In this episode of the Fit for Hiking podcast, I’m calling out the most overhyped fat loss hacks that just don’t deliver. From extreme calorie deficits to gimmicky supplements and trendy cleanses, I break down eight things that steal your time, energy, and results. If you’re stuck in a frustrating cycle of losing and regaining the same weight, this one’s for you. Let’s clear the clutter and focus on what actually works—sustainable strategies that support long-term fat loss and a healthy, active life. Ready to ditch the noise? Let’s get into it.

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United States Welcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you! www.ponytailonatrail.com

Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked in fitness—your mindset. In this episode, I dive into why mindset matters so much, not just when you're starting out, but for staying consistent long term. I break down ten common mental barriers like lack of motivation, negative self-talk, time constraints, and perfectionism. I also share specific tools so you can have a rock solid mindset toolkit that is going to be a true game changer!

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United States Welcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you! www.ponytailonatrail.com

Let's dive into the different phases and strategies used to manage your metabolism. This episode is full of relatable insights that will help you navigate your metabolic health with more clarity and direction. 

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United States Welcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you! www.ponytailonatrail.com

In this episode, I share practical tips to help you stay active and feel your best during the third trimester. As energy dips and discomfort increases, simple adjustments can make a big difference. This final stretch of pregnancy is challenging, but with the right approach, you can maintain your health and prepare for a smoother postpartum transition.

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United States Welcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you! www.ponytailonatrail.com

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the metabolism—what it really means, how it works, and the biggest misconceptions around boosting it. Metabolism is often treated as a buzzword, but it’s actually a complex system involving multiple bodily functions, including energy conversion, tissue repair, hormone regulation, and more.

We explore 10 key ways to support a thriving metabolism, covering topics like:

• Strength training & movement – Why building muscle and increasing daily activity (NEAT) is more effective than excessive cardio.
• Protein intake & meal timing – The role of protein in muscle preservation and thermogenesis, plus why skipping meals may work against you.
• Hydration & liver health – How drinking enough water and detoxifying the liver can impact your metabolic function.
• Gut health & stress management – The gut’s direct influence on metabolism and why chronic stress can slow things down.
• Thyroid function & nutrient absorption – Supporting thyroid health with key nutrients and avoiding common disruptors.

If the science of metabolism feels overwhelming, don’t worry—we also break it down into simple, actionable basics you can start implementing today. Whether you're just getting started with foundational habits or looking to optimize higher-level metabolic function, this episode provides both education and strategy.

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United StatesWelcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you!www.ponytailonatrail.com

Prepare for hiking season with this episode offering essential outdoor fitness and adventure tips. We'll go over how to boost endurance with steady-state cardio and hill intervals, build strength through targeted lower-body, core, and back workouts, and improve mobility with hiking-specific dynamic stretching. I also dive into acclimating to high altitudes, effective nutrition, hydration strategies, and gear testing for optimal performance. Whether you're a beginner or experienced hiker, these actionable tips will empower you to embrace every trail with confidence.

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

Dynamic Stretches Mentioned:
Ankle Circles

Ankle Dorsiflexion Stretch

Calf Stretch

Lunging Ankle Stretch

Hip Circles

90-90 Stretch

Lunge with a Spinal Twist

Standard Hip Flexor Stretch

Pigeon Pose

World's Greatest Stretch

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United States Welcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you! www.ponytailonatrail.com

Struggling to start your fitness journey? Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to go from feeling stuck to building confidence in your workouts and routines. Whether you’ve never exercised before, keep falling off track, or just need a fresh start, this episode will help you create a sustainable plan that works for your life.

FIT FOR HIKING - BEGINNERS PROGRAM (12 weeks of workouts)
Find us on Instagram @fit_forhiking (DM "Beginner" for 1/2 off your first month of 1:1 coaching)

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United States Welcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you! www.ponytailonatrail.com

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of nutrition for fitness, breaking down how to eat based on your specific goals—whether that’s fat loss, muscle gain, athletic performance, or simply maintaining overall health. We cover the importance of aligning your nutrition with your training, emphasizing that fat loss requires a calorie deficit with high protein intake, while muscle gain demands a slight calorie surplus with adequate protein and carbs. For endurance athletes, proper fueling and recovery are key, and for general health, focusing on whole foods and balanced macronutrients is crucial. We also discuss how metabolic health, hormone balance, and inflammation play a role in optimizing your body’s performance. Ultimately, sustainable habits—not extreme diets—lead to long-term success!

Key Topics:
Understanding Your Fitness Goal – Aligning nutrition with fat loss, muscle gain, performance, or general health.

Fat Loss Nutrition – Sustainable calorie deficit, high protein intake, and metabolic adaptation considerations.

Muscle Gain Nutrition – Caloric surplus, protein for muscle repair, and carbohydrate support for training.

Athletic Performance Nutrition – Carbs as primary fuel, hydration and electrolytes, and recovery nutrition.

General Health & Maintenance – Whole foods focus, balanced macronutrients, and reducing processed foods.

Metabolic & Hormonal Health – Supporting thyroid function, hormone balance, and reducing inflammation.

Liver Function & Detoxification – Liver’s role in metabolism and strategies to optimize detoxification.

Blood Sugar & Insulin Resistance – Pairing carbs with protein, choosing low-glycemic foods, and meal timing.

Sustainable Eating Habits – Prioritizing long-term flexibility over restrictive dieting.

Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition – Fueling workouts with proper macronutrients for energy and recovery.

Practical Strategies – Meal timing, structuring balanced meals, and small, sustainable lifestyle tweaks.

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United StatesWelcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you!www.ponytailonatrail.com

In this episode, we take a critical look at High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and whether it truly lives up to the hype as the "ultimate fat-loss tool". While HIIT has gained massive popularity for its quick, calorie-burning potential, recent research suggests it may not be the most effective or sustainable method for long-term fat loss—especially for women.

We explore eight key considerations:
Calories In vs. Calories Out – While HIIT burns a lot of calories quickly, steady-state cardio may actually lead to greater overall energy expenditure without elevating hunger hormones.

Muscle Mass Impact – Too much HIIT can be catabolic, leading to muscle breakdown, which is counterproductive for maintaining a high metabolic rate.

Sustainability & Adherence – HIIT is intense, and many people struggle to maintain it long-term, making consistency a challenge.

Recovery & Overtraining – Excessive HIIT can lead to burnout, increased injury risk, and slower fat loss due to overtraining.

Nutrition’s Role – No workout can out-exercise a poor diet; fat loss is primarily driven by maintaining a calorie deficit through proper nutrition.

Cortisol & Stress Impact – Chronic stress and elevated cortisol from too much HIIT can lead to fat storage, hormone imbalances, and metabolic disruption.

Hormonal Considerations – Women’s bodies respond differently to intense exercise, and too much HIIT can negatively impact the menstrual cycle, fertility, thyroid function, and overall hormone balance.

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United States Welcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you! www.ponytailonatrail.com

In this episode, we go over why personalized fitness plans are a game changer for achieving your fitness and wellness goals. Whether you're stuck in a plateau, struggling to stay consistent, or tired of generic programs that don’t deliver lasting results, this episode offers practical advice and guidance to help you break free from the cycle.

Eight Key Benefits of Personalized Fitness Plans:

• Targeted goals.
• Matching fitness levels.
• Addressing individual strengths, weaknesses, and injuries.
• Incorporating personal preferences for better adherence.
• Utilizing progressive overload and periodization to avoid plateaus.
• Accountability through coaching and regular check-ins.
• Adapting to life changes and biofeedback.
• Taking a holistic approach to health and wellness.

For next level fat loss strategies, hormone/gut health help, serious performance goals and unparalleled support, apply for Mountain Metabolic coaching. Learn more HERE.

For more free wellness resources, hiking/travel guides, and other blog posts, check out my website HERE. 

| Colorado Hiking + Fitness| Ponytail on a Trail | United States Welcome to Ponytail on a Trail: Your guide to all things hiking and fitness! Get hiking tips, adventure ideas and learn about the top trails in Colorado! My goal is to help give you the tools and the confidence to explore the world around you! www.ponytailonatrail.com