Canine Handler Fitness Podcast

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood areas of women’s health — the pelvic floor . Most people think Kegels are the answer. They’re easy, discrete, and you can do them lying down — but here’s the truth: Kegels are just a drop in the bucket. Your pelvic floor is the bottom of your pelvis , a foundational part of your core that works in tandem with your diaphragm, abs, and...

This episode kicks off the All Access Glow-Up — a brand-new phase for Canine Handler Fitness. We’re diving into our first monthly challenge: LIFT HEAVIER! What it means to lift heavier, why it matters for your strength and your mood, and how this November challenge can help you fight the winter blahs, boost your confidence, and handle with more power and ease. Plus, Liz shares details about the ne...

Ever wonder why some handlers seem to sprint through the course effortlessly while others run out of steam halfway? In this episode, we’re diving into Zone 2 cardio —the unsung hero of speed, stamina, and recovery for dog sports. You’ll learn why running faster isn’t just about sprinting and how endurance in higher heart rate zones can help you recover quicker, sustain energy, and feel strong for...

Feeling bloated during runs or just frustrated by digestive discomfort? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle gas and bloating for active handlers. We’ll cover how food choices, air intake, snacking habits, and gut bacteria all play a role. I’ll walk you through easy, practical steps to improve digestion, reduce discomfort, and feel lighter on your feet . No gross stories—just results you c...

Ever notice how running on grass feels completely different from running on asphalt? Or how sprinting on sand leaves you feeling like you just ran twice as far? In this episode, we dive into why variable and soft surfaces change the game for handlers. These surfaces don’t just challenge your legs—they challenge your core, stabilizers, and even your nervous system, shaping the way your body respond...

Sometimes the smartest move in fitness isn’t pushing harder—it’s pulling back. In this episode of Canine Handler Fitness , I’m talking about Get Going Gently —how to start smart when life, injury, or health conditions demand a slower pace. You’ll learn: When it’s essential to go gently: post-op, post-injury, illness, or stressful life changes How to approach training safely with chronic conditions...

Most agility handlers want to be faster — but the truth is, speed doesn’t just happen. It comes from how you move. In this episode, Liz reveals how focusing on just one or two key running cues can completely transform your sprinting form, helping you cover ground faster, move more efficiently, and stay ahead of your dog. What you’ll learn: Why sprinting technique matters as much for handlers as it...

In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Bussing —an agility athlete, competitor, coach, judge, canine fitness advocate, and expert in agility behavior. Laura has been a lifelong athlete, and in recent years she’s poured that same drive and intensity into dog sports. We first connected back in 2022, and since then I’ve had a front-row seat to watch her growth—not just as a competitor, but as an athlet...

Everyone thinks January is the “fresh start” month for fitness—but here’s the reality: by March, nearly 80% of people have already quit. The resolution rush doesn’t stick. Stop waiting for January to fix your fitness. By then, the gyms are packed, the apps are overflowing, and most people have already quit by March. Here’s the smarter play: start in September. September gives you a clean slate, fr...

I see a lot of hypermobile people in dog sports, and while flexibility can be a huge advantage, it often comes with hidden challenges that impact health, performance, and day-to-day life. In this episode, we dive into the mystery of hypermobility — a niche but increasingly researched area of connective tissue disorders — and why understanding it is crucial for taking control of your body and your...

You’ve been sprinting, queuing, moving equipment, maybe driving, and who knows — you might’ve been wrangling some big feelings too. That first window right after your run, when your heart is still thumping , is one of the most powerful moments of your entire agility day. In this episode, we talk about how to cool down your body and your nervous system so you finish your day not thinking, “I surviv...

Warm-ups aren’t optional — they’re your performance insurance policy. In this episode, I break down how a simple, strategic warm-up can transform your first run from stiff and sluggish to powerful and precise. You’ll learn: How long you should be warming up How often you need to warm up, and how long a warm up lasts What if you're running multiple dogs ? Why walking the course is NOT a warm-up (an...

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Novak — an accomplished agility competitor and long-time Canine Handler Fitness client. We explore what it’s like to stay fit for agility in your 40s The strategies she uses to keep up with her fast dogs How her improved sport-specific fitness has expanded her handling options in the ring Sarah shares her personal journey , the changes she’s noticed in her bo...

In Part 2 of Liz’s origin story, we go behind the scenes of how Canine Handler Fitness went from one-on-one coaching to an online movement supporting hundreds of handlers across the globe. You’ll hear what it really took to launch online programs that actually work — the missteps, the breakthroughs, and the major lessons learned along the way. 💡 In this episode: The surprising challenges of coach...

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...

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...

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 Heath...

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 th...

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...

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 S...

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’v...

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 er...

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, thi...

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 tailor...