Strength Training Blog
Welcome to the Aspire for Adventure strength training blog, your go-to spot for practical fitness advice, strength building tips, and ways to move better both in the gym and outdoors.
I’m Cary Davis, Personal Trainer and Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, and I write each post to combine evidence-based movement principles with real-world experience from hiking, gym training, and outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re preparing for your next hike, improving your strength, or building a consistent routine at home, this strength training blog is here to help you stay strong, move confidently, and train with purpose.
I’m Cary Davis
With a background in competitive athletics—including Olympic Trials swimming and international Ironman racing—I bring a performance-driven approach to health and fitness.
I hold a BS in Health and Fitness Management and am a Certified Personal Trainer and licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, specializing in strength training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
The Trail Resilience Blueprint: A PT’s Guide to Ending Knee Pain and Building Downhill Strength
Strength training for hiking downhill is the missing link for most trekkers. We’ve all been there: You’re six miles into a stunning descent, the views are incredible, but you can’t enjoy them because your knees feel like they’re being poked with hot needles. Or...
New to the Gym? Your Complete Guide to Gym Orientation & Equipment Confidence
Walking into a gym for the first time or returning after a break can feel overwhelming. Treadmills, ellipticals, dumbbells, and machines all look intimidating, and it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing something wrong. That’s exactly why a gym orientation can make a...
Strength Training For Hikers At Home
By Cary Davis, PTA & Certified Personal Trainer Strength training for hikers at home is one of the most effective ways to prepare your body for long climbs, uneven terrain, and downhill hiking. Whether you’re preparing for a big backpacking trip, aiming to move...
Backpacking Training Plan: The 6-Week Clinical Guide to the Trail
By Cary Davis, Licensed PTA & Certified Personal Trainer Training for a backpacking trip requires more than just "getting your steps in." To carry 30+ lbs over thousands of feet of elevation without pain, you need a structured backpacking training plan that builds...
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