[jamesc]

Hi there,

I bought the 16 week mountaineering training plan in preparation for an attempt on the Matterhorn in September. There will be some requirement for pulling on fixed ropes and I see the suggested exercises in the training plan are – 1) single arm dumbbell row 2) cable row and 3) tricep extension.

The first one is easy but without access to the specific machines, is there an alternative to exercises 2 and 3 using either resistance bands or TRX?

Thanks in advance.

James

[Leif Whittaker]

Hi James,

Sounds like an awesome trip! The TRX is a really useful tool for this sort of strength training.

I suggest using the “Bow and Arrow” movement to replace the single arm row. You can weight this with a vest or adjust the length of the TRX strap to increase difficulty.  Here is a link to that exercise: https://youtu.be/H7BCwIXolkg

You can do a TRX “Low Row” to replace the cable rows. Same variations with vest and strap to increase difficulty. Here is a link to that exercise: https://youtu.be/rXptjrVbhgg

And triceps extensions can be done on the TRX too. Video: https://youtu.be/xODm0GuXPMY

Start with maybe 3 sets of 8 reps of each exercise for a month and progress to higher reps as you get closer to your Matterhorn climb.

Resistance straps are useful too. Generally, you can do a higher number of reps at a bit faster pace until you feel that muscular burn. The exercises are essentially the same, with the strap wrapped around a solid object you can pull/push against. You should be able to easily find videos for those exercises with a google search.

Hope that’s helpful! Good luck on the Matterhorn and let us know if you have any more questions.

Coach Leif

[jamesc]

Thanks Leif. That is very helpful. I will give those exercises a try during the next strength session.

I really enjoyed your book by the way!

James

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