From the Military to the Mountains: Cadel’s Journey to Coaching at MPT Pisgah
We’re excited to spotlight Cadel Hortberg, a coach who brings a unique background and a strong sense of purpose to the MPT team. He spends most of his time at our Pisgah location—a space known for its focused energy, hard-working athletes, and a commitment to training that supports both real life and outdoor adventure.
From Military Roots to Mountain-Ready Fitness
Cadel came into coaching with a background shaped by movement, discipline, and physically demanding work. He served in the military as an infantryman, where his role eventually expanded to include programming workouts for his squad and platoon under Special Operations Command. That experience shaped his understanding of what the body is capable of—not just in terms of brute strength, but in durability, adaptability, and staying mission-ready under pressure.
After the military, Cadel spent time working in maintenance and carpentry—trades that kept him moving and hands-on. His passion for functional movement and performance eventually led him to pursue personal training, and MPT’s approach stood out as a clear fit. Its focus on long-term strength and real-world application aligned with everything he believed in.
Now, he brings that same mindset to his clients—helping them build strong, resilient bodies that can handle whatever life (or the trail) throws their way.
A Coach Who Trains Like He Lives
Outside the gym, Cadel is often on the move. He’s competed in events like the Asheville Marathon and the Rails to Ridges 50K, and stays active with road cycling, trail running, and rock climbing. He gravitates toward individual sports for the solitude and personal challenge, but also values the camaraderie and motivation that come with competition.
That balance—between inner discipline and shared effort—shows up in how he trains and how he coaches.
Fueling for Performance
Cadel approaches his nutrition much like he approaches training: with a focus on sustainability, health, and performance. His shift toward a more holistic method was driven by personal experience—after dealing with persistent issues during long endurance efforts, he began cutting back on processed foods and refined sugars. The change paid off, reinforcing his belief that smart nutrition supports not just athletic performance, but long-term well-being.
He’s now continuing to deepen that knowledge by pursuing new certifications that align with his whole-body approach to training.
Built for the Long Run
While Cadel spends most of his time coaching at MPT Pisgah, you’ll also find him occasionally at our Biltmore location, bringing his practical, real-world approach to coaching. Like many of our coaches, he draws from lived experience—not just textbook knowledge or certifications. His training is shaped by time in the military, on the trails, and in the mountains—just like the clients he coaches.
At MPT, we believe the best coaches are also adventurers, explorers, and lifelong learners. Cadel’s story is just one example of that spirit—blending experience with purpose to help others move better, feel stronger, and keep reaching for their goals—on the trail and in real life.
