Physical Fitness & Conditioning for Mountaineering

So you are considering climbing Mt. Rainier or some other major peak?  If you've never climbed to the top of a glaciated mountain you will soon experience a part of the world unlike any other. It is a place of sheer exhilaration as you realize what you have just accomplished. You cannot simply buy a ticket for this experience; you earn the right to stand at the top through dedicated training.

Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. But be prepared!  If you choose the route from Camp Muir to the Summit via Disappointment Cleaver, it is considered the longest endurance climb in the lower 48 states. In the best interest of personal safety, success, and enjoyment you will want to be in excellent physical condition.

Because of the physically rigorous demands of the climb, you must be in peak physical condition to participate in the climb as it requires excellent strength, endurance and the ability to carry a 40 or more pound pack. To be prepared for your summit attempt, you must be committed to a personal training regimen. Start your entire fitness training program well in advance of your climb, and increase the intensity and duration of your exercising as you gain fitness. Generally, a six-month minimum is needed to implement an effective program.

Maria provides comprehensive climb preparation training to help you achieve your climbing goals. Based on your objectives, she will tailor a muscular and cardiovascular strength and endurance training program to capitalize on your strengths and to fully address your weaknesses so that you can turn your goals into accomplishments.

Maria has the unique perspective as an experienced mountaineer, trainer and dietitian. She has summitted Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Olympus, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams.

This training program is available to anyone, regardless of location. Maria has trained several people remotely who have successfully summitted their peak.

Mt. Rainier elevation 14,410 feet

Mt. Hood elevation 11,239 feet

Mt. Adams elevation 12,276 feet

Mt. Baker elevation 10,781 feet

Maria is the exclusive fitness and nutrition expert and oversees the mountaineering physical fitness training for the American Lung Association of Washington Climb for Clean Air. She also offers individualized, personal attention and detailed programming and/or nutrition counseling, via one-on-one or remote coaching with her. 

The Climb For Clean Air is a mountaineering training and fundraising program designed to give the training, technical support, and guide services you need to summit Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood or Mt. Adams. This event is open to people of all levels, no prior experience is necessary. This is an amazing opportunity to climb a mountain while having the support of prior climbers and world class climbing instructors and guides.

Funds raised by participants will support the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific’s mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.