How to Actually Train for Wildland Fire
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.
Find The Journeyman App here:
Google Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.t…
Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id65039028…
Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home
Find Rugged Athlete ruggedathletetraining.com
