The Six Foundational Tests of the Alpine Method

Every gym has workouts. We built benchmarks.

These six tests are how we measure real progress at Alpine Powerhouse, not just "did you show up," but are you actually getting stronger, faster, and more durable over time. Run one every 6-8 weeks, log your score, and watch the number move. That's the whole point.

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How These Work

Four times a year, we run Benchmark Weeks. These are dedicated sessions where the whole gym runs the same test, on the same day, scored the same way. Your name goes up on the Summit Board, split by Male / Female / Masters divisions, so you can see exactly where you stand against the field and against your own last attempt.

Every test scales three ways, so nobody sits out:

  • Base: building the foundation, modified loads and movements

  • Peak: standard prescribed loads for most trained members

  • Summit: full Rx, for members chasing the top of the board

1. The Summit Test

Strength + Engine Benchmark: measures lower-body strength and aerobic recovery.

For Time:

  1. 800m Run

  2. 10 Back Squats @ bodyweight

  3. 800m Run

  4. 10 Front Squats @ 70% bodyweight

  5. 800m Run

Score: Total time.

2. The Trailblazer

Functional Outdoor Grind: total-body work capacity, grip, and resilience.

AMRAP 30:

  • 200m Run

  • 10 Sandbag Over-Shoulders

  • 15 Dumbbell Box Step-Overs

  • 100m Farmer Carry (heavy)

  • 20 Battle Rope Slams

We take this one outdoors whenever we can, it was built for dirt and wind, not a rubber floor.

3. The Granite Gauntlet

Muscular Endurance: full-body stamina and consistency under fatigue.

For Time (20-min cap):

  • 50 Wall Balls (20/14)

  • 40 Kettlebell Swings (moderate-heavy)

  • 30 Push-Ups

  • 20 Dumbbell Deadlifts (2x50/35)

  • 10 Box Jump-Overs

4. The Loadout

Strength + Carry Complex: functional strength and midline durability.

4 Rounds, rest 90 sec between rounds:

  • 10 Deadlifts (heavy)

  • 10 Push Press (moderate-heavy)

  • 50ft Sandbag Bear Hug Carry

  • 50ft Front Rack Carry

  • 50ft Overhead Carry

Score: Total time to complete all rounds.

5. The Inferno Carry

Grip + Core + Conditioning: sustaining power under fatigue and pressure.

For Time (25-min cap):

  • 400m Run

  • 200m Sandbag Carry

  • 400m Run

  • 200m Farmer Carry (heavy)

  • 400m Run

  • 50 Burpees

This one's named for a reason: it's built off the pacing and grip demand of a wildland fireline, not a whiteboard idea.

6. The Ascent

Endurance + Strength Hybrid: the ultimate test of full-body capacity and willpower.

For Time (45-min cap):

  • 1 Mile Run

  • 40 Thrusters (95/65)

  • 30 Pull-Ups

  • 20 Sandbag Cleans

  • 10 Dumbbell Man Makers

  • 400m StairMaster Climb (or stair laps)

Team Option: Partner up and split reps and runs together.

Why We Test Instead of Just Train

Anyone can tell you they're getting fitter. A benchmark either backs that up or it doesn't. Running these six tests on a repeating cycle means every member has a real, dated, comparable record of their own progress, not a feeling, a number. That's the same data-driven approach behind everything we program, whether you're training for Hyrox, ski season, or just want proof the work is paying off.

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Ready to see where you stand on the Summit Board?

Book Your Free No Sweat Intro or text us at 775-550-3612.