Wave trainer brings inspiration to the gym from Alaska's peaks

The Wave's newest personal trainer, Jason Hampton, has guided clients to some of the highest peaks in Alaska.

Now at the lower elevations of the Flathead, he hopes to take some of those lessons learned in the thin air of Mount Hunter and convert them into a fitness regime for his clients at the Baker Avenue fitness center.

"In mountaineering, you have to be very clear and concise in the process you are taking to get to the destination," Hampton said. "My clients (in the gym) have a goal and a destination, they just don't know how to get there."

And that's where Hampton comes in.

The 30-year-old, originally from Pleasant Grove, Utah, moved to the valley about three years ago to work as a manager at a horse ranch in Trego. He recently decided a career in horses wasn't for him and turned his work ambitions toward fitness.

He is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and was hired at The Wave in April.

Hampton says one of the most important things he learned as a guide in the Alaska Range was how to effectively communicate proper climbing technique to his clients. It's a trait that is imperative on exposed mountain slopes, but can easily be translated for the gym.

"Being able to take something, pick it apart enough to show someone how to do it properly and clearly," Hampton said. "That really comes through in mountaineering."

Form though exercise is really a science, he said.

"If clients don't have any coaching or guidance, their form can be bad and they will actually do more damage than good."

Most of Hampton's clients aren't well-conditioned mountain climbers, but rather people with cardiovascular issues or those looking for basic physical conditioning.

"I'm mostly working with retired people who want to get back into shape and do day-to-day activities they have lost touch with," he said.

One of the first questions he asks a new client is, "Why are you here?"

Whether the answer is, "I want to do a triathlon" or "I want to walk 18 holes of golf," Hampton says setting a goal is key to success.

He shows his clients where the foundation is and then works them up to their destination, just like he did as a guide in Alaska.

"Small steps, big changes," Hampton said. "You have to take small baby steps to get to this big grand peak."

He guides his clients to their personal goals through a variety of outlets, including cardio, flexibility, balance and weight-training exercises.

"I'll put people through a barrage of different stuff," he said. "If you throw different stuff at people, they don't get bored and their body adapts quicker."

Often, Hampton will do exercises alongside his clients to better demonstrate proper form — which he says is a great way for him to stay in shape, too.