Course Details
As dog handlers, we know that solid foundations create confident, capable canine partners—and the same principle applies to ourselves. Just like we teach our dogs basic skills before asking them to perform complex sequences, we need to train our own bodies from the ground up.
The Handler Fitness Primer is a 3-week course designed to help you build strong, reliable movement foundations so that when you start strength training, you can do it safely, effectively, and with confidence.
In this course, you’ll focus on three key areas:
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Body Awareness & Core Bracing
- Learn how to brace your core properly for movement
- Improve posture and balance for everyday life and agility handling
- Mini drills to feel strong, stable, and connected to your body
Mobility That Makes Strength Easier
- Gentle flows and stretches for hips, ankles, and thoracic spine
- Improve range of motion so you can move freely and safely
- Learn habits that make strength training easier and more effective
Movement Mechanics for Strength
- Master basic movement patterns: hinge, squat, and step/lunge
- Learn how to move efficiently in daily life and in the ring
- Set yourself up to safely load into beginner and intermediate strength work
This course is for you if:
- You’re unsure if you’re doing movements correctly.
- You can’t feel exercises where you should.
- You feel too tight to do basic exercises.
- You struggle with exercise mechanics.
- You feel unsure about adding load to movements and when it’s the right time to increase intensity.
By intentionally applying what we know about training dogs—splitting, progression, consistency, and mastery of the basics—we can do the same for ourselves. This primer gives you the space, guidance, and practice to build movement foundations you can trust, setting the stage for your February handler strength program.
Whether you’re new to structured fitness, returning after a break, or just want to move smarter in life and dog sports, this course helps you start strong, feel confident, and prepare for everything that comes next.
Teaching Approach:
Instructor: Liz JoyceLiz Joyce has been at the forefront of the fitness industry since 2006, with a specialized focus on the unique needs of dog handlers ...((Click here for full bio and to view Liz's upcoming courses))
