Canine Handler Fitness Podcast

• The Hidden Signs You’re Ready to Level Up (or Dial It Back)

  Are you spinning your wheels with workouts that just don’t seem to work? Choosing the wrong fitness level could be sabotaging your progress without you even realizing it!In this episode, we're taking the guesswork out of training decisions. Whether you're just starting out or eyeing the advanced programs, we break down how to confidently select the right level — and how to know when you're ready to level up.In this episode, we cover:Key indicators to help you choose the right course level for your current fitness, mobility, and coordinationThe biggest mistakes handlers make when starting too high or too low – and how it affects performanceHow to tell when you’re ready to progress to a more challenging programThe way our strength AND speed/agility programs build on one another for cumulative gainsWhy consistency matters more than intensity at the beginningHow each level supports your goals in the ring, from improved stability to more explosive sprintingDon't miss this: ➡️ We reference our FREE Handler Stretching Guide — a great place to start assessing how your body moves and what level may suit you best. You can grab yours at https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61aListen now and take the first step toward choosing the perfect challenge level — one that sets you up for success, not setbacks. 💪

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• Handler Mindset Makeover: Winning the Workout Game with Special Guest Heather Sumlin

  We’re diving into one of the biggest struggles I hear from so many handlers and competitors: “I know I should work out — so why is it so hard to actually stick with it?”If you’ve ever felt frustrated by that tug-of-war in your head — you want to get stronger and faster for your dog, but your follow-through fizzles out — you are going to love this conversation.In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Sumlin, an amazing mental management coach who works with athletes, handlers, and everyday people to break through the mental roadblocks that get in the way of consistent training. Together, we unpack:✨ Why connecting to your deeper “why” really matters — and how to reframe boring mobility drills into something that feels motivating and meaningful.✨ How perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking sneak in — and simple reframes you can use when life is busy so you still get a win instead of skipping your workout altogether.✨ The shift from “I should work out” to “This is who I am.” We explore how seeing yourself as an athlete for your dog changes your commitment, your mindset, and your results.✨ What to do when your inner critic shows up. [Guest’s Name] shares powerful tips for handling the voice that says, “You’re too old,” or “You’ll never be as fast as them.”✨ Protecting your energy and avoiding burnout. We talk about how to stop pouring from an empty cup so you can stay strong for your dog — and yourself.✨ The power of environment and tiny habits. Learn how to build workout cues right into your day, so you don’t have to rely on willpower.✨ How to bounce back after you fall off track. Because missing a week (or a month!) doesn’t mean you’ve failed — and we’ll help you see how to reset and keep going.Whether you’re an experienced competitor or just starting your fitness journey, you’ll come away from this episode with fresh mindset tools, practical ideas, and inspiration to help you keep showing up for yourself — and your dog — for the long haul.🎧 Listen now and let us know what lands for you — we’d love to hear what helps!You can find Heather’s amazing work, resources, and coaching on her Website at HeatherSumlin.com ,her Patreon bit.ly/4l190BH and her inspiring Podcast — https://bit.ly/4eUcHrk!For more tools, workouts, and ways to work with me, head to caninehandlerfitness.com And don’t forget to share this one with a friend who might need a little mental boost, too. You’ve got this!Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control?Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now: https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a

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• The Power of Physical Literacy: Move Better, Feel Stronger

  If you’ve ever skipped a workout because you felt awkward, uncoordinated, or just plain embarrassed, this episode is for you.We’re diving into why so many adults feel clumsy when they try to get back into movement—and how to change that narrative for good. You’ll learn why feeling “unathletic” has less to do with your actual ability and more to do with missing physical literacy building blocks that many of us never had a chance to develop as kids.We talk about:What muscle memory really is—and how to rebuild itHow physical literacy shapes confidence and coordinationWhy fitness can feel so vulnerable for adults (and what to do about it)The role of play, curiosity, and skill-building in getting betterHow dog training principles like “start simple and reward often” can work for people, tooWhether you’re brand new to movement or just feeling out of practice, you’ll leave this episode with tools, reassurance, and a few laughs—and hopefully the permission to start again, without shame.👉 Want more? Check out resources, programs, and future episodes at caninehandlerfitness.com🎙️ Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next!Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control?Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now!

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• Tired, Foggy, Craving Sugar? A Handler’s Guide to Ditching Sugar Cravings

  As dog sport handlers, we’re meticulous about how we fuel our dogs—high-quality food, hydration, recovery routines, the works. But when it comes to fueling ourselves? Especially around sugar cravings? That often gets overlooked.The problem is, unchecked sugar cravings don’t just impact your diet—they impact your performance. If you're constantly reaching for quick sugar fixes, you’re more likely to experience blood sugar crashes that leave you foggy, fatigued, and less responsive on the field.That means slower decision-making, less endurance, and a reduced ability to stay sharp and decisive—whether you're navigating an agility course, hiking all day at a trial, or tracking in challenging terrain.How you fuel yourself matters just as much as how you fuel your dog—because you’re a team, and both parts of that team need to perform at their best.In this episode of Canine Handler Fitness, we’re unpacking the real reasons sugar cravings hit so hard—especially on long trial days, during training blocks, or when life is extra stressful. This isn’t about guilt or restriction—it’s about helping you understand what your body’s asking for and how to respond in a way that supports your energy, focus, and performance.We’ll explore:Why sugar cravings aren’t about “lack of willpower”The critical connection between sleep, blood sugar, and sugar crashesHow gut bacteria and taste buds influence what you craveEmotional vs. biological cravings—and how to tell the differenceWhat this means for your handling, stamina, and mindset in the ringPlus: simple, science-backed strategies you can start using this week to reduce cravings, feel more steady, and fuel yourself like the athlete you are.You wouldn’t send your dog into a big weekend underfed, under-rested, or out of balance—so why do it to yourself?Perfect For:Dog sport handlers who struggle with sugar crashes or snack binges at trialsAnyone working on handler fitness, nutrition, or consistent energyHandlers who want to perform better without giving up joy or food they loveGet free resources and more support over at caninehandlerfitness.comReady to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control? Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now: https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a

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• Trial Day Fueling 101

  Trial days are long, unpredictable, and full of high-stakes moments—for both you and your dog. What you eat directly impacts your energy, brain power, recovery, and enthusiasm. In this episode, we’re diving into how to fuel your body like the athlete you are so you stay sharp, steady, and ready to run—without the dreaded afternoon crash.You’ll learn:What (and when) to eat before your first runSmart snack strategies to stay energized between classesHow to dodge the sugar crash cycleWhy hydration fuels your brain as much as your bodyWhat caffeine can (and can’t) do for your performanceHow to eat for mental clarity, physical recovery, and consistent focus—all day longWhether you're new to trialing or looking to fine-tune your performance, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help you stay energized, clear-headed, and ready for anything from first walk-through to final run.Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control? Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now: https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a

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