When it comes to exercising in Missoula, Kiefer Hahn and Rhea Fuller hate the term “working out.”
For them, it's an insult to the amazing place we live.
It's not drudgery to get outside and embrace all the recreational options - nor should it be, the business partners and local athletes believe; it can be the very best part of someone's day.
To that end, Hahn and Fuller have opened Momentum Athletic Training. Their office is a small-scale full gym near the University of Montana footbridge, but expect the new indoor equipment to get a little dusty.
Momentum is all about getting outdoors and using the natural environment to train your body, improve your circulation and see new places. The man-made fitness equipment, they said, is a hedge against nasty weather.
As Fuller likes to say: “For the most part, barring black ice and lightning, there's no bad weather - just improper clothing.”
The most often used “equipment” will be what Mother Nature has provided: rocks as weights, hills as Stairmaster machines, inclines for resistant sit-ups, paths as treadmills.
Their focus is not about losing weight or looking good in a bikini; of course, such a turn of events is likely to happen under their watch.
Instead, the duo's goal is to help people find their own individual outdoor exercise rhythm, which becomes part of their day.
“Exercise for us is like brushing our teeth; it's never a chore,” Fuller said. “It's as good as that first cup of coffee, it's what we look forward to, and we want to inspire people so that whatever activity they choose to do, it becomes not a chore but part of their lifestyle.”
As top athletes who are familiar faces - and frequent winners - in regional running, hill climb, skiing and cycling competitions, Fuller and Hahn said they know firsthand that to stay healthy and to feel good it's important to have a fitness program - a plan - that really works and is enjoyable.
While they are already fitness coaches to local cyclists with ambitious competitive goals and they enjoy working with high-caliber, high-achieving athletes, Hahn said they are really excited and eager to coach and cheerlead folks who fall into the “weekend warrior” category.
“For the past 15 years of my life, I've been outside and there have been so many moments - like running in the Rattlesnake - where I feel like the luckiest person alive. When I'm out there doing it, I know I'm not existing - I'm alive, and I know the feeling could catch on, and people who don't normally get out there and breathe the air and enjoy what's around us would like it too.”
Momentum's focus is to help people feel good, and their method is simple: “We want to help guide, not define people's individuals goals,” Fuller said.
“For people to succeed, their goals have to be self-driven. Our role is help instill confidence and give energy to those goals.”
The trainers have wilderness first aid training, and are prepared to handle emergencies should they arise, and to soothe any fears clients might have about trekking off pavement.
“A lot of people have this fear of getting outside - and feel like they aren't safe,” Fuller said. “We want to show them that training outside is the best place to be.”
Find Momentum at 815 E. Front St., or call them for more information about their group classes and individual coaching rates at 541-7474.
Expect to leave a message - they're on the move.
And expect Momentum-sponsored community runs, hikes and other activities to be held in the coming months.
“We want to celebrate Missoula's great open spaces,” Hahn said, “and help make a healthier community.”
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