09/19/2025
This summer I piloted an outdoor personal training program with someone who was four months postpartum and had limited experience in the outdoors. She wanted to find inspiration, build confidence, and set the ambitious goal of summiting a 14er before returning to work in October.
The program included an initial assessment, weekly customized guided hikes paired with independent homework hikes, and lesson plans that integrated strength training, aerobic conditioning, and outdoor skills instruction. Along the way, she also learned how to plan, pack, and prepare for a 14er and how to assess and manage risk in the mountains. Each week built on the last, creating steady progress toward her goal.
After three months, she can read clouds and anticipate weather, hikes without pain during or after outings, has built a strong foundation of strength and endurance, and today achieved her goal of summiting a 14er.
I couldn’t be more proud of the time, effort, and courage she invested to make this happen. For me, it has been inspiring to see how outdoor training can empower people to grow, heal, and achieve things they didn’t think possible.
This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to continue building this program to help more people discover what’s possible in the outdoors.
