Rugged Athlete Podcast

The Truth About The Pack Test [008]

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/ [https://getreadybar.com/]

My Story Going From Pro Baseball To Wildland Fire [007]

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/ [https://getreadybar.com/]

Important Advice For First Year Wildland Firefighters + More | Q&A Episode [006]

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

How To Take Care Of Your Body During Fire Season: Physical Preventative Maintenance Explained [005]

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 [https://tinyurl.com/WFHPsummit] Tap here to get a free trial of our Pro Membership on the app [https://shorturl.at/H3ykr] Tap here to download our Physical Preventative Maintenance Course [https://www.trainerize.me/profile/ruggedathlete/?planGUID=c360f43258894e72afb17dda83ffce27&mode=checkout]

How To Improve Hiking Performance: The Complete Blueprint [004]

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 [https://www.ruggedathletetraining.com/program-design-for-hiking] Tap Here to Download our High Performance Hiking Course [https://www.trainerize.me/checkout/ruggedathlete/Austin.Womack?planGUID=f6d35736a9494bb397c9ca13e1861fd8&mode=checkout] Tap Here to download our free Work Capacity Development Mini-Course [https://www.trainerize.me/checkout/ruggedathlete/Austin.Womack?planGUID=44fa935399f848e4b3fd2b361e2b1ad0&mode=checkout]