Canine Handler Fitness Podcast

In this deeply personal first episode of the Canine Handler Fitness Podcast, Liz Joyce opens up about the life experiences that shaped her — as a woman, a coach, and a movement professional. From wrestling in high school and working industrial jobs, to living with Crohn’s and finding healing through strength, Liz shares how movement became the thread that pulled her forward through every chapter.

This episode isn’t just about fitnes...

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 cove...

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 manageme...

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 ...

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 th...

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 run
• Smart snack strategies to stay ener...

Welcome to Part 2 of our sprint form mini-series!

If you missed Part 1, pause here and go back—we covered foot strike, knee drive, and arm pumping, the foundation of powerful sprinting.

Today, we’re finishing the puzzle with the top three mechanics that help you stay controlled, rhythmic, and resilient:

➡️ Hip Extension

➡️ Torso Position & Posture

➡️ Cadence & Ground Contact Time

If you’ve ever felt off-balance when running or li...

If your sprinting feels slow, awkward, or like it takes way too much effort—this episode is for you.

In Part 1 of this mini-series, we're covering the three foundational form mechanics that instantly boost sprinting power and control:

➡️ Foot Strike Position

➡️ Knee Drive

➡️ Arm Pumping

You’ll get clear cues to try in your next run, drills to reinforce good habits, and examples of how each form error shows up on course.

No fluff—just rea...

Long training days or summer trials in the heat can wipe you—and your dog—out. In this episode, Liz dives into why heat gets harder to tolerate (especially as we age), what it actually takes to stay energized, and 8 proven strategies to stay cool and perform better when the temperatures rise.

With practical hydration tips, fueling advice, and a few funny stories about her heat-hating dog Levi, this episode is a must-listen for any h...

In this trailer episode, get a sneak peek at what Canine Handler Fitness is all about. Meet your host, Liz—a certified personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience and a deep passion for helping dog handlers train smarter, move better, and feel stronger.

You'll hear what to expect from this podcast: 15–20 minute weekly episodes packed with practical tools, inspiration, and strategies tailored specifically to the unique physic...