• NCAA
  • Olympic
  • X Games
  • XTerra
  • Ironman
  • Red Bull
  • UCI
  • FIS Ski World Cup
  • IFSA - International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association
  • USA Cycling

Professional Athletes Who Trained With Outdoor Athlete Project

Outdoor Athlete Project is trusted by champions & professionals across the world.

Michael Lovato

Michael Lovato

Ironman Champion, Professional Triathlete

Julie Dibbens

Julie Dibbens

Olympic Athlete, Multiple Time World Champion Triathlete

Colleen DeReuck

Colleen DeReuck

Multiple Time Olympic Distance Runner

Joanna Zeiger

Joanna Zeiger

Olympic Athlete, World Champion Triathlete

Erin Huck

Erin Huck

USA National Champion, Professional Cross Country Mountain Biker

Samantha Soriano

Samantha Soriano

USA National Champion, Professional Downhill Mountain Biker

Dillon Lemarr

Dillon Lemarr

Head Coach for Commencal Cartel Race Team, Professional Mountain Biker

Shawn Neer

Shawn Neer

Professional Enduro Mountain Bike, Yeti Factory Rider

Outdoor Athlete Project is trusted by many people worldwide.

Working with Joe for the past few months has been great. Prior to the start of working with him I wasn’t very familiar with working out and what type of exercises I should be doing. As I started using Joe I was given the knowledge on what to do to allow me to perform at the top level in racing. With me living in California and going with the online training approach it has been awesome as it’s allowed for me to put the gym days into my schedule when it works best for me. This has created a low stress training plan that keeps it fun but at the same time making sure the work is getting put in. Thanks Joe!

Thank you.

Austin D.

Being an elite ski, snowboard, and mountain biking organization, whose members primarily reside over an hour away, having scheduled in-person training for our teams really was not an option.  Getting athletes the support they needed at an affordable price, to be able to do the training that has proven to be absolutely essential to their athletic success, really became a challenge.  Joe offered us a great solution through his online training platform.  Through this platform, he was able to work with several of our athletes, whether it be for enhancing performance or strengthening post-injury.  Athletes were able to see videos of each movement, and send videos back to Joe for feedback on form and execution, making us more comfortable with coaching strength training via app.  We found that athletes had more accountability to their training when they got to choose when and where they worked out.  Definitely recommend for anyone looking for quality programming, at an affordable price, who wants to fit in essential injury prevention and performance enhancement work into their busy schedule!

Stephanie Zavilla, M.A., CMPC
Director of Sports Performance
Winter Park Competition Center

Working with Joe has made a tremendous impact on my quality of life.  I’ve been pretty active for  as long as I can remember.  As a former collegiate wrestler and avid outdoor enthusiast I have taken my share of  lumps and injuries over the years.  At 45 years old I was starting to really feel the wear and tear including including herniated discs (T8T9), torn meniscus, and general aches and muscles tears.  Joe put together a comprehensive plan which factored in my background, abilities, and personal goals.  Joe has provided all the expertise, support, and positive energy anyone could ask for.  Within a few weeks I was feeling a big difference and now 3 months later I am lighter and feeling better than I have in over 10 years.  The methods of blending core, strength, and  stretching with functional and challenging movements makes so much sense.   The best part of all  is that I move around again like my 25 year old self.  As a father of 2 young kids I feel amazing being able to play on the floor and keep up with them and enjoy it like never before.  Joe’s workouts are one of the best investments I’ve made in myself in a long time and would recommend  Joe to anybody wanting to be at their best.

PJ D.

NIck

Coach Joe set me up on a program in April of this year in preparation for the upcoming bike season. In the summertime, I spend most of my time riding cross country/enduro style biking with a little DH. In the wintertime, I like to spend my time backcountry skiing with a little resort skiing. I’m 38 years old and work from home. My lady and I both use the online training program in our home/garage gym. I have had numerous shoulder surgeries which have resulted in discomfort and weakness with overhead activities. Joe’s program has really been a game-changer for my shoulder strength, flexibility and overall range of motion. The program has almost eliminated all of my shoulder pain from past surgeries. To start off the bike season I was already breaking my last year Strava times uphill and downhill. Like I mentioned above the program has truly been a game-changer for my all-around athletic abilities and I look forward to the programs yet to come!

Nick

Caryn

Before I met Joe, I was a typical type-A executive and spent my life at a desk. Yes, I was active doing actives such as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, etc., when time permitted, but I hadn’t seriously worked out in years. During this time my back went out very badly and I was in pain for over a month. My physical therapist recommended Joe and his training programs. After working with him I realized what a knowledgeable trainer could do. I now say it takes a village to keep me put together, and Joe is the heart of the village. He views you as a whole person and advises you as such. He did the impossible and got me to STRETCH. He also took half a day out of his personal time to help me to pick out a new bike and helped me test drive it. His enthusiasm for helping you to be the best you can be is amazing.

I travel a lot. In the 16 months, I have been with Joe, I have seen my level of fitness return very quickly when I come back from a long trip. The fitness base he has helped me achieve always remains. I have always been thin-I am now also fit and very strong upper body included.

The ultimate statement I can make about Joe is talking to my 25-year-old daughter one day when she said, “Mom, but that was before you were BUFF”-what better compliment could a mother approaching a big birthday get? Thanks, Joe!

Caryn

Vicki

Joe was a game-changer for me! I had worked with other trainers in the past, but learned very quickly that he was not “just a trainer”; he’s more of a fitness life coach! I not only saw and felt the changes in my physique, but the education I received on how nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand is priceless. Joe is great at what he does, and his passion for all things fitness is contagious!

Vicki

Linda

I am a dancer (jazz, tap, modern) and a member of 40 Women Over 40 (dance company in Boulder). I also enjoy hiking and running on the local trails. I have been training in the weight room with Joe consistently since April 2006. I wanted more power and sharpness in my dancing. I had intended to work with him through that summer and learn some new stuff. He was so good that I never stopped. Joe’s scientific and systematic approach got me results fast. I started moving quicker and bigger, without getting tired or sore. I gained a half-inch in height and my bone density significantly increased in my fifties!

My workouts are constantly changing depending on my other activities, goals, or what my body needs at the time. I had foot surgery recently so we’ve been doing some rehab. Last month I added his Joega class to my routine. I am surprised how workouts with 3-pound weights can be just as challenging as the big weights at the gym. Joe has extensive knowledge of fitness and how to train all ages and abilities for all kinds of activities. He is fun, a great motivator, and he’s a sweetheart. I appreciate him as a trainer and admire him as a person.

Linda

Will family

I worked with several personal trainers before moving to Colorado and meeting and training with Joe. Let me just say that Joe is the real deal! He has taught me that fitness is much more than big muscles and looking good. It’s an approach to “overall” fitness in order to live life to the fullest. Whether it’s being fit enough to keep up with your kids, enjoying all of what Colorado has to offer, or even competitive sports, Joe has the knowledge and expertise to get you to the level you desire.

Joe’s training philosophy and enthusiasm for the “sport of life” encouraged me to get into mountain biking – first recreationally and then competitively. In 2010, I placed first overall in the Men 30 plus age group, Super Downhill series of the Mountain States Cup. Not bad for a 43-year-old. Last summer dealt a setback due to an injury from a mountain bike crash. With Joe’s help, the recovery has proceeded well and I am ready again to compete and enjoy the sport of life!

Will

Scott J

As an airline pilot and elite age group triathlete, I have found Joe’s strength and conditioning programs to be an integral part of my basic week training structure. I quite often go straight from swimming, biking and running to sitting in a cockpit for hours as I fly to Europe or Asia. Years of doing this had created a weakened core and limited flexibility. My twice-weekly sessions have done wonders in strengthening me from the inside out and doubling my range of motion. All of these are, of course, free speed, but most importantly are critical in my wellness in that it has dramatically reduced my risk of injury during training. Joe’s sessions are quite enjoyable and have become a staple in my year around training!

Scott J

Scott

It has been my pleasure to train with Joe Horwat for over two years. I began looking for a trainer as I noticed that my strength and balance were declining as I advanced past age 62. I had observed Joe training other members at my athletic club and liked the manner in which he related to his clients and his exercise routines. I have not been disappointed in my decision to have Joe assist me in regaining strength, balance, and endurance. He is very committed to assisting you in reaching your goals. He listens to you and works with you to develop an exercise regimen, it is a collaborative effort. During the work out session, Joe is encouraging but not overbearing and always ensures that each exercise is done correctly to achieve the maximum result from each repetition. Two old sports injuries had to be corrected in the last eighteen months. I required a bicep tendon relocation and shoulder repair in one surgery. The second was a total knee replacement. In both cases, Joe worked diligently with me to be prepared for the surgery and the rehabilitation to follow. During the rehab phase Joe, in conjunction with my physical therapist, developed a schedule that ensured that my recovery was successful. Both surgeries were a success and I am now able to use my shoulder and knee in ways not imaginable two years ago. Thanks, Joe!

Scott

Dan

I have known Joe for over 10 years now, and have been taking his sports performance classes off and on for the past 4 years. I am not an elite athlete; I’m just your average outdoor enthusiast and weekend warrior, enjoying my recreational activities (such as ultimate frisbee, telemark skiing, and mountain biking) and wanting to pursue these activities to the best of my abilities when I have the time to do so. However, I have a long history of chronic back and neck problems that sometimes limit my ability to participate in the outdoor activities that I love.

Joe’s instruction has had a huge impact on my athletic performance. I can really tell a difference between the times when my workout attendance has been consistent and when it has been more sporadic. And I’m not the only one to notice the difference; I regularly mountain bike with the same group of people, and they can see it too. One friend even joked that I should stop going to Joe’s class because I was becoming too fast!

Joe and his classes have also had a huge impact on my lifestyle and day to day comfort, as my posture improves and weak muscles become stronger. In addition to the benefits I reap from his training, Joe is also always willing to share his expertise and insight outside of class. The tips and tricks and knowledge that Joe has given to me over the years have been invaluable. The chronic back and neck issues are mostly a thing of the past, and I know that so long as I keep taking Joe’s classes and keep applying the principles that he has taught me, they will remain a thing of the past. I couldn’t recommend Joe and his training any higher. Thanks, Joe!

Dan

Tom

I am in my 70s and have worked out with Joe for about 5 years on a regular basis. I partake in many sports such as swimming, running, cycling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, hiking, and fly fishing. Sports have always been pure fun for me and I thought all I needed to do was continue being active in those sports to stay in shape. But inevitability I started to lose muscle mass, balance, and the joy of these sports as I got into my 60’s and 70’s. Then I was introduced to Joe’s training programs. He emphasizes functional weight training in the gym with exercises specific to my activities. We do exercises that support the actual activities that I enjoy doing in the outdoors. I now look forward to these actives more than ever and have the confidence to do what I love to do. If you have a sport or outdoor activity Joe can design a personalized program to support you with your active lifestyle.

Tom

Jordan

As a professional bike race mechanic, I have worked bike races for some of the largest names in cycling and at the highest level of the sport around the world. Doing this type of work for the better part of 10 years has completely beat my body down. My total lack of time to exercise and care to nagging injuries during my time as a mechanic has left me with increased pain on a daily basis. I was recommended to Joe through the local mountain bike community in Boulder Colorado. I have thrown out my back three times in the last 4 years and was told Joe was an excellent resource on back pain and core stability. After working with Joe for the better part of six months, he has taught me how to proactively work on the weakest parts of my body to support my back and increase my fitness levels for mountain bike season. I can honestly say I would not have been able to find the drive to get back in shape had it not been for Joe. Thanks, dude!

Jordan

Charles

Five years ago I participated in a horseback riding accident resulting in seven broken ribs, a concussion, and internal bleeding. My recovery was too slow and painful. I was referred to Joe to help me regain strength, stamina, and general health. The results have been terrific, and I credit it to Joe’s professional, thoughtful, and patient approach to resistance strength training. Simply said, he relentlessly and challenges you with a well thought out, evidence-based approach. There is no yelling, no gimmicks, and it is all about results. I am back on horse now with greater strength, endurance, confidence, and a renewed passion for my sport.

Charles

Teresa Rider

My sport of Triathalon requires three disciplines; swim, bike and run. Training and racing in each discipline puts a huge toll on my entire body and requires that I take good care of it. While my ability has not changed much over the years, I have noticed a weakness in my core strength, muscle stability and joint mobility. If I wish to continue training and racing at the level I have become accustomed to, there is no doubt I needed to establish a regular core strength training program. I joined Joe’s strength training classes to focus on these aspects, and after 6 weeks of classes, I am finding an improvement in my core strength, balance, and posture!

Teresa Rider

2011 Age Group Ironman World Champion, Hawaii

David

I am one of Joe’s old guy clients. I have worked with him for 4 years now, beginning at age 60. My introduction was through his “Joega” core strengthening and flexibility group exercise class. I found this class to be both challenging and brilliantly conceived. After a few months of training with him, I found relief from chronic tennis elbow, longstanding foot pain, and nearly half a century of low back problems. Joe’s unfailing encouragement overshadowed inevitable frustrations arising from difficult training movements. That encouragement has continued for years now, and my strength, balance and flexibility continue to improve. Joe has now set me up with a customized workout routine in the weight room to complement my active lifestyle. I find myself wishing I had found him and his workouts decades ago. I recommend Joe without qualification to all friends and acquaintances. I would also like to note that along with his expertise and good cheer, he is as nice to the average old guy, as he is to his world-class athletes. I cannot thank him enough!

David

Francesca

I am so thankful to have found Joe. His impact has been truly life-changing. Living in Boulder, I am surrounded by so many fit people who seemed to “love exercise” and I simply did not. When I started with Joe 18 months ago, I was not exercising at all. I had tried classes, fitness clubs, triathlon clubs, etc. and I did not stick with anything, and they all felt like a chore. Joe helped me understand how fitness works, how to spend time efficiently in the gym, and how to incorporate fitness into my overall life. The programs he creates for me are fun, challenging, and interesting. Now I am strong, fit, and enjoy working out so much, that I look forward to my time in the gym. I feel knowledgeable about form, keeping my body safe from injury, and I notice increased energy in all parts of my life. I believe at 41 years old I am now in the best shape of my life, thanks to Joe!

Francesca

I have been practicing and teaching yoga for the past 12 years. I have been a massage therapist for 7 years. Currently I am wrapping up a 2 year nursing program. I love to swim, bike, hike, ski and now lift weights. I demand a lot from my body in my personal and professional life. Working with Joe has evolved the way my body responds to the varying and many demands. I have decreased pain, increased stamina, and have more confidence in sports and in my professional career. Weight training compliments and informs my alignment and posture which I have developed through my yoga practice. Joe is attentive to the details of my lifestyle. He listens to my goals, my needs, and modifies my workouts to bring balance into my body. Joe embodies his passion for a healthy and fit lifestyle and inspires anyone who has the opportunity to learn from him.

Chezney

Personal Training Client

Working with Joe’s personalized online coaching has been stress free, and easy to approach. He checks in on my progress, but does not over pressure, unless requested. Joe has a knack for reading clients to provide an experience that is both accountable, yet not over pressuring. Several people I know have used Joe’s online coaching. Each have enjoyed both their experience and have achieved great results. Thank you Joe!

Maddy

Online Training Client

I have been a long time subscriber to Joe’s online training and I highly recommend it. My gym workouts have been so much more efficient and effective. It’s also been motivating because I know my workout is already planned out for me, so I have 1 less excuse to miss a workout.

Jenn

Online Training Client

I have been working out on my own for a year or so and not seeing the gains I wanted. A friend suggested Coach Joe. Best decision I could make for my goals! In the first 2 months I could tell I was getting bigger and stronger. The workouts are made for my goals and schedule, and could not be easier to follow. I look forward to seeing what the next year of positive gains looks like.

Wes

Athlete

Joe Horwat has been an absolute gift to our family, most specifically our teenage son. We first connected when my son (age 13) tore his ACL and meniscus skiing. To provide him with ways to maintain his fitness post-surgery, we were introduced to Joe. Joe’s enthusiasm and positivity continue to support my son’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. We are beyond grateful for the knowledge, experience, and energy he shares. He has empowered my son with the fundamental skills, practices, and motivation to stay fit, year round, even when faced with the challenges of an injury. My son will carry this foundation through the rest of his life. Thank you so much, Joe!

Nathalie

Athlete

Joe is an exceptional Personal Trainer. His training protocols are solid, based on science and he has extensive personal experience as an athlete, coach and trainer. I have worked on and off with Joe over the last 7 years. Although I occasionally take time off from the weight room, when I return, I always come back to Joe because of the consistently reliable results, I get when working out with him. I am in my mid 50’s and a moderate athlete. Joe’s workouts not only keep me healthy and strong for the activities I participate in, but they also resolve many of the aches and pains that have come with aging, and too much time at the computer. So, if you are looking for an knowledgeable professional trainer who will provide you with a fun, safe and very effective weight training protocol, I suggest you contact Joe. His experience and expertise cannot be beat.

S Roberts

Professional Athlete

Working with Joe has been instrumental in Amanda’s and my success over the past few years. Joe has a unique ability to take tried and true gym routines, to blend them with the cutting edge trends in strength training, and then apply it to what an endurance athlete needs to perform at his or her best. We have learned so much from Joe in the gym, and on a day-to-day basis, continue to practice what he has taught us. Plus, the best thing about working with Joe is that has an extremely positive and outgoing personality – he’s a natural born motivator! We always refer Joe to any of our triathlete friends, and it’s because we really believe in him and his abilities to help out with endurance athletes.

Michael and Amanda Lovato

Professional Triathletes