MTNTOUGH Fitness App Uses Concept2 in Programming

MTNTOUGH is a fitness program developed in Montana specifically for back country hunters and has grown to include military personnel and mountain athletes, law enforcement officers, first responders, and anyone who wants functional fitness workouts. A large part of the MTNTOUGH philosophy is that mental toughness is just as important as physical strength, so that plays a big part in their programming. Here we talk with Weston Paul, Director of Business Development at MTNTOUGH, about what the program is all about and how Concept2 plays a part in it.

How did MTNTOUGH get started?

Dustin Diefenderfer founded MTNTOUGH in 2016. He started training hunters specifically for hunting season. Originally, he operated out of a park behind his house and then he moved into a gym space. The MTNTOUGH Fitness App was launched in 2022 which has enabled the company to grow immensely.  

Why did you start using MTNTOUGH?

I started using MTNTOUGH to supplement my trail running program. I realized that trail running alone was not adequate to support me in hunting season. Adding MTNTOUGH workouts to my training schedule made me a more resilient runner and it helped me to carry a heavy pack up (and down) the mountains in the fall.

Did you see a void in the industry or a neglected community?

Our style of training is so unique that we recognized there was a void—there are no other styles of training like ours. People started our programming and often said, “Where has this been all along?” or “I’ve been looking for this my whole life.” We gained immediate traction in the hunting world, but we saw an organic interest in the military space because of our style. They love that it does not beat them up and allows them to be ready for any mission that they get called into.

When did you first hear the name Concept2 or try one of our products?

The Sect Fitness in Salt Lake City was the real introduction to the machines because they run the triathlon (brutal workout) which uses a SkiErg, RowErg and BikeErg. But overall, we knew that we had to use Concept2 because of the RowErgs and SkiErgs. We love them for the benefit they provide to the cardiovascular system!

Why have you chosen the RowErg and SkiErg?  

They are the perfect addition to our programming. We have a strong emphasis on endurance training, so it is only natural to incorporate Concept2 machines for people to see the results. We also love that they are easily accessible at most gyms. So many people are adding them to their home gym setup, too. Running on a treadmill is not for everyone, so having machines like the SkiErg or RowErg is the perfect addition to our programming.

What types of athletes do you primarily work with?  

We work with mountain athletes and those who aspire to be mountain athletes. Our athletes come to us because they want to travel long distances over multiple days, in extremely rugged terrain. We offer them the training that makes them successful!

What’s your favorite/go-to workout that incorporates a Concept2 erg?  

We love team workouts with the machines! Honestly, when you are teamed up with two or three other people, and everyone must pull their weight, the machines work perfectly. Even though you are gassed, you can see where you can push yourself further. With the encouragement of a team, you can pull that much harder, and everyone benefits from that!

We’d love to hear a quick story that involves Concept2 equipment–a motivational, funny, or learning moment.  

We recently had a guy come join us for a competition and he had a broken arm. He used his good arm to ski and row. We had not ever seen that before, but he crushed it with one arm!

How have you expanded or changed your use of Concept2 equipment over the years?  

As our events grow, we realize that we need more Concept2 machines! We have not used the BikeErg that much, but I am sure we will incorporate it in the future. For now, Calories and meters on the SkiErg and RowErg are critical to our success at MTNTOUGH!

How do you balance gym training with getting outside and enjoying nature?  

The gym is simply a place for me to supplement my outdoor activities. I want to feel good when I am in the mountains and, at 42, I know that I have to maintain my body so that I can continue to go on mountain adventures. I know that the work I put in at the gym enhances my time on and off the trail!