Wilderness Medicine Updates Ep. 26 - Physical Training for Mountain Rescue Professionals with Rob Shaul of Mountain Tactical Institute
Oct 2, 2025
Rob Shaul, founder and head coach of the Mountain Tactical Institute, dives into fitness strategies tailored for mountain rescue professionals. He discusses the vital differences in training for ski patrollers versus search and rescue team members. Rob emphasizes the significance of chassis integrity to prevent injuries, alongside the need for mental resilience in high-stress environments. He shares effective minimal equipment training plans, nutritional tips for athletes, and the concept of the 'quiet professional'—an ethos of commitment and humility in one's work.
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From Gym Rat To Mountain Coach
- Rob Shaul started training mountain guides after moving to Jackson and experimenting because mountain-specific strength literature was lacking.
- Early failures (heavy squats didn't help skiers) led him to discover the need for eccentric leg training like leg blasters.
Train Backwards From End Goals
- Identify the sport's key fitness demands and train the gym exercises that efficiently target those demands.
- Program backwards from end-of-cycle goals and bias training toward the activity's dominant demands, like uphill endurance for mountain sports.
Prioritize Strength For Industrial Roles
- Industrial athletes need more strength because heavier packs and unpredictable events demand it, so prioritize strength training and a stronger midsection.
- Make training comprehensive and general to prepare for unknown rescue scenarios rather than only sport-specific tasks.