Behind The Logo
The discovery of inner strength. The conquering of great trials. The perseverance of the human spirit. Across time and culture, these traits have defined the path of our species as well as the heroes we revere. Since childhood, I have been captivated by legends of valiant knights and righteous warriors. Intelligent, confident, and strong, these mythic figures continue to offer ideals worthy of aspiration.Their epic tales continue to resonate with us because that same hunger for adventure dwells within our bones. We crave the thrill of exploration, the war-beat of a racing heart, and the fireside fellowship that follows an unforgettable journey.
From Beowulf to Theodore Roosevelt, the heroes of our mythology embody what the ancient Greeks called arete: the culmination of one’s physical, mental, and spiritual potential. Achieving arete is the key to unlocking a life of quality and meaningful experience. This ancient virtue is the basis for The Adventure Athlete Training System, as demonstrated in the iconography of our logo, the Hero.
Let the Hero be a rallying banner for those who strive to master their body, mind, and spirit. Training is about playing with the fires of adversity. The fire that drives us to succeed; to conquer; to grow. The heroic journey is about leaving behind the status quo, discovering your true potential, and then sharing it with the world. Where or when you begin this journey does not matter; where it ends depends on who you are. Some may strive to climb Mount Everest, others to complete a single push up. My mission is to blur the line between myth and reality and to shape you into the hero you were always meant to be.
The Body
A keen eye will notice the Hero is performing a Get Up. Combining elements of the five fundamental movements – Squat, Hinge, Push, Pull, Carry – the Get Up is a symbol of functional strength training. Unlike traditional forms of exercise that focus on aesthetics or competition, The Adventure Athlete Training System teaches realistic movement for real-world athleticism. We must prepare the body for movement by training movement. This approach prevents injury and improves performance in the gym and in our lives.
The barbell looms heavy over the hero: a constant reminder of the challenge of fitness. While exercise should be creative and fun, fitness is a state that requires consistent, dedicated effort. To enjoy the freedom of a strong, durable body, we must respect the journey and accept the cost. The Adventure Athlete Training System is varied, progressive, and functional in order to maximize physical adaptation, create engaging workouts, and form practical results.
The Mind
The Hero’s helm armors both his body and mind. In our current world, we are stressed with long work days and not enough free time. The daily choice to exercise is a sacrifice and test of will that most people fail. By dedicating ourselves to consistent activity, we may temper our minds against laziness and procrastination. Exercise crafts the discipline to ignore that voice inside us all that whispers, “Just relax. You’re too tired. You can always start tomorrow.” For each day we win this internal struggle, we not only strengthen our fitness, we also strengthen the ability to exert discipline in every area of our lives.
With well-rounded athleticism comes improved confidence and self-image.The Adventure Athlete Training System builds a self-reliance that helps you feel strong, even in non-physical situations. Whether you are learning a new skill, creating art, or dealing with stressful colleagues, being certain of your physical aptitude fortifies your mental constitution. An armored conscience is your best defense against the unending barrage of self-doubt, apathy, misleading advertisements, and photoshopped fitness models. A strong and healthy body is something to be proud of!
The Spirit
The sword is a timeless symbol of courage, action, and adventure. Like the Hero’s blade, The Adventure Athlete uses fitness to conquer his or her own destiny. Fitness forges fearlessness. Through mastering our bodies, we instill the bravery to conquer feats that were previously unimaginable. Whether you are exploring the wilderness, protecting a loved-one from danger, attempting a world record, or assisting a stranger in need, confidence in your body’s performance open doors to countless meaningful adventures.
A sword is only useful if it remains sharp. While the time spent in the gym is unparallelled for systematic progress, training within the natural environment hones our movement for real-world action. The weight room can get you “gym strong,” but testing your fitness outdoors invites variation and breeds toughness through changing weather, uneven terrain, and a lack of equipment. There are no barbells or adjustable weights in the wild. Our bodies must be resilient enough to safely and confidently adapt to the situation at hand.
On a deeper level, outdoor exercise satisfies our ancestral, nomadic curiosity. Humans are meant to explore, play, and interact with the natural environment. As we connect with our world, we regain a sense of purpose and belonging to our planet – a feeling that has only recently been lost. By living with the earth, rather than on it, we can truly appreciate and experience the treasures our world has to offer.
