Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen introduces the latest installment of the Montana Business Spotlight series recognizing and highlighting local businesses across the Treasure State. This feature introduces Montanans to MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab in Bozeman.

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen continued her visits with Montana businesses this week, touring the MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and testing one of the grueling custom programs the business created for clients.

Following Monday’s Land Board visit of Gallatin County state trust lands, Secretary Jacobsen learned how MTNTOUGH creates workouts tailored to maximize use of those public lands. The Bozeman-based business was developed by a team of former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and backcountry hunters to prepare avid outdoorsmen both physically and mentally for resilience in Montana’s tough and physical elements.

Founder Dustin Diefenderfer says MTNTOUGH was founded on three pillars: 

• To treat the backcountry hunter like any other professional athlete,
• Human performance is a constant evolution, and
• To strengthen mental toughness.

MTNTOUGH creates training programs to make an outdoorsman “stronger, faster, more durable, and more resilient in the mountains,” Diefenderfer proclaims in MTNTOUGH’s promos.

The MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab boasts an 8,700-square foot facility looking toward the Bridger Mountains. Workouts are designed, tested, and launched at the lab, while users can access numerous programs through the MTNTOUGH app.

“Dustin Diefenderfer and his team have created a unique business model and an incredible program that builds both physical and mental endurance,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Montana hunters, hikers, climbers, and others looking to push their limits could benefit from the custom-built programs from MTNTOUGH Fitness Labs.”

Diefenderfer and the MTNTOUGH team put Secretary Jacobsen and staff through one of their intense workouts. The “Caged Viking” is part of MTNTOUGH’s “Preseason Prep 2.0” program which promises to “make you stronger, faster, and more resilient in the mountains.”

The strenuous routine included the likes of kettlebell swings, dumbbell snatches, chin-ups, sled push/pulls, and maximum calorie burn on an exercise bike. Each targets different strength, endurance, and cardio requirements so “there are no surprises” for backcountry hunters, according to the program’s online description.

“MTNTOUGH put us through a grueling workout as an example of the custom programs they provide their clients,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “It’s easy to see how hunters, hikers, and backcountry adventurers can benefit from these fierce programs that are built to prepare them for whatever challenges they may face.”

“Thank you to the MTNTOUGH team for the honor of visiting, and thank you for doing business in Montana,” Secretary Jacobsen added.