RJ Byrd

RJ Byrd is a proud Army veteran, certified personal trainer, and community ambassador who is passionate about making the outdoors accessible to everyone. As the founder of Purpose Driven Hikers (PDH), RJ leads a vibrant community of 70+ hikers every month on trails throughout the region, focusing on education, inclusivity, and confidence-building. His mission is to inspire people to prioritize movement, because movement is a movement, and to embrace the mental, physical, and emotional benefits that come from exploring nature.

Each month, RJ curates hikes designed to bring people together while encouraging them to challenge themselves and grow stronger—both on the trail and in their daily lives. Through PDH, he fosters a welcoming environment that introduces people to new trails, provides outdoor education, and helps them take steps toward a healthier and more connected lifestyle.

As a personal trainer, RJ helps people live longer, more vibrant lives by focusing on heart rate-based training, endurance, strength, and community support. His training aligns with Orangetheory’s ethos of inspiring people to push past their limits and achieve more than they ever thought possible. He specializes in helping hikers build the strength, endurance, and confidence needed to tackle ambitious goals, from local treks to endurance challenges like the Mammoth March or the Incline in Manitou Springs. RJ also creates custom training plans for those looking to improve their hiking athleticism or prepare for special events.

RJ’s leadership extends beyond fitness; he is committed to giving back to the community by helping those without transportation access trails, assisting children with terminal illnesses, and ensuring everyone feels supported in their journey toward prioritizing movement and exploring the outdoors. Guided by his ethos of faith, family, and fitness, RJ is dedicated to making every step purposeful and impactful.