Train Like the Mountain Demands- "Sandpaper" Workout from MTNTOUGH

It is June in Arkansas.  I am in peak swimming pool, cold beer, and creek fishing shape.  So in order to try and tighten the screws a little and get this body back on track, I reached out to our friends over at MTNTOUGH for a workout to challenge me mentally and physically.  And, in true MTNTOUGH form, they did not disappoint.  Check out this "Sandpaper" workout from their Preseason Prep 3.0 series.  Link at the bottom to check out the video. Pictures of me getting my ass kicked for your enjoyment.  Let's get to work

Why Cardio Isn’t Enough to Prepare for a Backcountry Hunt

MTNTOUGH is a performance training system built for mountain athletes, backcountry hunters, and tactical professionals. For over 10 years, we’ve been developing no-nonsense, hunt-specific fitness programs that prepare people to show up strong, durable, and mentally unbreakable when it matters most — whether that’s deep in the wilderness or facing life’s toughest challenges.

Backcountry hunting isn’t a marathon. It’s a multi-day grind where you wake up sore, tired, and possibly at altitude, strap on a pack that’s getting heavier, and do it all over again. Often this happens while navigating brutal terrain, glassing for hours, and staying mentally locked in when every part of you wants to quit.

Most hunters think racking up miles on the treadmill, Stairmaster, or trail runs will get them ready. It won’t.

Cardio builds a basic aerobic engine, but it doesn’t prepare your body or mind for the real demands of a mountain hunt: carrying heavy loads day after day, explosive power for steep climbs and technical descents, core and joint stability under fatigue, and the mental toughness required to push through when the easy choice is to turn around.

That’s exactly why we built Preseason Prep 3.0 at MTNTOUGH — our most advanced, intentional 16-week program for serious backcountry hunters.

The Problem with “Just Cardio”

Pure cardio has major gaps:

• It does little for strength and work capacity under load. A 50–80 lb pack changes everything — your posture, stride, and energy systems.
• It ignores energy system specificity. Hunts require a mix of sustained efforts (Zone 2), hard surges (VO2 max and glycolytic), and grinding lactate threshold work.
• It neglects durability. Ankles, hips, shoulders, and your core take a beating on uneven terrain. Without targeted stability and mobility work, small issues become hunt-ending injuries.
• Most importantly, it rarely builds mental toughness. Grinding out steady-state cardio doesn’t simulate the repeated decision-making and discomfort of a 7–10 day hunt.

You need a complete system that trains you to be durable, resilient, and lethal when it matters most.

The Preseason Prep 3.0 Philosophy: Train Like the Mountains Demand

Preseason Prep 3.0 was built with one goal in mind: prepare you to perform day after day in the backcountry. Here’s what makes it different:

• Strength Foundation — We start with hypertrophy to build muscle and technique, then move into heavy 5x5 strength work. Strong legs, back, and shoulders are non-negotiable when you’re carrying gear and meat.
• Energy System Development — Deliberate blocks targeting Zone 2 (aerobic base), VO2 Max, high-intensity intervals, and lactate threshold (pack grinds). This creates a bigger engine and better recovery between hard efforts.
• Multi-Day Capacity & Pack Work — Progressive ruck and sled training that increases load and complexity. You don’t just get used to the pack. You get comfortable performing under fatigue day after day.
• Body Armor + Zone 2 Days — A dedicated midweek session for prehab, mobility, stability, and true Zone 2 work. This isn’t a rest day. It raises your base, protects your joints, improves recovery, and teaches discipline by forcing you to slow down when you’d rather redline.
• Mental Toughness — Every workout is designed with intention. From timed complexes with short rest to manipulated pack loads and “Sandpaper”-style sessions that simulate the mental ups and downs of the backcountry. You learn to embrace discomfort and stay present when it gets hard.

The result? You show up to your hunt with one less thing to worry about. Your body and mind are ready to stay in the field longer, handle the unexpected, and capitalize on opportunities when others are breaking down.

SANDPAPER WORKOUT

Buy-In (3 rounds – 90-second intervals)

• Assault Bike Sprint – 5 calories
• Kettlebell High-Pull Squat – 5 reps
• Kettlebell Ground-to-Shoulder Chop – 5 reps per side (10 total)

Main Block (8 total efforts – 3 minutes each)

Every round starts with:

• Assault Bike Sprint: 15 calories (men) / 10 calories (women)

Odd Rounds (1, 3, 5, 7):

• Sandbag Squat Thrusters – 6 reps
• Sandbag Searcher Squats – 6 reps
• Sandbag Bench Rows – 12 reps
• Rest remaining time

Even Rounds (2, 4, 6, 8):

• Sandbag Ground-to-Shoulder to Right Shoulder – 6 reps
• Sandbag Walking Lunges – 6 reps
• Sandbag Ground-to-Shoulder to Left Shoulder – 6 reps
• Sandbag Walking Lunges – 6 reps
• Rest remaining time

Finisher (2 rounds – 4 minutes each)

• Sled Push/Pull (125% Bodyweight): 3 laps (10 yards out, 10 yards back)  No sled, no problem, check this video out.
• Burpees over Sandbag: 12 reps (6 per side – 2-foot lateral hop)
• Remaining time: Dumbbell Farmer Hold (minimum 60% bodyweight total)
• Rest ~1 minute between rounds

Go through this workout and you’ll immediately feel the difference between generic cardio and hunt-specific training.

If you want to feel unbreakable this season, Preseason Prep 3.0 is available now at MTNTOUGH. This is our most refined, tested, and effective hunter program yet — built for guys who refuse to let their fitness be the limiting factor.

Train smart. Train hard. Stay dangerous.

— MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab

Link to the workout.