FMG Fitness Program

INTRODUCING THE FMG FITNESS PROGRAM

Mt. Fuji is not a climb to take lightly—it requires proper conditioning and preparation, especially for those who live near sea level or don't have an extensive background in mountain climbing.

At FMG we're pleased to introduce our veteran guide Yannis Karrer, who offers specialized training programs in the weeks and months leading up to your trip, designed to maximize your chances of reaching the summit! Programs start from ¥9,500, with premium options including personalized coaching, gear guidance, nutrition support, and more.

MEET YANNIS

"I've summited Mt. Fuji more than 150 times.

In one season alone, I climbed Fuji 80 times — including 7 consecutive single-day summit climbs. To do that, I had to develop a Fuji-specific fitness approach and hiking technique. I know exactly what it takes to reach the summit not just successfully, but comfortably — while others are out of breath.

I’ve guided thousands of people on Fuji. I’ve seen where most people go wrong in their preparation — and why so many struggle, don’t enjoy the hike, or never reach the summit.

I’m here to make sure you’re not one of them."

HOW IT WORKS

There are two mistakes people make in their preparation for Mt Fuji. One, not preparing at all. And two, not preparing in the right way. The training program is built on one core principle:

The more specific your training is, the faster and better your results will be.

Yannis can make training specific in two ways:

Training tailored to you — your current fitness, schedule, and preferences.
Training tailored to Mount Fuji — the exact physical demands of the mountain.

After signing up, you complete a short form so Yannis can understand your fitness level, schedule, and available equipment. Each week, you receive a structured training plan via Google Sheets. You track your sessions directly in the sheet. At the end of each week, Yannis reviews your progress and adjusts your next plan accordingly.

INCLUSIONS & PRICING

	Basic Program	Premium Program
Duration	8 Weeks	Monthly
14-day money-back guarantee	✅	✅
Money-back guarantee if you don't reach the summit	❌	✅**
Weekly training plans and progression tracking	✅	✅
Monthly video call to discuss training progression and other related matters	❌	✅
Unlimited email support	❌	✅
Hiking gear guidance	❌	✅
Nutrition guidance (during training and for Fuji hike)	❌	✅
Price	¥9,500	¥75,000 / month
Extension / renewal	Optional 4-week extension: ¥4,500	Monthly renewal (cancel anytime) → renew for as long as you’d like, Yannis can also coach you for other hikes in preparation for Fuji or mountains after Fuji
Spots available	Unlimited	Three at a time *Yannis can put you on waitlist if no spots are available

**Conditions

Only after Yannis determines you are ready for the hike
Only if you don’t reach the summit due to your own fitness (excluding weather, injury, other hikers in your party, etc.)

APPLY HERE

TESTIMONIALS

Sheila J. August, 2024 - FMG Google review

“Climbing Mt. Fuji way back August 2024 with very little hiking experience was incredibly challenging. I finished last to both the hut and summit far behind everyone else, exhausted and struggling the entire way. Still, I’m so grateful I chose Fuji Mountain Guides. The trip was exceptionally well organized and the guides were knowledgeable and supportive. Yannis, our sweeper during the climb, paced me patiently and made sure I felt encouraged all the way up.

When I finally reached the summit, the view was absolutely breathtaking and worth every painful step. Standing there, I knew I wanted to climb more mountains, I just didn’t want to suffer through them again. The only thing holding me back was my fitness level.

That’s when I decided to work with Yannis for a personalized training program.
Yannis didn’t give me a generic plan. He carefully considered my starting fitness level, my preferences, my limitations and even the specific mountains I wanted to climb. Everything was tailored specifically to me. The training was structured, progressive and highly effective. It was challenging yet sustainable.

Now, I’m in my best shape. Since then, I’ve summited even higher peaks and even returned to Mt Fuji a year later, of course still with Fuji Mountain Guides. This time, I truly enjoyed the hike. I felt strong and steady the entire way up and down.
I’m beyond grateful for Yannis and his coaching. He didn’t just improve my fitness, he completely transformed my mountain experience. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to level up and truly enjoy their climbs.”

Daniel R. (WhatsApp message)

“Before working with Yannis, I always had some anxiety before big hikes because I never really knew if I was prepared enough. His coaching completely changed that. The training plan was tailored to my schedule, the equipment I had access to, and even took a previous injury into account. By the time the hike came around I felt confident and physically ready. Yannis really understands what mountain hiking demands.”

Sarah M. (WhatsApp message)

“Yannis is an incredibly knowledgeable coach. His experience as a mountain guide, ultra marathon runner, and rock climber really shows in the way he structures training. Most people don’t realize how important it is to train specifically for the type of mountain you’re aiming for, and Yannis builds the whole plan around that. The coaching was simple to follow, very personalized, and made a huge difference in my performance.”