MTNTOUGH's Specific Workout Regime for the Army Fitness Test

MTNTOUGH's Specific Workout Regime for the Army Fitness Test

Author: Dustin Diefenderfer Founder and CEO of MTNTOUGH Fitness July 9, 2026 Duration: 30:02

Justin (20-year 75th Ranger Regiment veteran) and Coach Sarah Maschino break down MTNTOUGH’s new 9-week AFT prep program, “The Standard.” Designed specifically for the Army Fitness Test (trap bar deadlift, hand-release push-ups, plank, sprint-drag-carry, and 2-mile run), this program delivers progressive strength, smart run training, combat-focused kit days, and vertical gain work. Built for soldiers who already train hard year-round, it balances volume and recovery while building the discipline and mental toughness needed to perform under pressure. Also excellent for other tactical athletes and civilians wanting a structured 9-week strength + conditioning block.


This program is available now! Check it out here: https://lab.mtntough.com/programs/collection-resx8gv4cbm?category_id=280074


V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T


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S U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S:


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What is MTNTOUGH Fitness?


MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.


Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.


00:00:00 - Intro: Justin & The New AFT Program “The Standard”00:01:43 - What Is the Army Fitness Test (AFT)?00:03:20 - Why MTNTOUGH Built a Specialized AFT Prep Program00:05:09 - Who Should Do This Program?00:07:29 - 9-Week Structure: Base, Build & Peak Phases00:11:46 - Why the Sled Is Non-Negotiable00:14:05 - Peak Phase & How Mental Toughness Is Built00:20:58 - Common Mistakes Soldiers Make Preparing for the AFT00:23:47 - What to Do If You Miss Workouts00:28:13 - Final Thoughts & Who Else Should Run The Standard


Hosted by Dustin Diefenderfer, founder and CEO of MTNTOUGH Fitness, the MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer digs into what true toughness means for those who push their limits in the wild. This isn't just about gym routines; it's a deep, practical conversation on building a resilient body, a focused mind, and a grounded spirit, all forged through the demands of backcountry hunting, military experience, and mountain sports. You'll hear unfiltered stories and actionable advice drawn from the trenches-whether that's a steep elk hunt, a high-stakes rescue, or a personal breakthrough. The discussions in this podcast are built for hunters, first responders, and anyone who finds their clarity off the beaten path, offering expert insights that translate directly to performance in unpredictable environments. It’s about functional fitness for real-world challenges, moving far beyond generic workout tips to explore the holistic grit required to thrive when things get hard. Tune in for honest reflections and hard-won lessons that aim to fortify every aspect of your life, naturally connecting the principles behind the MTNTOUGH app to the raw experiences that inspired it.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer
Podcast Episodes
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