My name is Patty Palko, and I am the founder of Mile High and Beyond. I became a personal trainer and health and wellness coach because I want to help people who, like me, have struggled with their health and are ready to make enduring change.

Until recently, I never felt well. I was tired and sore my entire life. As an adult, I hardly had the energy to go to work, let alone work out. Eventually, I was diagnosed with several incurable chronic health conditions: endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Their combined effect was was so challenging that I had to take four years off of work and school. I tried so many things to feel better for so long, but none of them had a significant impact. I was exhausted and felt hopeless. I thought I would never feel better. My big goals belonged to the person I was before I got ill and became unachievable. I was heartbroken and felt betrayed by my body.

I battled many common roadblocks in my attempt to get healthy:

• not having the time, energy, or ability to workout, eat healthy, or take care of myself;
• getting run over by the “all-or-nothing” bandwagon where I would throw myself wholeheartedly into the newest health gimmick and then quit and feel like a failure because I couldn’t maintain the routine;
• trying one-size-fits-all programs that ended up being ineffective, impractical, or unsustainable.

It wasn’t until I found the fitness, nutrition, and mindset that was right for me that I began to improve. Now, I feel better than I ever have. As a result, I’m highly motivated to help others do the same. I use my experiences to really listen to my clients’ goals and struggles. I’ll work together with you to create a customized program that is effective, motivating, and doable. I really care about my clients and want to help you meet and beat any challenges you face.

My education gives me additional tools to help with your health and fitness journey. I have a PhD in biology, which gives me a superior understanding of the human body and the science behind fitness. I stay current with research on exercise science, nutrition, and health and am excited to share that information with my clients. I also have a master’s degree in education and background in teaching elementary special education and K-12 and college science. I use my teaching background to individualize my methods and programing to meet clients’ unique needs.

I specialize in

• Health & Wellness Coaching – Have you tried to change your health and well-being, but keep encountering obstacles? I specialize in behavior-change techniques that help you meet your goals, thrive, and live to your fullest potential;
• Personal Training – Are you looking for someone who can help you reach your physical fitness goals and hold you accountable? I create personalized training programs to improve your performance and have frequent check-ins. I also ensure that your exercise form is correct so you can make the biggest strides possible;
• Nutrition Coaching – Do you need support with making food choices that fit both your lifestyle AND your goals? As a certified nutrition coach, I assist with weight loss/gain targets and improving overall health and well-being. I provide great-tasting recipes for healthier alternatives, too;
• Corrective Exercise – Do you have muscle imbalances that are causing physical issues like low-back pain, knee injuries, or shoulder instabilities? Corrective exercise uses information about how the body works to address and fix faulty movement patterns;
• Science-Based Approach – I take a science-based approach to health and fitness and use data analysis to make sure my clients make progress.

I provide Health & Wellness and Nutrition Coaching either in-person, online, or by phone. Personal Training Services are offered in the Denver Metropolitan Area. (An additional travel charge applies to locations outside of Denver, like Boulder and Castle Rock.) Online personal training is offered only under certain circumstances. Contact me for more details.

Certifications & Education

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• NBHWC (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching) Approved Training Program
• NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
• Precision Nutrition Level 1
• RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Level I Coaching
• TRX Suspension Training
• Masters Degree in Education
• PhD in Biology

If you are interested in learning more about the services I provide, please book a free consultation or send me an email for more information.