Fit Hiker Nation's training app

Get stronger for hiking. Stay strong for life.

A physiotherapist-designed strength and fitness app for hikers who want to feel more confident on the trails and keep enjoying adventures as they age. Follow a clear weekly plan, track your progress and get support from Chelsea along the way.

Cancel anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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The climbs leave you breathless and the descents make your knees ache. A heavy pack bothers your back, and/or a big day leaves your legs wrecked for days.

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You know strength training would help, but you don't know what to do. So you try a few exercises you found on Instagram or YouTube.

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You're never sure you're doing the exercise correctly, or whether the ones you're doing are even the right ones and worth your time. Some feel uncomfortable, so you stop, worried you'll make things worse.

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Life gets busy and the routine fades. Any ache settles with rest, so it feels fixed. But you never trained for long enough to get stronger or fitter, so next season the same climbs, the same descents and the same niggles are waiting.

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Meet Jonathan

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He walked 268 miles without injury

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Jonathan started with the Trailblazer Knee Strength Program, then joined the membership to keep building. He went on to complete the Pennine Way: 268 miles across England, with more than 36,000 feet of elevation gain and loss.

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“I completed the Pennine Way without injury or undue hardship. I have no doubt that following the programs available through the Fit Hiker Nation training program was a significant factor in my success.”

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Step one

Open the app

This month's program is already on your calendar. No planning and no guessing. Join in with the group when you're ready, there’s no need to catch up. You can rearrange workouts to suit your schedule and log your other activities to keep everything in one place.

Step two

Follow your plan

Every exercise includes instructional videos, written guidance, ways to modify or progress, and alternate exercise options. Strength is the focus, with mobility, balance and cardio sessions to round out your week. Log your weights and reps as you go.

Step three

Ask Chelsea

Message a physiotherapist whenever you're unsure. Ask about an exercise, get feedback on your form, or find out how to adjust the plan around a hike or a niggle.

Step four

Keep building

A fresh program arrives every month, so you keep progressing. Join the live monthly coaching call, learn from the extra resources, and train alongside a community of like-minded hikers doing the same work.

You stop guessing

A new physiotherapist-designed program each month tells you what to do and when.

You know you're doing it right

Video instructions for every exercise, plus form feedback when you want it.

You stay consistent

A flexible calendar, progress you can see, and a community that notices when you show up.

You have someone to ask

Direct access to Chelsea for questions about workouts, modifications and fitting training around your schedule.

You understand your body

Monthly coaching calls on topics that members request, with access to replays, and new educational resources each month.

You feel it on the trail (and regular life)

Stronger legs for the climbs, more control on the descents, and more left in the tank at the end of the day. Off the trail, the ordinary things get easier too: lifting and carrying, getting up from the floor, and going down stairs.

Meet Donna, 68

Kept pace with her 28 year old daughter in Tasmania

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Donna joined to prepare for two treks in Tasmania. Her goal was not to hold her daughter back when backpacking. On the three-day Three Capes Track she wasn't sore and never felt exhausted. Then came six days on the Overland Track in snow, wind and ankle-deep mud, where she found herself hiking with the faster group.

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“I honestly just felt strong and capable of enjoying it all whatever the conditions brought us. I returned from this trip wanting more hiking, and feeling personally more confident to take on more challenge.”

Meet Elene, 42

193 km across the Balkans with almost no back pain

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Elene joined wanting stronger legs and to feel powerful heading up mountains. She went on to hike the Peaks of the Balkans: 193 km in 10 days, with 10,466 m of climbing and a 15 kg pack.

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“Your training gave me stronger legs and glutes, and for the first time on a long-distance hike I finished almost without the lower back pain that I am used to. The best feeling wasn’t reaching the finish. It was realizing how strong my body had become and what it was actually made to do.”

Meet Catalina, 35

Trained somewhere flat, then hiked 154 km in Scotland

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Catalina lives somewhere almost completely flat and had a history of achy knees on long descents. She trained for the West Highland Way: 154 km, 20 to 28 km most days, carrying a 10 to 12 kg pack and camping every night.

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“In those boulder sections with lots of up and down in muddy rocks, my knees didn’t hurt a bit! This is the first time my knees don’t hurt on my way down or after many kms. I felt confident in every step.”

Meet Mike, 60

Preparing for the Appalachian Trail

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After retiring, Mike set his sights on a lifelong dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Since joining he has completed several backpacking trips, including 90 miles of the trail from Roan Mountain to Damascus.

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“The program and workouts have been a tremendous help with my hiking, both cardio and strength. I can really see a difference between February and June with my strength.”

“I'm too old to start strength training.”

Donna hiked Tasmania's Overland Track at 68. Laurie is preparing for the Camino at 65. Janet joined at 74 to stay active for the long term. More than half of our members are 60 or older, and every exercise has options for where you're starting.

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“I don't have time.”

You don't need to do everything on the calendar. On a busy week, one strength session and one walk keeps you moving forward, and you can shift sessions to the days that suit you.

“My knees already bother me.”

Many members join for exactly that reason. Every exercise is modifiable or has an alternate option, and you can also ask Chelsea how to adjust. If you have swelling, sharp pain, or can't put weight on a leg, see a healthcare provider first.

“I've never lifted weights.”

You can begin where you are and start with bodyweight versions of the exercises. Each movement is demonstrated on video and explained step by step. As you feel ready, you can gradually add weight at your own pace.

“Can't I just hike more?”

Hiking builds endurance, and it’s worth doing regularly. But it doesn’t challenge your muscles in the same way as lifting progressively heavier weights. Strength training fills that gap, helping you build stronger muscles, support bone density and strengthen your tendons so your body can better handle the demands of the trail.

“I've started programs before and quit.”

One of our members Andrea had too. In her words: “It has felt doable, which is really important. When it’s too demanding, I have usually given up in the past.” The plan is simple, effective and realistic, with a clear weekly schedule, progress tracking and support to help you stay consistent and on track.

This is for you if:

• You hike or walk regularly and want to feel stronger doing it.
• You’re new to strength training, returning after a break, or already lifting and want a clear plan that supports your hiking goals.
• You've finished one of my previous exercise programs and want to know what comes next.
• You’d rather follow a realistic, effective plan than figure it all out yourself.
• You want to age strong and build a resilient body so you can stay active and keep saying yes to adventures for years to come.

This isn't the right fit if:

• You need a diagnosis or individual treatment for an injury. The membership is general training and education, not personalized physiotherapy care.
• You're looking for a quick fix. Strength takes consistent work over months.
• You're looking for a one-off program rather than ongoing training.

Hi, I'm Chelsea!

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I'm a Physical Therapist with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy, and I spent almost 10 years working in private practice.

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I fell in love with hiking and mountain sports in 2018 when I moved across the country and found the trails of the Canadian Rockies. The mountains taught me first-hand how much a strong, stable lower body matters on steep climbs, long descents and rocky ground.

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The parts of physiotherapy I care about most are education, exercise and coaching: helping people understand their bodies and become stronger and more confident so that they can keep saying yes to adventures. Fit Hiker Nation is how I do that for hikers all over the world.

“It builds capacity at a good pace. I was never overwhelmed, and felt confident in my progress.”

Laurie, 65, preparing for the Camino de Santiago

“Most helpful to me is the schedule you put together. The trainings for each day of the week and the videos eliminate all the guesswork and preparation for me.”

JM, 65, trained for the Salkantay Trek in Peru

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“I typically have some niggly knees, especially when descending on rough trails early in the season. I’ve had no issues this year, and I’m not super sore after hard hikes. Such a win!”

Jenn, 41, working through New Hampshire's 4,000-footers

Try it for 30 days risk free

Join, follow the program, and see how it fits your life. If you decide within your first 30 days that it isn't right for you, email me to let me know and I'll refund your first payment, no questions asked.

$39.99 / month

This month's program is waiting for you in the app, so you can begin as soon as you join. Cancel anytime.

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Common Questions

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How much time do I need each week?

Most weeks include 2 strength sessions, 2 cardio sessions and 1-2 mobility or flexibility sessions, with optional extras if you want more. Strength sessions usually take 30-60 minutes. You’re not expected to complete everything on the calendar. On a busy week, do what you can - even one strength session helps you maintain the habit. The goal is a realistic routine you can keep coming back to.

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What equipment do I need?

Dumbbells and a resistance band are the main equipment I recommend. An exercise step and bench are also very useful, but alternatives are provided so you can work with what you have. You can start with bodyweight versions of many exercises and use a weighted backpack to add extra load as you progress.

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Is this suitable for beginners or people who already have experience with strength training?

Both! Each exercise includes a short demo, longer instructional video, and you can choose a variation and resistance that match your ability. Start with bodyweight or lighter resistance, or use heavier weights to keep challenging yourself as you get stronger.

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Can I fit this around my hiking and other activities?

Yes! Reschedule workouts in the app around hikes, classes and everyday life. Some activities can count towards your cardio sessions, and you can adjust training during busy hiking weeks to allow for recovery. Unsure what to prioritise? Reach out to Chelsea for help.

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What if I miss workouts or fall behind?

You don’t need to catch up on every missed session. Rearrange your schedule and pick up with the next workout that fits your week. Consistency over time matters more than completing every session perfectly. You also have the ability to reschedule missed workouts if you want.

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I live somewhere flat. Can I still train for hikes with elevation?

Yes! Strength training and cardio help you prepare, even somewhere flat. Practise on nearby hills or stairs when possible. For bigger climbs, consider a gym with an incline treadmill or StairMaster, adding a weighted pack or vest when appropriate. Reach out to Chelsea for help tailoring your preparation to your fitness, injury history and hiking goal.

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I’ve done the Trailblazer Knee Strength Program. Is this different?

Yes. The Trailblazer Program is a one-time purchase: an 8-week lower-body strength program delivered in a document with instructional videos. The membership offers ongoing full-body strength, cardio, mobility and support through an app, where you can track workouts and rearrange your schedule. Programming updates monthly, with key lifts typically repeated over 8-week blocks to build strength.

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Do I need a hiking trip planned to join?

No! You can train to feel stronger on your regular walks and hikes, stay active as you age, or be ready for a future adventure. You don’t need a big trip planned to start building strength. I want to help you make it a part of your regular lifestyle so that you age strong and capable.

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How do I cancel?

Cancel anytime through the subscription management link in the On-Demand section of the app, or reach out by email for help.

Your next hiking season starts with what you do now

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"Honestly, I wish I had started training 6 months ago as it is just taking much longer than I thought to prepare my body at this age." - Andrea, 65

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Strength takes time to build, so now is the time to start.

A year from today, you could be the one who says yes when friends and family invite you on an adventure, feeling strong, capable, and proud of the work you put in.

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The Fit Hiker Nation Training App is a group strength and fitness coaching program. It is for general education and does not provide physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis or treatment, and it is not a substitute for care from your own healthcare provider. Check with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, especially if you have an injury, a medical condition or other health concerns. Stop and seek medical advice if you have swelling, sharp or worsening pain, or cannot bear weight.

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