HIKING FITNESS COACH
ICONIC HIKES, TREKS, AND BACKPACKING ADVENTURES AWAIT
| Personal coaching.
| Individualized training plans.
| Trail Mastery Curriculum.
Are you ready to hike amazing destinations?
Stop putting off that hiking trip you’ve been dreaming about. Make today the day you decide to go for it. With an individualized plan, I’ll help you elevate your fitness and confidence to take on local, domestic, or international hikes. It’s within reach.
Calling all entrepreneurs, freelancers, artists, and intrepid wanderers.
Today is the day you start taking steps towards a life to be proud of, without giving up on your mental health.
"The fact that I live in New York with no hills and no altitude was not an issue because of the regimen you had me doing.”
Deborah S. – Kilimanjaro Trek Grand Traverse | Thomson Safaris
Small steps can lead to big rewards.
You are ready to get more out of life. You are looking for more fulfillment.
You are ready for a big win. You want to challenge yourself, get out of your comfort zone, and see what you can accomplish physically.
Hiking iconic destinations can change your perspective, especially when you do it with confidence. With the right team behind you and fully guided training, you will be ready.
BUT HERE’S THE THING. DOING IT BY YOURSELF ISN’T A BADGE OF HONOR. THERE’S NO GLORY IN RESISTING THE NEED FOR HELP.
THE IDEA THAT YOU NEED TO SCOUR THE INTERNET FOR HOW TO TRAIN IS FOOLISH .
Let me guide you in a safe and effective training program so you can hit the trails with total confidence. For an added boost of confidence, I will make sure you are carrying an appropriate pack, loading it with enough fluids, and packing it with snacks to fuel your hikes. I can even help you build your hiking bucket list if you don’t already have one.
Let’s work together if you want to
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Crush the uphills so you never get left behind.
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Breathe easier at high altitudes.
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Protect your knees on the downhills.
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Stay energetic on multi-day hikes.
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Eliminate soreness when you wake up after a challenging hike.
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Ensure a successful summit!
Hello! I’m Marcus.
For the past 30+ years, I have worked in the fitness industry. I’ve been doing this since 1993 and still love it! Since 2009 I have worked with thousands of hikers. And, I’ve been a reliable fitness partner to many of the top tour operators in the world.
Hikers from ages 25-75+ have trusted me to help prepare them for the most important hiking trips in their lives. They have come back changed, and I’ve been honored to have been part of their journeys. Many individuals have contacted me to train them for a second or even a third adventure.
For me, great coaching is working around or removing obstacles both big and small.
Great coaching is figuring out when to be aggressive and when to back off.
Great coaching is providing a variety of activities and a flexible training schedule to keep you motivated.
Walking together towards confidence, one week at a time, one milestone at a time, one amazing hike at a time.
That’s coaching.
WHAT YOU GET?
When you work with me, there is no going solo on your fitness journey.
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET:
A proprietary strategy called the Fit For Trips Big 5™ weaved into the heart of your program.
1 - Walk inclines
2 - Walk stairs
3 - Walk lunges
4 - Walk far
5 - HIIT
(High Intensity Interval Training)
For hiking mastery, you must balance all five of these in your training plan. And there, my friends, lies the secret.
Plus:
- + Weekly goals and a flexible training plan to achieve them the right way, but your way.
- + A chart with a unique formula for each hike based on miles and elevation gain to avoid overtraining and reach peak performance.
- + Video calls, Facebook Group, email; support where and when you need it.
- + Information about gear, hydration, and fueling for hikes.
A CONVERSATION WITH ME IS FREE AND FUN. HERE’S WHY!
To get to that point, we’ll first talk about the Fit For Trips Big 5TM – a must-have strategy that forms the core of a successful hiking program. For hiking mastery, you must balance all five in your training plan. Then, I will ask you three primary questions.
#1 WHAT HIKE DO YOU WANT TO GET FIT FOR?
#2 WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST CONCERNS?
#3 WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT TRAINING PLAN?
In under 30 minutes, you FINALLY understand what it takes to get in shape for your next trail or mountain hike. It’s like an epiphany. We are done when you conclude one of these three things.
A
You are confident that your training is on track and will continue to work independently.
B
Your training is nearly perfect, but now you have learned what to add to proceed independently.
C
You decide that my coaching gives you the most confidence, and so we begin.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“I finished the trip yesterday. My body is tired, but I could keep going. You obviously know what you’re doing in preparing people for these trips because I was in solid shape. The first time I hiked a hundred miles, I survived. This time I thrived and was sad to see the trip end.”
Walker M. from Texas
Collegiate Peaks Western Section | 108 miles
“I did it! The whole thing. Thanks for helping me be ready, Marcus”
Amy C. from Washington
Georgia section of the AT | 75 mi - 19,000 ft elevation gain
“The hike was challenging but definitely felt prepared, thanks to the training. No injuries, no sore muscles, no blisters. Summiting was wonderful, glorious and emotional. Thanks much for your help. I’m convinced the training made the difference.”
Jim S. from Iowa
Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse Route | 39 mi - 12,300 ft elevation gain
“The coaching was spot on, a perfect blend of online programming and access to coach for live conversations and review. I was so well prepared for my trip. I got a lot of accolades from the instructor team who seemed really impressed by my strength and stamina.”
Caroline D. from Vermont
Wind River Range, WY | 43 mi. - 6800 ft elevation gain - 52 lb pack.
“Marcus - I made it!!! Even after long days of hiking, I never felt super sore or achy - huge win!! I felt very physically prepared for the trek and appreciated the personalized plan that you put together for me. I kept telling all of my friends that I really enjoyed the training!.”
Christy F. from California
Kilimanjaro Summit | Thomson Safaris
“Hi Marcus. Just wanted to let you know that I was successful summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. I was by far the oldest in the group by 6 years. Most of the ladies were in their 30 - 40 years old. The young ones were very impressed on how well I did and so were the guides. Can’t thank you enough in helping me achieve my goal. I will continue to recommend you to others.”
Lynne S. from Illinois
Kilimanjaro Summit | Thomson Safaris
“Ann and I had a wonderful experience on our hiking adventure in Portugal and Spain. I definitely was prepared for 14 mile hikes, thanks to your advice and support. I’m ready for my next challenge!”
Sally L. from North Carolina
"We had a great time! My mom rocked it and was always one of the first to finish!"
Ann D. from California
Camino: Hiking the Portuguese Way in Spain | 60 miles“Marcus - I made it!!! Even after long days of hiking, I never felt super sore or achy - huge win!! I felt very physically prepared for the trek and appreciated the personalized plan that you put together for me. I kept telling all of my friends that I really enjoyed the training!.”
Christy F. from California
Kilimanjaro Summit | Thomson Safaris
Imagine
You have an iconic hike to look forward to.
Imagine
You love your training program, executing a clear plan week after week.
Imagine
You depart for and complete your hike with confidence and bragging rights.
Imagine
You plan another hiking trip and repeat!
Complete the consultation form below, and I will follow up to confirm a day and time.
What you get?
When you work with me, there is no going solo on your fitness journey. HERE’S WHAT YOU GET
Weekly goals and a flexible training plan to achieve them the right way, but your way.
A proprietary strategy called the Fit For Trips Big 5 weaved into the heart of your program.
1 Walk inclines
2 Walk stairs
3 Walk lunges
4 Walk far
5 HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
For hiking mastery, you must balance all five of these in your training plan. And there, my friends, lies the secret.
A chart with a unique formula for each hike based on miles and elevation gain to avoid overtraining and reach peak performance.
Video calls, Facebook Group; support where and when you need it.
Information about gear, hydration, and fueling for hikes.
A CONVERSATION WITH ME IS FREE AND FUN. HERE'S WHY!
My ultimate goal is to boost your confidence. To get to that point I will educate you about the Fit For Trips Big 5 and then ask you three primary questions:
1 – What do you want to get fit for?
2 – What are your biggest concerns?
3 – What are the details of your current training plan?
Our conversation turns fun as your curiosity amplifies. You ask questions. I respond. Then the lightbulb goes off in your head!
In under 30 minutes, you FINALLY understand what it takes to get in shape for your next hike. It’s like an epiphany. One of these three things happened:
A – You are confident that your training is right on track and you should continue to work independently.
B – Your training was close to perfect, but now you have learned what you need to add so that you can proceed on your own.
C – You decide that my coaching you is what gives you the most confidence, and so we begin.