Last summer, I went for a trail run with a friend who insisted it would “clear my head.” I rolled my eyes, half-expecting to trip on a root or get eaten by a mosquito before I found any mental clarity. But somewhere between the pine trees and the sweat, something shifted. I wasn’t thinking about emails or that awkward text. I was just… there. In my body. In the moment. And by the time we reached the lookout point, I wasn’t just catching my breath—I was catching a glimpse of peace. That’s when I realized: outdoor fitness isn’t just about getting fit. It’s about getting free.

These five coaches across North America understand that. They’re combining movement, mindfulness, and fresh air to help people reconnect—with themselves, their goals, and their joy. Whether it’s hiking, boot camps, or endurance challenges, they’re proving that sometimes the best therapy comes with a side of sunshine.

1. Bradee Smith – Women in the Wilderness (USA)

“My mission is to inspire women to live fulfilled lives through physical and mental health and to find empowerment through hiking and getting outdoors.” — Bradee Smith

Bradee Smith believes that strength is something you build—in your muscles, yes, but also in your mindset. Through her community Women in the Wilderness, she leads hiking experiences that empower women to take up space, breathe deeply, and trust their own two feet.

Bradee’s approach is as down-to-earth as her trail snacks. She shares stories, resources, and encouragement through her Fit For Hiking platform and podcast, offering not just fitness advice but real, heartfelt guidance for life’s rugged terrain. Her group hikes feel like walking therapy—where laughter, sweat, and self-reflection all happen between the trees.

Check them out here!

2. Rachel Friedman Elberts – Stoke Coach (Canada)

Rachel’s title might be Stoke Coach, but her real job is lighting fires—of confidence, of purpose, of joy. A certified trainer with a background in kinesiology and mental wellness, she uses outdoor fitness as a way to help people reclaim energy and clarity in their lives.

Whether it’s strength circuits in the park or mindful mobility sessions on the beach, Rachel’s workouts are built to challenge and uplift. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: movement should make you feel good, inside and out. And when you train with her, you’re not just building stamina—you’re building self-trust.

Check them out here!

3. Cynthia Planken – Outdoor Fitness Coach (Canada)

“I believe in the balance of challenging oneself while reveling in the joy of adventure.” — Cynthia Planken

Based in Ontario, Cynthia is the founder of Outdoor Fitness Coach, and she runs her sessions like nature intended: with a whole lot of breath and zero judgment. From sunrise boot camps to stroller-friendly strength classes, Cynthia makes wellness accessible, joyful, and real.

What makes her special isn’t just the sweat—it’s the vibe. Her sessions are full of high-fives, fresh air, and heartfelt check-ins. She reminds us that wellness doesn’t have to happen in a gym or behind a screen. It can happen in a field, by a tree, or with your feet in the grass and your mind finally quiet.

Check them out here!

4. Leah Jantzen – Mental Performance Coach (Canada)

Leah blends the grit of a marathoner with the heart of a therapist. As a mental performance coach and elite endurance athlete, she helps high-achievers channel stress into movement and transform racing thoughts into running goals.

Her programs often include trail runs, outdoor mental training, and visualization work that turns the “what ifs” into “I’m doing this.” Leah doesn’t just coach for performance—she coaches for presence. And whether you’re chasing your first 5K or processing something heavier, she shows up like a teammate who sees both your hustle and your heart.

Check them out here!

5. Monica Kerik – Executive Mental Health Coach (Canada)

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a TEDx speaker, mindset coach, and nature enthusiast formed a coaching company—it would look like Monica Kerik. Based in Toronto, Monica helps professionals manage stress, anxiety, and burnout through holistic outdoor practices.

Her philosophy is gentle but profound: take the meeting outside, walk the worry away, reconnect with the sky. Monica’s sessions often include guided park walks, breathwork, and tools for navigating emotional roadblocks. She’s proof that leadership doesn’t have to live in boardrooms—it can live on trails, in motion, and in mindfulness.

Check them out here!

Conclusion

In a world that constantly pulls us indoors and online, these coaches are nudging us back outside—where the air is clearer, the pace is kinder, and the healing happens naturally. They’re blending heart and hustle, proving that wellness isn’t just a destination—it’s a daily walk, a deep breath, a good stretch in the sun.

So if your mind feels cluttered, your spirit restless, or your sneakers a little too clean… maybe it’s time to hit the trail. With the right guide, you won’t just move your body—you’ll move your whole being toward something lighter, freer, and beautifully whole.