time and distance 

    • 8-12 inch step/stair/box 

    • Bench or chair 

    • Yoga mat or towel 

    • Yoga block or similar object 

    • Resistance band (mini band loop) i.e. LINK

    • Resistance bands for rowing or cable machine i.e. LINK

    • Dumbbells (5-30 lbs) 

    • Weighted vest or pack (5-15 lbs) 

    • Access to stairs, stadium, or hill with a moderate incline (for hill repeats) 

    • Access to road, treadmill, or path for cardio exercises

    1. Train for the Trail: Squats, lunges, core work, carries - real-world movements for real-world adventures.

    2. Condition All Systems: Strength for climbs. Endurance for the long haul. Speed for those final pushes.

    3. Progress with Purpose: Each week you’ll lift, move, or endure a little more - safely.

    • Hydrate daily - not just during workouts. Drink water consistently throughout the day and replenish electrolytes with foods like bananas, coconut water, or electrolyte powder/ tablets.

    • Prioritize Sleep - 7-9 hours to rebuild stronger. Sleep is non-negotiable for muscle repair and energy.

    • Manage Stress - protect your energy and focus. Training is a positive (eustress) — but life stress (distress) can drag you down. Managing distress is just as important as training hard.

    Train hard. Recover smarter.

  • Our training targets the most common hiking injuries - before they happen:

    • Knees (Hiker's Knee): Strengthen quads, glutes, hamstrings.

    • Ankles/Feet: Balance drills and foot strength.

    • Lower Back: Core stability and proper pack fit tips.

Train smart. Train strong. Build the body and mindset you need to thrive out there.

TRAINING PLAN

Adventure-Ready Training Plan Phase 1 - 4

You can find and download your training plan for each phase below to stay on track and train with purpose every step of the way. You can also download the schedule all in one here.

Foundation Phase

Goal: Build movement patterns, volume, endurance, and start time-on-feet progression.

Strength Phase

Goal: Add load, build power, and increase incline strength.

Endurance Building Phase

Goal: Boost single-leg strength, trail-specific stamina, and heavier load tolerance.

Trail Ready Phase

Goal: Dial in endurance, elevation, and gear readiness.

Vital Test Assessment

Test yourself at the start, halfway, and finish line to measure your gains.

Establish your starting point with the Vital Test Assessment. This simple but effective baseline test helps track your progress throughout the training journey. Watch the video here to follow along, and download your tracking document below to complete your own assessment.

MOBILITY FLOW VIDEOS

Strength Day Warm Up Videos (5-10 minutes)

Begin every strength workout with a quick mobility flow to prep your body.

Mobility Flow 1 (MF1) = Day 1; Mobility Flow 2 (MF2) = Day 2; Mobility Flow 3 (MF3) = Day 3

STRENGTH TRAINING VIDEOS

Phase-by-Phase Guidance to Build Strength

Below are the latest Phase videos for Days 1–3, updated weekly to keep your training fresh and on track. To explore more or revisit previous sessions, click "View All" and access the complete video library.

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

African Proverb