KMB: Rogue American

Bet these moves aren’t part of your normal workout routine (yet)!

By: Monica Brant

Continuing our quest to explore open and available training facilities in the Austin area, this month, we ventured over to Hudson Bend for a unique training experience for our April KMB feature. We like to call it “Kick Mo’s Butt” since that’s what I am going for … I mean, who doesn’t want that feeling of complete or close-to-complete failure at the end of a great training sesh?

Well, I definitely received a booty-kicking at Wes Whitlock’s functional outdoor gym next to his Rogue American compound, complete with a storefront and podcasting room. Since I used to live only a few minutes away from the location, I was eager to visit.

It had been a minute since he invited me to come train and, while contemplating our next KMB feature, I had to inquire with Wes if we could make it happen.

As a retired Marine, Wes owns and operates a clothing line, Rogue American Apparel, and Invader Coffee, a coffee company. Outside of the building stands a few shipping containers placed together: an outdoor gym, which is free to all veterans, law enforcement officers and supporters of the business.

I had quite a bit of anticipation for the workout, as it was supposed to happen in February but was postponed due to the freeze. I knew I was in for a treat and certainly looked forward to the intense session. It has been a while since I performed anything like these training techniques.

After a brief warmup, Wes spilled the beans (not coffee beans) on what the workout had in store:

1. One-arm, off-balanced Farmer’s Carry with a kettlebell

2. Conan Wheel: front carry/walk

3. Heavy partner sled pulls

4. Car deadlift partner (1970 Chevelle)

5. Stone lift: Wes wanted me to toss the 90-pound stone over my back after picking it up — that will have to come next time. Picking it up was one thing; tossing it over my back was a completely different feat, at least for that day. (I would like to try another day, though!)

6. Ropes: single arm

7. Rope jumps

8. Giant truck push: Wes and I were able to push it one way which just happened to be a slight downgrade ... but we had to enlist three people to help push it back up the slight uphill grade — maybe a 50-foot push.

9. 800-pound partner tire flip

10. Rifle sprint training model

All and all, I enjoyed the different elements and tests of strength. If I still lived in the area, I would make this training at least once a week to gain strength and challenge myself differently. It was certainly an intense session, and yes, I did get my butt kicked!

Following the workout, I was still able to move well and exercise the next day, so I believe it was a terrific stimulation to my muscles and good for the mind to be pushed in this intensity. After all, there were a few dizzy moments after the heavy lifts that made me feel like I was 50 pounds lighter on my feet, too!

I recommend all Austinites check out Rogue American and Invader Coffee (if you are a coffee fan, you will love this line!), and be prepared to get a session in after some shopping. Side note: This was not part of the workout, but I was allowed a chance to drive the giant Transformers-inspired truck! Rewards of hard work, I suppose. On the short drive, we stopped by a very dear friend’s home where she, her husband and their two sons (high school and collegeaged) all love large trucks, so that was fun to surprise them with this big truck show!

Be sure to head over to Rogue American and give the gym a go — and let him know Mo sent ya! Enjoy … and take your time to warm up properly!

Stay fit, love life and God bless!

Monica Brant