Fit is Freedom with Kelly Howard

Hiking Clubs for Women: Change How You Think and See What’s Possible! ~ Interview with Anna Huthmaker

On this episode of the Fit is Freedom Podcast, Anna Huthmaker, founder of Trail Dames, and I- swap some fun hiking stories and discuss the importance of women feeling empowered to get outside and see their own strength! Among other things, we’ll address all of the wonderful magic that comes from hiking and trail groups like Trail Dames including…The magic of outdoorsThe magic of movementThe magic of camaraderie The magic of people facing the same directionThe magic of not letting fears keep you from trying new thingsThe magic of knowing your worth“A hiking club for women of a curvy nature” is dubbed the original slogan of Trail Dames, but it has become much bigger than just that. In 2007, Anna Huthmaker founded Trail Dames in an effort to see more women like herself out on the trails and make the hiking world more inclusion of women of all shapes and sizes. Today, it has 10 different chapters around the country and has become a safe space for women to learn the ropes of hiking and get to know some really incredible people.Links:Trail DamesTrail Dames Podcast

Trail Safety for Women, achieving more as a later in life athletic and so much more! - Interview with Bestselling author Kate Champion

From the moment I read Kate Champion’s book, Never Too Late, I knew I wanted to have her on the podcast to learn more. It was an inspiring page-turner that I simply couldn’t put down! In this episode, we’ll not only hear about Kate’s journey into writing, we’ll also discuss a wide variety of topics which include...Letting the fog of doubt clearMeasuring “fitness age” over your chronological ageThe importance of our brains in our fitness journeysSustainable wellness for the long haulImportance of your circadian rhythmKate’s new book and tips for women hikersWhat’s important to keep you fit as you ageImportance of communityKate is an astounding author who was first inspired to write when she encountered an amazing woman who was well into her 60’s and dominating the trail as a hiking lead for a retreat she was on! From there, Kate realized how inspiring it would be to hear more about later in life athletes and all of the amazing things that they accomplish! Here are some important links we mentioned throughout the podcast…Kate Champion Author WebsiteNever Too Late by Kate ChampionFree copy of Pocket Guide to Hiking, Running, and Backpacking

Competing (and winning) at Bodybuilding at 69!

If you find yourself having one of those down in the dumps days, this is the podcast episode for you! On this podcast, I’m joined by Renée, a 69 year old bodybuilder who didn’t even start weightlifting until her late 50’s! Have you ever had those days where you feel like your goals are just impossible? You come up with all the excuses...You’re too tired, you’re overworked, you had a rough day...The list could go on and on. We’ve all been there. In this podcast, we learn about the obstacles Renée was facing and how she grabbed the cow by the horns, taking them head on and kicking butt along the way!Some of the barriers Renée discusses include…Back SurgeryCOVIDHer AgeOvercoming nerves and insecuritiesRenée also leaves us with some parting wisdom…Get a trainerWrite your goals downAge is just a numberIf you’re ever having a day where you just feel like your goals and your dreams are impossible, give this episode a listen and you will feel those blues melt away.

When You Think You’ll Fail at Fitness, but I Know You Won’t

Join me on the Fit is Freedom Podcast today as I recount the time I “trained” for a 25K!  We discuss some really good lessons I took away from the experience. For most people, they like a plan. If they’re setting out on achieving an ambitious fitness goal, they like to map out their training, figure out the perfect nutrition, and make sure all of their ducks are in a row before getting started.What if I told you that doesn’t always have to be the case? What if some of us are missing out on better fitness because we’re too afraid to fail? If you’re anything like what I mentioned above, or if you’ve ever found yourself afraid to start up a fitness goal because it seemed too overwhelming, this is the podcast for you!

How to Get Fit: The Right Questions for the Best Workout

Today on the Fit is Freedom Podcast, I’m going to walk you through how you can figure out exactly what you need to do to get fit.Have you ever Googled “how to get fit”? Well, I have, and the results can be underwhelming. You’ll find all kinds of cookie-cutter answers like “exercise an hour a day”, “count all of your calories”, and “lose weight”. This advice doesn’t really do much for us (other than possibly make us feel defeated or overwhelmed).You see, everyone is different so getting fit looks differently to each person. We all have different paths, backgrounds, needs, and wants. So, the first thing I do to figure out what needs to be done for someone to get fit is ask them a series of questions including...What’s bothering you? What’s working right now? What in your lifestyle isn’t working?Who around you is empowering you? What do you want in your life?What makes you excited? There’s usually this one thing that starts making everything else fall into place. It tips over the domino of your fitness life, and by diving into the questions above, you will be able to find what you need to do to better your life by bettering your fitness.Trust me, you won’t want to miss this episode if you’re trying to figure out how to get fit!

She was having so much fun, her family was worried! ~ Client Interview

This week on the Fit is Freedom Podcast, we’re joined by a fellow alumna, Joanne who is a rockstar that has been a part of our program for over a year now! Have you been struggling with your consistency lately? Do you feel like cardio and your fitness are taking a backseat to all of the other things you have on your plate? Well, you’re not alone.Join us as Joanne and I discuss how consistency was holding her back and how she found ways to overcome it.Among other things, we’ll recount strategies for consistency that include…Getting out of your comfort zoneHaving something to look forward toTracking and scheduling

Favorite Fitness Books- Inspiration, Know-How & Fun

This week on the Fit is Freedom Podcast, I share my new list of my favorite books to get me in the right mindset to reach my fitness goals.Are you searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the fitness-lover in your life? Or, maybe you’re just looking for a good, motivational read? No matter your reason for looking for an inspirational new read, this is the episode for you! Top 9 Fitness and Motivation Books...Live your Bucket List by Julia Goodfellow-Smith. It’s Never Too Late by Kate ChampionBecoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett Balance is Power by Jim Klopman The Fitness Mindset by Brian Keane. The Blue Zones by Dan BuettnerThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksLimitless by Jim KwikChange Your Brain, Change Your Life by Daniel Amen or any book that he has written!Related PodcastsHow to Conquer Your Bucketlist Fitness Goals with Julia Goodfellow-SmithMovement, Mobility and Feeling Great with Kelly StarrettBe on the lookout for new podcasts with Kate Champion and Jim Klopman as they’ll be joining me shortly! 

Walking on Sunshine - The Easy Path to Pain Free Feet: Interview with Xero CEO Steven Sashen

It was quite some time ago that I realized there was something not quite right with my feet. Whenever I walked around my home barefoot, it was uncomfortable, and I knew something needed to change.On this episode of the Fit is Freedom Podcast, we’re going to be unpacking what exactly was wrong with not just my feet, but most peoples’ as we are joined by the incredible Steven Sashen.Not only is he extremely knowledgeable about our feet and how we treat them can impact our fitness, he is also the CEO of Feel the World, Inc. and creator of The Xero Shoes. These shoes are, in a way, revolutionary as they are getting us back to where we need to be. These shoes were featured on Shark Tank and have over 38,000 five star reviews! Give this episode a listen as we talk about all things fitness, feet, and the importance of taking care of our bodies. We’ll also discuss..The misconception that our feet need to be protectedHow modern running shoes affect our gait and movementsHow our brains are wired to lock into certain beliefs

Finding Your Fitness Confidence: Interview with Fit is Freedom Alumni Jennifer

It’s crazy how big of an impact a little confidence can have on our fitness journey! For Jennifer, she found her confidence through community! On the podcast this week, she’ll be sharing her journey from the downward spiral of stress that can lead to unhealthy decision after unhealthy decision to putting herself out there and watching her life transform! We’ll also touch on the importance of...Having someone to look up toFinding your BFF’s (Best Fitness Friends)Replacing negative self talkAnd so much more...Jennifer is the perfect example of a Fit is Freedom friend and client that found community through our programs and realized it was the missing piece in her fitness journey! If you feel like you’re just not quite there with your fitness, it may be time to give this a listen and give our community a try!

All about Essential Oils and Health with Jodi Cohen: bestselling author and founder of Vibrant Blue Oils

This week on the podcast, we are joined by Jodi Cohen, a best-selling author, award-winning journalist and founder and owner of Vibrant Blue Oils. Chances are, you’ve heard about essential oils. Whether it’s from personal experience or from a friend or family member, I’m sure you’ve learned about their many benefits. Even if you haven’t heard, you are in for a treat with this episode! Jodi shares her journey of stumbling into the world of essential oils as a last-ditch effort to make things work during a challenging time in her life. As they say, the rest was history!Along with her story, we’ll discuss all things oils including…Why oils workImportance of oil blendsOils and inflammationHow to get your body back in balanceDifferent ways oils can ease stress, anxiety, migraines, and so much moreIf you’re looking for a way to do a factory reset with your body or simply want to improve your quality of life, you won’t want to miss this one!