Join Chris Hitchko, author of 'How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer' and CEO of Show Up Fitness as he guides personal trainers towards success. This podcast focuses on refining trade, business, and people skills to excel in the fitness industry. Discover effective client programming, revenue generation, medical professional networking, and elite assessment strategies. New episodes released every Tuesday, Thursday, and shorter ones every Saturday. Learn how to become a successful Show Up Fitness CPT at www.showupfitness.com. Send your questions to Chris on Instagram @showupfitness or via email at info@showupfitness.com."
Chris Hitchko, CEO Show Up Fitness
The Show Up Fitness Podcast is a highly informative and engaging podcast that provides valuable insights into the fitness industry. Hosted by Chris Hitchko and his team, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, from personal training certifications to networking tips and even the business side of the industry. The passion and knowledge that Chris has for fitness is evident throughout each episode, making it a truly enjoyable listen.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the diverse range of guests that are featured. Each guest brings their own expertise and perspective to the table, providing listeners with valuable insights and information. Whether it's discussing politics and business in personal training certifications or exploring multiple streams of revenue for trainers, these conversations offer a unique glimpse into the industry that few other podcasts provide.
Another great aspect of this podcast is how it delves into anatomy and medical procedures related to fitness. Dr. Bruno's episode, for example, explains complex concepts in a way that trainers can easily understand and pass on to their clients. This type of information is not commonly addressed in other fitness podcasts, making it a standout feature of The Show Up Fitness Podcast.
While it's difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one potential downside could be that some episodes may be more relevant or interesting to personal trainers specifically. However, even if you're not a trainer yourself, there is still plenty of valuable content to gain from listening to this podcast.
In conclusion, The Show Up Fitness Podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the fitness industry or those looking to expand their knowledge about fitness and health. With its informative content, passionate hosts, and ability to tackle both technical concepts and real-life issues in the industry, this podcast stands out as an invaluable resource for listeners seeking to improve their skills as trainers or simply learn more about fitness.

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Personal training certifications look simple until you realize the industry is split between marketing machines, legacy nonprofits, and smaller programs that bet on real skill. We build a March Madness style bracket to compare the big names in fitness certification and then pull the curtain back on what actually drives popularity: ad spend, search results, partnerships with gyms, and how easy it is to pass the exam. If you're trying to become a personal trainer in 2026, this is the reality check that helps you stop chasing logos and start building a plan.We get blunt about NCCA accreditation and why it often signals process and paperwork more than coaching competence. Then we land on the question that matters most: where do you want to work? Your target gym can dictate your CPT choice, whether that's a big-box chain, a boutique studio, or a premium club. We also talk about the real career risks for new trainers, including why so many quit in the first year when they don't know how to assess, program, sell, and communicate with confidence.You'll leave with practical personal trainer career advice, including a simple interview move that flips skepticism into proof: offering to take a manager through a 60-minute workout and backing your skills. If you want to become hireable, competent, and able to charge more, press play, share this with a future trainer, and leave a review with the gym you're aiming for next.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world!Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Picking a gym is not a vibe check, it's a career decision. We build a March Madness bracket of the best places to get hired as a personal trainer in the United States and tell you what the bracket is really measuring: income potential, quality of clients, coaching “reps,” interview standards, and how fast you can grow from new trainer to highly paid professional. If you've ever wondered why some trainers struggle to break past low session rates while others climb into premium training fast, the answer is often environment. We compare budget-friendly, high-volume gyms like Planet Fitness and LA Fitness with higher-end clubs where clients expect more and pay more. We talk real numbers on session pricing, why 30-minute training models (EOS, Anytime, and similar clubs) can sharpen your coaching quickly, and why improving brands like Crunch can be a strong stepping stone. Then we put the two giants head-to-head: Lifetime versus Equinox, including how scheduling and weekly hours can impact your first-month income and your ability to stay in the industry long enough to build a book of business. We also share a practical challenge: aim for the best gym you can realistically access in your market, especially in major fitness hubs, and surround yourself with strong trainers so your standards rise. If you're serious about turning fitness into a profession, hit play, share this with a trainer friend who's job hunting, and subscribe and leave a review so more coaches can find the path faster.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world!Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!How do you properly train a 13-year-old soccer athlete without risking injury or burnout?In this episode of the Show Up Fitness Podcast, we break down exactly how to design a safe, effective workout for a young soccer player, focusing on long-term development—not short-term performance.Whether you're a personal trainer, coach, parent, or youth athlete, this episode will help you understand how to build strength, speed, and coordination the right way.You'll learn:How to structure workouts for a 13-year-old athleteThe balance between strength, speed, and skill workWhat to avoid when training young athletesHow to reduce injury risk and support long-term developmentAge-appropriate exercises that actually transfer to soccerThis episode focuses on building a strong foundation for performance, confidence, and durability—so young athletes can improve without being overtrained or pushed too hard too soon.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world!Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want to truly understand the knee and pain, not just train around it?In this episode of the Show Up Fitness Podcast, we break down knee anatomy in a way that actually applies to real-world training, rehab, and performance. We cover the 14 key muscles around the knee and how they influence stability, movement, and injury risk.Whether you're a personal trainer, kinesiology student, nurse, physical therapy professional, or coach, this episode will help you connect anatomy to function—so you can better assess, cue, and program for your clients and patients.You'll learn:The 14 muscles that support and move the kneeHow these muscles impact knee stability and painCommon misunderstandings about knee functionHow to apply anatomy to training and rehab settingsWhy most trainers overlook key structures around the kneeIf you want to level up from basic programming to true movement understanding, this is a must-listen.Want to become a high-level personal trainer?The Show Up Fitness CPT (SUF-CPT) is designed for trainers who want to stand out with real-world coaching skills and career opportunities in top gym environments.Learn more about the SUF-CPT and how to build a successful training career.

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Are you a personal trainer thinking about going independent—but worried about how to actually get clients?In this episode of the Show Up Fitness Podcast, we break down exactly how to leave the gym, go independent, and build a profitable personal training business without relying on a big box facility.Whether you're working at a gym like Life Time, Equinox, or 24 Hour Fitness, or you're already on your own but struggling to grow, this episode covers the real strategies successful independent trainers use to own their clients, increase income, and create freedom.You'll learn:How to transition from gym employee to independent trainerHow to get clients without working at a gymThe biggest mistakes trainers make when going independentSimple marketing strategies that actually workHow to build a sustainable fitness business (online or in-person)This isn't theory—this is the real-world blueprint for trainers, coaches, and service professionals who want to stop trading time for sessions and start building a business.If you're ready to quit the gym, own your clients, and take control of your income, this episode is for you.Become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer vol 2 will help ANY personal trainer turn their passion for fitness into a career. SUF-CPTs make 2-5x more than the average personal trainer with a NASM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA, ACSM personal training certification, That's why the SUF-CPT is the fastest growing and best personal training certification for trainers with our elite partnership with life time fitness and equinox.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world!Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!If you've ever said “I'm training quads” and assumed that meant one muscle, this one will sharpen your coaching brain fast. We're leaning into more video-supported teaching because anatomy and biomechanics click when you can see what we're describing, especially around the hips, knees, and feet.We break down lower body anatomy for lifters, coaches, and personal trainers who want clearer cues and better exercise choices. You'll get a clean, practical tour of the quadriceps (yes, all four muscles), why the rectus femoris is the only biarticulate quad, and why the popular VMO “isolation” idea on leg extensions does not hold up the way people claim. Then we move to the hamstrings you can actually palpate, explain what it means to cross two joints, and show how foot position on leg curls can bias medial hamstrings versus biceps femoris.From there we connect the dots through adductors, glutes, and calves, using simple landmarks and memorable cues like the “belt buckle” for posterior pelvic tilt and glute control. We also clear up sarcopenia vs atrophy so you stop mixing up aging-related muscle loss with injury-driven muscle shrink, because that confusion leads to sloppy training advice. Along the way we hit the Achilles tendon, the calcaneus, and even the sartorius, the longest muscle in the body, to round out a true hips-to-toes mental map.If you want better results from strength training and better explanations for your clients, press play, then subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review. What lower body muscle do you want us to break down next?Because the SUF CPT exam is conducted verbally, this episode focuses on helping you explain the muscles clearly and confidently, just like you would during the test.You'll learn the muscles of the glutes, hips, thighs, and lower leg, along with simple ways to remember their actions and roles in training.Perfect for:SUF CPT candidatesNew personal trainersCoaches improving anatomy knowledgeAnyone studying lower body functional anatomyInterested in becoming a personal trainer and those who are changing careers into personal training.SUF CPT is the fastest growing personal training certification with elite partnerships at Life Time Fitness and Equinox.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Pickleball elbow can sneak up on you fast, then hang around for months and make every grip, lift, or backhand feel like a mistake. We sit down with Dr. Rosh from The Prehab Guys to get precise about what's actually happening with lateral elbow pain, how to test it confidently, and why “tendonitis” isn't the best label for most cases of tennis elbow and pickleball elbow.https://pro.theprehabguys.com/checkout/annual-access?coupon=SHOWUP COUPON CODE SHOWUPWe walk through the practical diagnosis process you can use right away: palpation at the lateral epicondyle, Cozen's test, pain-free grip strength, and the wrist extensor stretch that actually targets the tissue by adding forearm pronation. Then we zoom out to the common traps that keep people stuck, including workload spikes, returning to racquet sports too quickly, and technique that turns the forearm into the main power source. We also cover when lateral elbow symptoms may be coming from somewhere else, including cervical radiculopathy or radial nerve irritation, so you know when to refer out instead of guessing.On the treatment side, we map out a clear rehab strategy built around education, unloading, reloading, and prevention, with starter isometrics, progressions toward isotonics, and smart ways to use soft tissue work, flossing, and bracing as symptom tools rather than “the cure.” We also get honest about injections: why cortisone can feel great short term yet backfire over a 6 to 12 month tendinopathy timeline, and what the current evidence says about PRP and other orthobiologics. If you're a trainer, you'll also hear how to build trust, reduce fear, and use a movement library to support clients between sessions.Subscribe for more evidence-based coaching conversations, share this with a friend dealing with elbow pain, and leave a five-star review if it helped. What movement or sport flares your elbow up the most?Perfect for:Pickleball players of all levelsActive adults and recreational athletesCoaches and trainersAnyone wanting to move better and avoid injuriesElbow pain and elbow injuriesWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ready to trade burnout for better results and better pay? We sat down with two Oakland gym owners who prove that education, assessment, and community can turn a small studio into a scalable, trusted brand. From expanding a 2,000-square-foot space to a 20,000-square-foot facility to building a loyal client base through local partnerships and community workouts, this conversation gives trainers a practical, boots-on-the-ground blueprint for growth.Providence Athletic Club Address: 2134 Market St, Oakland, CA 94607We get candid about why so many coaches stall: too much focus on programming, not enough on assessment, communication, and business systems. You'll hear how to build confidence with a simple screen-plan-retest flow that improves client pain and performance in a single session—and why that transformation makes charging $100 to $200 per session both ethical and sustainable. We also talk mindset and mentorship: escaping rooms where people gripe about gyms and stepping into rooms where owners share the exact steps to raise rates, tighten packages, and stop working 60-hour weeks.If you're a fitness professional in the Bay Area—or anyone serious about leveling up—you'll also get the details on our two-day, hands-on seminar at Providence Athletic Club. Expect real-world anatomy and assessment, business strategy you can deploy on Monday, and a network of mentors and peers who actually pick up the phone. We'll break bread, swap playbooks, and show you how collaboration beats scarcity for long-term success.Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs the nudge, and leave a quick review to tell us the one skill you're committed to improving next.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!If you already purchased the ISSA certification and realized the refund window is only seven days, you're not alone. Thousands of aspiring trainers find themselves stuck with a massive textbook and no clear strategy for passing the exam.In this episode, we break down exactly how the ISSA CPT exam works and the fastest way to pass it.We explain how the certification is structured, why Tailwind Nutrition owns ISSA, and what you actually need to study to pass the exam without wasting months reading material that won't appear on the test.Over the last decade, Show Up Fitness has helped more than 6,000 trainers pass personal training certification exams using a simplified study strategy that focuses only on what matters.Inside this episode you'll learn:• How the ISSA CPT exam is structured • The most important topics you must understand • What most people waste time studying • The fastest way to prepare and pass • How to move from “certified” to actually becoming a successful personal trainerIf you're currently studying for ISSA or realized you missed the refund window, this episode will save you weeks of frustration and help you pass the exam with confidence.Leave a review and we'll send you the ISSA CPT Cheat Sheet and Study Guide that has helped over 6,000 trainers pass their certification exams.How to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer w/ SUF-CPT - the fastest growing personal training certification in 2025.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Sciatica is one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in fitness and rehab. Many clients hear the word and immediately think they have a “slipped disc” or that surgery is inevitable. In reality, sciatica simply describes irritation of the sciatic nerve and the cause can vary widely.In this episode we break down what sciatica actually is, why so many MRIs create unnecessary fear, and how trainers can confidently work with clients who have low back or radiating leg pain.You'll learn the anatomy of the sciatic nerve, the most common causes of symptoms, and how to think through assessments involving the lumbar spine, hips, and movement patterns. We also discuss how the biopsychosocial model of pain plays a major role in recovery and why movement, education, and proper programming can often be more powerful than rest or passive treatments.If you're a personal trainer, coach, or fitness professional who wants to better understand back pain and help clients move with confidence again, this episode will give you a practical framework to approach sciatica without fear.Become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer w/ SUF - CPT the fastest growing personal training certification in fitness. sciatica, sciatica explained, sciatic nerve pain, sciatica exercises, low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, nerve pain leg, personal trainer education, fitness education, biomechanics, movement assessment, back pain training, pain science, biopsychosocial model of pain, lumbar spine anatomy, exercise science, physical therapy concepts, strength training with back pain, injury prevention, trainer certification, show up fitness, SUF CPT, personal training podcast, coaching clients in pain, anatomy for trainersWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Most trainers think coaching is about sets, reps and programs.It's not.Great coaching is communication, leadership and grit.In this episode we sit down with Luka Hocevar, founder of Vigor Ground Fitness and host of the Vigor Life Podcast. Luka has spent decades developing coaches and building one of the most respected training communities in the industry.We dive into the skills most trainers never learn from textbooks:• How to communicate so clients actually trust you• Why grit matters more than the “perfect program”• What separates average trainers from elite coaches• How great gyms develop great coaches• The mindset required to build a long-term career in fitnessIf you're a personal trainer who wants to build confidence, coach at a higher level and create real impact with clients, this episode is packed with lessons from two coaches who have spent decades in the trenches.Follow Luka Hocevar:IG: @lukahocevarIG: @vigorgroundfitnessPodcast: Vigor Life PodcastWant to become a successful personal trainer?Show Up Fitness teaches trainers how to master assessments, programming, sales and communication so they can get hired at the best gyms and build long-term careers.Learn more at: www.showupfitness.comWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Most personal trainers get stuck around 10–15 sessions per week and can't figure out how to grow their schedule. Many assume it's the gym, the location, or the economy.In this episode we sit down with a trainer from MOVATI Athletic who broke through that ceiling.After implementing systems from Show Up Fitness, he went from 10–15 sessions per week to 25 sessions per week, dramatically increasing both his income and confidence as a coach.We discuss:• Why most trainers struggle to grow their client base• The biggest mistakes trainers make early in their careers• How assessments instantly increase client trust• The difference between textbook knowledge and real-world coaching• The systems that helped him double his sessionsIf you're a personal trainer trying to get more clients, build confidence, and turn coaching into a real career, this episode breaks down what actually works.Follow the trainer on IG: @emi_robledo2911For trainers studying for NASM or looking to level up their coaching skills, check out the Show Up Fitness resources and weekly live calls.KEEP SHOWING UP.

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Most personal trainers working at the YMCA struggle to build a consistent client roster. Many get stuck around a handful of sessions per week and eventually burn out or leave the industry.In this episode we sit down with trainer Von Porter from Martha's Vineyard to talk about how he built momentum inside the gym and started growing his client base after implementing the Show Up Fitness systems.We discuss:• Why most trainers struggle to get clients• The confidence gap new trainers face• How assessments build instant trust with clients• The difference between being certified and actually being qualified• The systems that helped Von grow his scheduleIf you're a personal trainer trying to grow your client base, build confidence, and turn training into a real career, this episode will give you a clear roadmap.Follow Von on IG: @von_trainingFor trainers looking to pass NASM faster or level up their coaching skills, check out Show Up Fitness resources and weekly live calls.KEEP SHOWING UP.

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!A client came to me after being told she needed shoulder surgery.MRI showed a slight supraspinatus tear. No physical therapy was recommended. No movement assessment was performed. Just “you'll need surgery.”Instead of jumping to conclusions, we performed a full movement screen looking at the GH joint, scapula, thoracic spine and LPHC. No red flags were present. Several exercises were completely pain free. Others were only uncomfortable based on fear and guarding after being told she was “fragile.”This is where the biopsychosocial model of pain becomes critical for personal trainers.Pain is not always tissue damage. Language matters. Assessments matter. Understanding anatomy and movement matters.After helping her better understand what the MRI actually meant, how her shoulder moves, and which patterns felt safe to load, she avoided surgery and returned to training without pain.Knowing your scope as a personal trainer is important. But so is knowing when to assess, when to refer, and how to confidently work with clients who are in pain without making them feel broken.Textbook certifications like NASM ACE ISSA don't prepare you for real world scenarios like this.That's why we created the SUF-CPT and SUF-STM certifications.If you want to: • Assess clients in pain • Program on the fly • Partner with DPTs • Charge $150+ per session • Build confidence with real peopleYou have to SHOW UP.Learn more about our seminars and certifications here: [Insert Website]#PersonalTraining #Biopsychosocial #ShoulderPain #NASM #CPT #MovementAssessment #PainScience #ShowUpFitnessBecome a personal trainer, SUF CPT the fastest growing personal training certification for personal trainersWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Before you memorize muscles, origins, insertions and actions… you need to understand anatomical orientation.In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of anatomical position, directional terms and planes of motion so students in kinesiology, nursing, exercise science and personal training can better understand how the human body moves in space.If you're currently studying for exams in:• Kinesiology• Nursing school• NASM• ACE• ISSA• NSCA• ACSM or the SUF-CPTThis is the foundation that makes everything else in anatomy make sense.We cover:• Anatomical position• Anterior vs posterior• Medial vs lateral• Superior vs inferior• Proximal vs distal• Contralateral vs ipsilateral• Sagittal plane• Frontal plane• Transverse planeWhether you're learning movement for clinical practice, rehab, strength training or preparing for your CPT exam, mastering anatomical orientation is essential for understanding assessments, biomechanics and exercise programming.At Show Up Fitness, we teach future personal trainers how to apply anatomy in real world scenarios with actual clients through movement assessments and hands on learning.Learn more about our certifications and hands on seminars:[Insert Website]#Kinesiology #NursingSchool #Anatomy #NASM #ACE #ISSA #NSCA #ExerciseScience #PersonalTraining #Biomechanics #ShowUpFitnessWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Most personal trainers struggle to break $40-60K per year.Less than 1% of personal trainers clear 200k. So how did Coach Joe?Listen to how many personal training seminars he has gone to. Not once did he metion nasm, ace, issa or any textbook certification.So what does it actually take to make $200,000 as a personal trainer?In this episode, we follow Coach Joe Sully (IG: @Coach_Joe_Sully) through a real day in the life of a 6-figure trainer to see exactly how elite coaches operate.From assessments… To programming on the fly… To working with clients who are in pain… To building a network with DPTs and RDs… To confidently charging $100-$150+ per session…There is a massive difference between trainers who read a textbook and pass a multiple choice exam (NASM ACE ISSA)… and trainers who build a real career.Joe breaks down: • His daily schedule • How he assesses new clients • Why networking is everything • How he handles clients with shoulder, low back and knee discomfort • The systems he uses to retain clients • And what separates $25/session trainers from $200K/year coachesIf 90% of trainers quit within the first 12 months, maybe it's time we stop telling people to “just get certified” and instead focus on hands on learning, movement competency and building a professional team.This is what we teach inside the SUF-CPT & SUF-STM at Show Up Fitness in partnership with Life Time Fitness.Want to: • Become confident around clients in pain • Charge 25-50% more per hour • Partner with physical therapists • And build a sustainable career in personal trainingYou have to SHOW UP.Learn more about our seminars and certifications: [Insert Website]Follow Joe: IG: @Coach_Joe_Sully#PersonalTraining #DayInTheLife #SixFigureTrainer #NASM #ShowUpFitness #CPT #LifeTimeFitnessWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Trying to pass the NASM CPT exam in 2026?This is Part 2 of our 5-Part NASM in 30-Days Series designed to help aspiring personal trainers pass the NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam fast without wasting months reading the textbook.Over 6,000 trainers have used the Show Up Fitness NASM Study Guide to pass the NASM CPT exam.In this episode we break down the exact 30-day NASM study plan, how to prepare for the NASM exam efficiently, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that cause 90% of new trainers to quit within 12 months.Leave a 5-Star Review to get the NASM Cheat Sheet used by thousands of trainers to pass.Need more help?Our NASM Study Guide ($99) has helped over 6,000 trainers pass.Want to guarantee you pass?Join the SUF-CPT Internship ($799). If you fail the NASM CPT exam, we pay for your retest.You will also get:• Hands on training workshop • Programming confidence • Assessments for clients in pain • Networking with DPTs and RDs • Job placement support • Access to a SUF Seminar at Life Time Fitness within 12 monthsSubscribe for weekly episodes on passing NASM, assessments, programming and becoming an elite personal trainer.how to pass nasm cpt nasm cpt 2026 nasm study guide nasm cpt study plan personal trainer exam prep how to become a personal trainer pass nasm fast nasm exam tips nasm cheat sheet nasm practice test certified personal trainer examWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Struggling to understand the planes of motion for personal training?In this episode of the Show Up Fitness Podcast, we break down the three planes of motion — sagittal, frontal and transverse — in a simple way so personal trainers can confidently assess movement and improve workout programming.Understanding planes of motion is essential for:• Exercise selection • Movement assessments • Injury prevention • Training clients with pain • Programming full body workoutsWhether you're studying for the NASM CPT exam or want to improve your programming skills as a personal trainer, this episode will help you apply movement science to real world coaching.Topics covered:• Sagittal plane exercises • Frontal plane exercises • Transverse plane exercises • Functional movement patterns • Programming for general population • Assessing clients with shoulder, hip and knee painSubscribe for weekly episodes on assessments, programming and becoming an elite personal trainer.How to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer VOL 2 on amazon to become an elite qualified personal trainer:planes of motion personal training sagittal frontal transverse planes of motion exercises functional movement training exercise science for trainers how to assess movement personal trainer education movement assessment exercise programming biomechanics personal trainingWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Pickleball is the fastest growing sport among adults over 60, but injuries like frozen shoulder and tennis elbow can sideline even the most competitive players.In this episode of the Show Up Fitness Podcast, we break down how to safely and effectively design a strength training program for a 67 year old pickleball athlete dealing with shoulder stiffness and lateral elbow pain.Learn how personal trainers can assess movement, train around pain, improve performance, and help older clients stay competitive without surgery.Topics covered:• Frozen shoulder exercises for older adults: • Tennis elbow strength training • Pickleball injury prevention • Programming for clients over 60 • Biopsychosocial model of pain • Training around shoulder and elbow pain • Full body programming for general populationIf you're a personal trainer working with aging athletes, this episode will help you confidently program for clients with pain while improving retention and results.Subscribe for weekly episodes on assessments, programming, and becoming an elite personal trainer.• How to network with pickleball professionals and pickleball gyms to offer your services to bring in more clients so you can charge more and make over $100,000 as a qualified personal trainer.If you want to become a personal trainer, SUF-CPT is the fastest growing personal training certification which helps you understand programming so you can design workouts for clients who play pickleball and all general population clients, especially when it comes to programming around pain. pickleball training for seniors strength training over 60 frozen shoulder exercises tennis elbow rehab personal trainer programming for older adults training clients with shoulder pain training clients with elbow pain pickleball injury prevention workouts for seniors with injuries how to train older athletes#pickleballtraining #frozenshoulder #tenniselbow #seniorfitness #over60fitness #personaltrainer #showupfitness #shoulderpain #elbowpain #strengthtrainingforseniorsWant to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want a stronger bench without the burnout cycle of “max out Mondays”? We dive into the real drivers of pressing strength—scapular mechanics, intelligent frequency, and targeted accessories—then map them onto five influential programs lifters actually use: Sheiko, Smolov Jr, Westside Conjugate, Wendler's 5/3/1, and the Bulgarian-style daily max approach. Along the way, we explain how to spot and fix sticking points at the chest, midrange, and lockout, and why bar path, elbow angle, foot pressure, and a controlled thoracic arch can add pounds fast without beating up your shoulders.I walk through a practical hybrid template I use with clients chasing 225, 275, or 315: straight-set specificity for bench, CCA blocks to round out pressing angles and back strength, and a weekly wave of heavy work, volume, and speed. We cover warm-up that actually potentiates—foam roller push-ups, cuff activation, med-ball slams—plus reps in reserve, rest intervals that respect the ATP-PC system, and how to use heavy eccentrics, pauses, boards, and pins to train your nervous system above goal weight. You'll hear clear cues for breathing and bracing, how to line up on the bench, and why a slight arch is a tool, not a sin.This conversation is built for coaches and serious lifters who want outcomes, not fluff. You'll get actionable progression ideas, a retesting timeline that protects momentum, and a simple method to choose accessories by reviewing video and training the exact range where your lift slows. We also talk shop about creating a PR culture in your gym—monthly focus lifts, leaderboards, and community Saturdays—so clients stay engaged and keep showing up.If this helped you plan your next training block, tap follow, share it with a training partner, and leave a quick review. Ready to build a smarter bench? Subscribe and tell us your current max and your next goal.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!PT IG: JewadegrahamcoachWant a real blueprint for becoming a high-level personal trainer, not just another fast-tracked certificate holder? We sit down with UK coach Graham to unpack what separates “certified” from truly “qualified,” breaking down how short courses can be the starting line—but never the finish—of a serious coaching career. From navigating UK awarding bodies like Active IQ and YMCA to understanding rent-versus-shifts models at PureGym and The Gym Group, we dig into the practical choices that shape your development and earning power.The heart of the conversation is coaching craft. Graham explains why the first 28 days with a client set the trajectory for long-term success, and how a clear onboarding process—assessment, communication, expectations, and feedback loops—builds confidence on both sides. We talk about translating anatomy into human language, ditching Latin for cues clients can use, and designing programs that progress or regress to match real lives and crowded gyms. You'll hear how to start natural conversations on the gym floor, stop opening with “Want PT?”, and instead lead with help that builds trust and makes selling unnecessary.We also address the allure and risk of business mentorships. Graham shares how to vet programs, avoid the shiny scams, and prioritize mentors who teach assessments, communication, and systems. The path he recommends is honest and demanding: one to three years of apprenticeship or mentorship inside an elite environment, building a portfolio of transformations, strength PRs, and rehab wins. That proof makes content easier to create and clients easier to retain. By the time you pivot to independent or online coaching, you're not guessing—you're scaling what already works.If you're serious about coaching excellence, this episode is your roadmap: develop soft skills, master onboarding, build undeniable proof, and only then go big. Subscribe, share with a trainer friend who needs this reality check, and leave a review with the one skill you're committed to leveling up next.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Feeling buried under 800 pages of NASM CPT 2026? We turn the noise into a clear, fast track that gets you to a passing score and into confident coaching. We walk through the OPT model in plain language, show you exactly which acute variables to memorize, and explain how to move from stabilization to strength and power without turning your sessions into rigid templates. If you've ever passed a test and still felt lost on day one, this guide closes that gap.We dig into the essentials you'll see on the exam and in real intake sessions: BMI ranges, blood pressure norms, and the practical differences between type one and type two diabetes. You'll hear why positive, client-first coaching beats fear-based assessments, and how to use simple screens without overwhelming new clients. We also unpack behavior change with the stages of change model and SMART goals so you can help people stay consistent long after the first workout high fades.Beyond the test, we talk career fundamentals that make you a pro others trust: track contracts and receipts for at least four years, understand CEU requirements, and use a quick SWOT analysis to map your growth. We share how focused study guides, mentorship, and hands-on seminars can compress your study time while sharpening real-world skills. The result is a study plan you can finish fast and a coaching approach that delivers results clients can feel.Ready to study smarter and coach with confidence? Hit follow, share this with a trainer friend who's cramming for NASM, and leave a quick review so we can send you our free NASM cheat sheet. Your next strong session starts here.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Shoulder pain doesn't have to sideline smart training. We walk you through a clean, confidence-building process for working with a 50-year-old client who wants a full-body session with an upper-body focus, starting with a conversation that actually matters: what success looks like today and in six months. From there, we blend a tight shoulder screen with targeted soft tissue and a practical strength plan that respects biology and builds belief.You'll hear exactly how we ask about pain—acute or chronic, what flares it, what calms it—and then run quick checks: humeral flexion to the wall, cross-body reach, hand-behind-back lift-off, and a gentle scaption break test. When red flags are clear, we use focused holds on upper traps, pec minor, and infraspinatus, retesting immediately so the client feels a real change. That opens the door to a shoulder-friendly program: incline dumbbell pressing for range and comfort, face pulls for scapular control, and planks to connect trunk and shoulder. We balance it with pronated dumbbell rows, smart push-up progressions to restore scap motion, and accessories like lateral raises that won't rob your main lifts of tension.To tie it together, we lean on the CCA framework—core pattern, core pattern, accessory—cycling through three rounds of eight to twelve reps, adjusting loads for training age. We finish with landmine work: squats for lower-body integration, a reachy landmine press for shoulder mechanics, and anti-rotation to lock in control. Throughout, we model trainer engagement that goes beyond an iPad: tactile cues, spotting with intent, and coaching presence that justifies the investment.Finally, we share a straightforward way to sell without the salesy vibe: recap wins, offer two clear package options, and handle objections with calm questions—not pressure. Not ready to commit? Keep the relationship alive with useful resources, check-ins, and a comped follow-up tied to a review or referral. If this approach helps you or your clients move better and feel stronger, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a coach who could use a sharper shoulder plan.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!A small lever can move a big dial, and fiber is that lever. We break down how soluble fiber binds bile salts, nudging the liver to pull cholesterol and lower LDL, then turn the biochemistry into a clear coaching system clients can actually follow. No fear of carbs, no butter-in-coffee gimmicks—just smart mechanics, practical habits, and results that last.We share a simple structure that beats diet hopping: month one builds awareness and routines, month two adds nutrition coaching with honest accountability, and the following months refine macros where useful. You'll hear why “carbs aren't essential” misses the point for athletes, how energy balance coexists with performance and sanity, and why the 18‑of‑21 meals approach creates consistency without perfection. We put tactics on the table: a short boot camp week for momentum, portion games that reveal hidden calories, and restaurant strategies that save thousands without killing joy.This conversation is also a playbook for trainers who want to level up. Learn how to partner with registered dietitians and physical therapists, price and position nutrition services, and turn education into an additional revenue stream. We use first‑principles coaching—steps, sleep, stress, hydration, protein, and fiber—to shift behavior, broaden what “progress” means, and keep clients from assigning moral weight to food. Expect a blend of physiology, psychology, and business you can implement today.If this helped reframe nutrition and coaching, follow the show, share it with a coach who needs a system, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Article mentioned in the podcast: https://www.painscience.com/blog/corrective-exercise-trap.htmlNext SUF weekend seminars: DUMBO NYC 2-20/21, Houston 13/14, Oakland 27/28.Q2 schedule will be released soon!What happens when a client shoves a scary MRI report in front of you and waits for your take? We turn that tense moment into a masterclass on scope, language, and movement by breaking down C6–C7 findings, clarifying true red flags, and showing how a quick consult with a physical therapist can transform fear into a clear plan. Instead of hiding behind corrective exercise acronyms, we lay out a practical path to real credibility: anatomy fluency, precise coaching, and a trusted referral network.We walk through how to read common cervical terms without stepping outside your scope, why peripheral symptoms like numbness or burning change the plan, and how to use the biopsychosocial model to reduce threat and improve outcomes. You'll hear a simple, effective session flow—brief targeted correctives followed by progressive overload with squats, step-ups, rows, planks, and face pulls—designed to build capacity without provoking symptoms. The emphasis is on clarity over complexity: coach scapular protraction and retraction, cue depression instead of shrugging, and modify load and positions based on feedback, not fear.Along the way, we question the corrective exercise trap, the posture hype cycle, and the industry's obsession with letters over leadership. Real leverage comes from hands-on education and an active network of DPTs and specialists who answer the phone, share nuance, and send referrals. If you want clients to see you as the professional who brings calm, clarity, and results, start by mastering anatomy, speaking hope, programming for strength, and knowing exactly when to refer. Subscribe, share this with a coach who needs it, and leave a review telling us the one skill you're doubling down on this month.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Charging more isn't about swagger, it's about proof. We break down exactly how to move from low-fee burnout to a premium, sustainable training business by pairing market research with real value: a sharp assessment process, a professional environment, and a team that supports client outcomes. From calling competitors and mapping local price anchors to choosing the right setting—boutique studio, in-home, or park—we show how place and positioning shape what clients expect to pay.We get tactical with scripts and packaging that cut friction. Instead of a messy menu, present two options and ask, “How would you like to pay?” Learn how to communicate price increases without drama by sharing your current income, your education plan, and the date your new rate starts. We talk sponsorships, one-time stock-up offers, and how to tie raises to skills that matter—soft tissue work, pain navigation, and assessment-driven programming that clients can feel on day one.Mentorship and community change your ceiling. You'll hear how a mentor forced a 300 dollar quote that reset confidence, how high-end venues amplify perceived value, and why partnerships with physical therapists and dietitians lead to premium referrals. We also cover charity events that build goodwill and pipeline, plus simple six-month price ladders that keep your rates aligned with your growth. The result is a clear, repeatable system: research, deliver proof, package cleanly, ask confidently, and raise steadily.Ready to stop guessing and start charging what your work deserves? Follow the show, share this episode with a trainer who needs the nudge, and leave a quick review telling us your next price milestone.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Aram ig: 4weeks2thebeachTickets to April Seminar: https://realcoachessummit.com/tickets/p/presale-ticket?fbclid=PAVERFWAPYjK1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafjv2BNCBPnJJ3D9ceS2w-zGHPXsepZjXlelCytEsxnN-vw3piPbXSvFFCQdA_aem_S7fs_0X71OSfA7u01JoiggIf you've ever felt torn between doing real coaching and chasing the next shiny promise, this conversation will feel like a deep breath. We unpack the journey from a high-paying finance gig to the gym floor and into building a no-fluff education event designed for the most neglected crowd in fitness: coaches with a few years of experience who want practical solutions, not sales scripts. Along the way, we get brutally honest about risk, debt, burnout, and the grind it takes to stick around long enough to get good at this work. We break down the myths that keep clients stuck and trainers spinning. Fat loss isn't driven by lifting alone; nutrition and intentional cardio move the needle while strength training protects muscle and confidence. Compliance is the science, so the plan has to fit the person's bandwidth, not the other way around. You'll hear simple, effective ways to teach intensity, set expectations, and offer clear choices that give clients autonomy—drop calories, add cardio, or both—while cutting out the jargon that loses people. We also get into sensitive, high-interest topics the right way: how to talk about GLP-1s and peptides within scope, coach women through menopause and PCOS, and program around pain without pretending to diagnose. We also spotlight the Real Coaches Summit in Las Vegas, a two-and-a-half-day, CEU-eligible event built around applied talks you can use the next morning: hypertrophy programming, client compliance, deadlift mechanics, lab literacy, emotional eating strategies, and more. It's education you can trust, plus the networking that only happens face to face—new peers, new podcasts, and the validation that you're not doing this alone. If you're ready to trade optimization noise for outcomes, tap play, share this with a coach who needs it, and join us in Vegas. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the one skill you're committed to simplifying for your clients this month.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Coach Sanjay IG: yourfitnesscoach.inTired of hearing “the gym keeps 70%, trainers get 30%” and wondering how to break the cycle? We sat down with Sanjay Duseja, who went from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to training 2,000+ clients across 40 countries, to map a smarter path through India's fitness industry. His story shows you don't need a big city to win—you need competence built on four pillars: education, experience, communication, and living what you teach.We dig into why low entry barriers and a lack of regulation depress pay and quality, and how owners and trainers often talk past each other. Sanjay explains how he funded early certifications while working in IT, moved online during lockdowns, and built trust with credentials, case studies, and simple, effective assessments. You'll hear why a goal-first approach beats cookie-cutter routines: athletes can chase intensity and frequency because performance is their job, while general clients need sustainable programming that fits around work, family, and recovery. Assess movement, strength, and cardio, then tailor exercise selection, volume, and frequency to what the client actually wants—like playing with their grandchild for an hour without gasping.Sanjay's “Year of Growth” experiment adds rare empathy. By deliberately gaining significant weight and then reversing course, he experienced breathlessness, back pain, poor sleep, and mental strain firsthand, and translated those lessons into coaching that meets clients where they are. We close with career design: escape the trap of 10–12 sessions a day by building rare skills, specializing intelligently, and capturing proof of outcomes so your hours go down and your income goes up. In a market with low barriers, top 1 percent competency stands out quickly—if you commit to learning and apply it with integrity.If this conversation sparked an idea, subscribe, share with a trainer friend, and leave a quick review. Tell us: which pillar are you doubling down on next—education, experience, communication, or walking the talk?Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!SUF-CPT guarantees trainers to pass within 30-days and become a qualified CPT w/ SUFStop drowning in 800 pages and start studying what gyms and the NASM exam actually test. We map the shortest path to a pass—then show how to turn that pass into a paying career with confident programming, clear communication, and real-world coaching skills.We start with the keystones: the OPT model's five phases, the acute variables you must know cold, and how to spot supersets, tempos, and intensities at a glance. Then we make it practical. You'll hear how to connect planes of motion to real exercises, identify agonists and stabilizers on the fly, and use a simple corrective flow for common patterns like knee valgus or heels lifting. We also clarify assessments and tests—from the overhead squat to Rockport, VT1/VT2, push-up endurance, and the LEFT—plus the must-know vital sign basics and what counts as subjective vs objective data.Nutrition stays simple and test-relevant: calories per gram, AMDR ranges, and hydration targets. More importantly, we critique fluffy warm-ups and long cooldowns and replace them with a plug-and-play full-body structure that sells: push, pull, accessory; repeat with intent; finish strong. If the bench is taken at 5 pm, you'll know exactly how to pivot without losing flow or confidence. That's what hiring managers want to see on a crowded floor.Along the way, we share a success story that moves from passing to getting hired, explain why textbook-only learning stalls new trainers, and outline a smarter route: study guides, live coaching, and hands-on practice with oversight. We also talk about building a professional team with a physical therapist and a registered dietitian so you can stay in scope, refer out wisely, and charge like a pro.Ready to pass NASM fast and coach with confidence? Follow the show, share this with a trainer friend who needs a win, and leave a review telling us the topic you want next. Your career can start in 30 days—let's get you there.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Dr. Kurt IG: higherpowersportpt What if getting “cleared” isn't even close to ready? We sit down with sports physical therapist Dr. Kessler to break down the real differences between insurance-based clinics and cash-based care—and why that gap can decide whether you return to sport strong or stuck at 70 percent. Instead of chasing codes and cramming notes, we dig into longer one-on-one sessions, meaningful assessments, and exercise dosing that actually moves the needle.Dr. Kessler takes us behind the curtain of residency training, board exams, and the daily reality of high-volume clinics where documentation dictates decisions. We compare insurance goals—basic independence and ADLs—to athletic goals like sprinting, cutting, and lifting heavy. You'll hear how test item clusters beat one-off special tests, why movement is medicine only when dosed right, and how to build capacity by targeting the real “why” behind pain. Hip pain in front? We talk posterior capsule, loading strategy, and the difference between protocols and problem-solving.We also get practical about collaboration. Trainers who speak anatomy and program progressive overload can carry clients from pain-free to peak performance, while PTs who respect performance training build stronger, safer handoffs. Together, that ecosystem prevents re-injury and measures what matters: side-to-side strength, rate of force development, and readiness to play. We close with honest talk on sales, marketing, and education gaps that hold both fields back—and the simple fixes that raise the bar for everyone.If you're serious about better outcomes, stronger returns to sport, and a smarter PT–trainer alliance, this conversation will give you the playbook. Subscribe, share with a coach or clinician you trust, and leave a review to help more people find the show.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want a real blueprint for going from overwhelmed rookie to confident, independent trainer? Wendy joins us with a candid look at what actually moved the needle: interning in a PT clinic, shadowing great coaches, training as a client to learn the buyer's side, and choosing education that works in the real world. Her path across small-town Arizona gyms and a high-volume facility selling five-year packages reveals how marketing, culture, and leadership shape a trainer's growth, pay, and staying power.We get specific about money and momentum. Wendy breaks down the grind of long days and 20 percent take-home pay, the decision to set her own rates, and how paid assessments filter price shoppers while signaling value. We share practical scripts for “it depends” pricing, when to state a range, and how to frame an assessment so clients feel invested from day one. If you're stuck between charging more and losing leads, this conversation gives you tools to nudge rates up with confidence and clarity.Education becomes a competitive edge when it's hands-on. We dig into seminars, Show Up Fitness programming, and why anatomy mastery silences imposter syndrome in elite rooms. Wendy talks about building systems—Stripe, clean paperwork, and consistent discovery calls—to keep a solo business sane. We also cover choosing the right independent gym: seek sharp peers, growth mindsets, and rooms where you're proud to introduce your mom to most coaches. The takeaway is simple: stack real reps, join strong communities, and let outcomes justify your price.If this helped you rethink your next move, follow the show, share it with a trainer who needs a push, and leave a review so more coaches can find it.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Elbow pain stealing your lifts and your grip? We dig into a clear, no-BS plan to calm lateral elbow pain and build tendons that can handle real training. Drawing on rehab science and practical coaching, we explain what's actually going on at the wrist extensors, why sudden volume spikes overload tissue capacity, and how to fix the problem with targeted soft tissue work, mobility, and progressive loading that sticks.We start by simplifying the anatomy and the timelines you can realistically expect for tendons versus muscles and ligaments. From there, we tackle the myths: why cortisone and menthol creams feel good but miss the mark, when a brace helps short term, and how icing can delay healing. Then we map out the core routine—forearm soft tissue on the extensors, wrist mobility with prayer drills, and isometric holds followed by slow eccentrics and concentrics. You'll hear how to scale sets, reps, and tempo, and how to test farmer's carries without lighting up your symptoms.Because the elbow rarely acts alone, we zoom out to scapular mechanics and nerve considerations. Foam roller push-ups and a downward dog flow help restore scapular motion before pressing, while pec minor work reduces anterior tilt and nerve irritation. We share guardrails for load progressions, the Goldilocks approach to volume, and how to keep gains once pain fades so the tendon stays strong. If numbness or shooting pain shows up, we outline when to call in your physical therapist and how a team approach elevates your coaching and your results.Ready to get your grip back and keep training hard? Hit follow, share this with a friend who's battling elbow pain, and leave a review telling us which drill made the biggest difference.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Do you want to get hired at Life Time Fitness, Equinox, Crunch, YMCA, LA Fitness, or One Life? How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer Vol. 2 has an entire chapter (Ch. 5) dedicated to helping you develop your resume, interview and get hired. Want a recruiter to say “yes” before they finish their coffee? We walk through a practical blueprint for landing interviews at Equinox, Lifetime, and other top gyms—starting with a one-page resume that signals credibility in seconds. You'll hear how to write a sharp objective, place certifications and CPR/AED where managers expect them, and use the right keywords so your resume survives ATS filters without pretending to hold credentials you don't have.We dig into the real difference-makers: quantifying outcomes and showing breadth. Instead of vague claims, learn how to present 300+ coaching hours, retention rates, monthly sales figures, and program results that match tiered coaching models. We explain how to reference NSCA needs analysis, ACSM risk stratification, and FMS screening as proficiencies, not certifications, to demonstrate a wider toolkit. You'll also hear a before-and-after resume example, complete with measurable achievements, client variety, and clear timelines that prove reliability.Then we shift from paper to performance. We share how to prep for the recruiter screen, avoid filler words, and research each company's tiers and assessments so your answers land. If your dream gym feels out of reach, we offer a playbook: get interview reps elsewhere, build confidence, leverage seminars for warm referrals, and use mentorship to keep momentum steady. Rejections happen; smart trainers translate “not yet” into a stronger reapply. Ready to turn a cold resume into a warm introduction and a scheduled interview?Subscribe, share with a trainer friend, and leave a review to help more coaches get hired at elite gyms.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!If raising your rates feels risky and networking with clinicians feels out of reach, this conversation hands you a clear, repeatable plan. We break down a month-to-month pricing shift with language that keeps trust high, then show how a simple referral incentive and forward-dated 2026 pricing can stabilize revenue without drama. You'll hear the exact empathy-led negotiation script we use, plus a five-minute IG Live format that warms your audience and surfaces new clients you didn't know were watching.We get honest about nutrition noise and why cutting carbs often “works” for the wrong reason—calorie reduction. Instead of demonizing foods, we focus on energy balance, behavior, and training quality, so clients lose weight without losing their minds. From there, we dismantle fear-based corrective exercise and posture myths. You can't isolate the VMO, and labeling clients as broken helps no one. A better path: use soft tissue to reduce threat, choose positions that calm symptoms, and load with confidence through graded exposure.The growth unlock comes from your clinician network. We map a simple, professional outreach: pay for an assessment, learn their lens, and demonstrate your programming so therapists trust you with post-discharge strength. You'll hear practical ACL rehab priorities like quad and gastrocnemius loading, a quick knee hyperextension screen to guide early choices, and a short list of credible physios to follow for continuing education. Tie it together with a pricing strategy that funds learning—transparent increases, client sponsorship options, and small thank-yous to referrers—and you have a business that compounds trust into opportunity.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a coach who needs a push, and leave a quick review so more trainers find these tools. Your next client may come from the message you send today.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ever walked a deconditioned client into a tough first circuit and watched the color drain from their face? We've been there. Today we break down a real program submission for a six foot one, 220-pound beginner who hasn't trained since high school and show how to turn day one into a durable win, not a cautionary tale.We start by reframing the goal of a first session: assessment in motion, not annihilation. Instead of opening with a heavy lower-body CCA, we pivot to a CA that tests capacity—think goblet squats paired with dead bugs or bird dogs—then build carefully. You'll hear why landmine RDLs teach the hinge faster than kettlebell RDLs for novices, how band-assisted push-ups outshine unstable TRX pressing for comfort and buy-in, and when to delay rotation until trunk control is ready. We also cover step-ups in the sagittal plane as a smart “cardio by stealth” leg choice, plus client-led accessories that make the work feel personal: curls for arms, simple ab sets for a clean burn, and a split-stance shoulder press for stability and novelty.Coaching craft lives in details: set clear expectations, read breathing and color changes, and be prepared to pivot without losing momentum. We share safety guardrails for dizziness and hypoglycemia, the “final destination” checklist every trainer should know, and the rule that every exercise you prescribe is one you've practiced at least ten times. Then we map simple, sticky progressions across the next sessions—same patterns, a touch more load, small tweaks in range or stability—so neural gains translate into confidence and renewals. You'll leave with a blueprint for session flow, finisher options that don't fry form, and rapport habits that turn one workout into a training relationship.Ready to design smarter programs that clients love and stick to? Hit play, subscribe for more coaching breakdowns, and leave a review with your favorite day-one opener—we might feature it next week.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Say hello to Tilo at coach.tiloWhat if your most valuable product isn't another hour-long session, but a community that people can't wait to join? Today we sit down with a former PE teacher who turned a neighbor's question into a thriving training business, then pushed beyond the ceiling of in-person hours to build scalable income without sacrificing family time. From the first $90 session to confidently charging premium rates in an affluent market, we get into the real math: exact client counts, monthly revenue targets, and the systems that make sessions repeatable, effective, and worth every dollar.We dig into pricing strategy the way clients actually experience it—clear value, annual increases, retainers that stabilize cash flow, and the honest post-mortem when someone says no. We challenge the myth of overnight online riches and offer a grounded path: LinkedIn for lead gen, Trainerize for delivery, and coaching that sells outcomes, not app access. The heart of the episode is the Parlay Club, a clever blend of step goals, workouts, and point-doubling sports picks that turns accountability into a game. It's sticky, social, and scalable—especially once it moves to a searchable Facebook group, adds tiers, rewards referrals, and features guest experts to deepen engagement.Parent-trainers will feel seen. We talk about seasons of ambition, designing a perfect week before you sell it, and using the 11–2 midday window to build leverage instead of filling it with low-yield sessions. For coaches working with youth athletes, we map a route to clinics, partnerships, and grant-funded programs, and explain how a credential like the CSCS opens doors with athletic directors. The throughline is focus: avoid the octopus problem of too many projects and choose one lane to push hard for a defined period, supported by precise KPIs and a community that keeps you honest.If you're ready to raise your rates, protect your time, and build something that grows while you're with your kids, this conversation hands you a playbook you can start using today. Subscribe, share this with a trainer who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest goal for the next 90 days—we'll shout out our favorites on the show.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Most trainers don't miss six figures because the market is saturated; they miss it because they rely on a textbook, skip the team, and avoid hands-on learning. We pull back the curtain on what actually drives a durable, high-earning training career: real competence, strategic partnerships, and pricing that reflects value.We start by dismantling survivorship bias in certification advice and explain why multiple-choice exams don't prepare you for a people-first, problem-solving job. Then we map a practical path from C-level certs to true capability: build a team with a physical therapist for pain cases and a registered dietitian for nutrition scope. You'll hear how to approach clinicians with respect, speak their language without overstepping, and structure paid consults that lead to mutual referrals and better client results.From there, we break down a simple revenue model that stacks without burnout: premium in-person training, a clear month-two nutrition add-on under RD oversight, and streamlined online programming. We share concrete screens for shoulder function you can use within scope, when to refer out, and why quarterly hands-on seminars beat another PDF. Real-world case studies highlight trainers who leveraged seminars and networking to land roles at top gyms, grow into management, or expand into corporate wellness—showing exactly how layered income can reach and surpass $100K.If you're ready to trade generic certs for real skills, build a professional ecosystem, and create a career that pays and lasts, this conversation lays out the steps. Subscribe, share this with a trainer who needs it, and leave a review telling us which action you'll take first.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ever feel the ground shift under a job you once loved? We sit down with a K–12 principal who built his identity around coaching kids, weathered the Paradise fire, and still found his purpose dissolving under politics, ego, and endless pushback. What follows is a candid look at walking away from a steady six-figure paycheck to pursue fitness, craft, and a life that feels honest again.We trace the throughline from early days lifting in Chico to leading schools where every decision meets resistance, and then to the spark of a new path: training, education reform from the outside, and programs that make movement central to learning. We talk openly about comfort as a trap, the fear of starting at zero, and the mindset shift that turns practice into momentum. If you're wrestling with a pivot, you'll hear a practical playbook: shadow great coaches, study daily, build a routine that stacks mobility, lifting, and focused learning, and have one meaningful industry conversation every day. It's career capital by design, not hope.There's a strong case for bridging education and fitness. PE gets sidelined, yet aerobic work boosts BDNF, sharpens attention, and primes the brain for class. With the right partnerships, schools can implement zero-period training, teacher wellness, and skill-based PE that kids actually believe in. This isn't about quick wins; it's about craft, clarity, and owning your trajectory. If you're choosing between safe and alive, this conversation will nudge you toward the path that compounds.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone stuck in a comfort loop, and leave a review with the bold move you're planning next. Keep showing up.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Alepotini_ifbbpro IGWhat happens when the life everyone admires isn't the life you want? We sit down with a Milan-based attorney and IFBB pro who's trading billables for barbells, unpacking the inner voice that won't quiet down, the pressure of prestige, and the daily signals of burnout that finally force a choice. Her path runs from military academy to Berkeley Law to a top international firm—and yet the gym became the place where she felt most herself. That contrast sets the stage for a candid, high-clarity conversation about meaning, mental health, and the courage to start over.We dig into why strength training can be a sanctuary, how good coaches translate fear into progress, and what it takes to guide beginners without intimidation. She breaks down the realities of working as a personal trainer in Italy—independent contractor setups, slow client acquisition, and lingering stigma about the profession—while making the case for evidence-based coaching that helps older adults protect muscle and young women embrace lifting without the “bulky” myth. Along the way, we talk programming, recovery, and the quiet discipline that keeps you moving when motivation fades.Then we open the black box of immigration: why moving to the United States to coach or compete isn't simple, what “exceptional ability” really means for visas, and how to build a credible, compounding profile through certifications, results, publishing, and community. We contrast social media highlights with the unglamorous grind—6 a.m. training, 12-hour office days, and small wins across time zones—that actually create change. If you're balancing a celebrated career against a calling that won't let go, this story will help you map the next step, not just the dream.Subscribe for more stories that blend career pivots, coaching craft, and real-world tactics. If this episode moved you, share it with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a review to help others find the show.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Checkout Cody on IG: CodyMayFitWant to see how one trainer turned a free session into a $200K plan and a corporate wellness blueprint that wins boardrooms? We walk through the exact steps: earn trust with results, capture the data that matters, and translate those outcomes into clear ROI that executives can't ignore. Sick days down, blood pressure down, low back injuries down—when the metrics move, pricing power follows.Cody breaks down the shift from coach to operator: how referrals compounded into a book of business, why he attends seminars to sharpen skills, and what changed when he started hiring in his own name. We get specific about standards. Resumes stacked with acronyms are easy; applying anatomy, progressing programs, and defending your choices under pressure is what counts. You'll hear how a practical interview works with a real client, what professionalism looks like on the phone and on the floor, and why protecting the brand requires a high bar for every coach who touches a client.We also map the scalable play: launch a corporate wellness pilot with a tight intake—vitals, grip strength, movement, injury history, and strength benchmarks—then deliver a year of consistent coaching and report the outcomes in dollars saved. That proof of concept unlocks enterprise contracts and fuels a one-stop model that brings trainers, physical therapists, registered dietitians, and concierge MDs under one roof. Community grows, care improves, and the business becomes repeatable across locations.If you're serious about leveling up, this conversation is your checklist: set standards, document outcomes, build a team, and package your wins so decision makers can say yes. Enjoy the episode, share it with someone who needs a push, and if it helped you, subscribe and leave a quick review—it makes a real difference.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start training like your results matter? We take a classic bro split from a young lifter who wants bigger arms and less fat, then rebuild it into a focused, tension-first plan that actually moves the needle. The fix isn't more fluff—it's better sequencing, smarter volume, and a weekly structure that balances heavy work with strategic accessories.We start by clearing the biggest bottleneck: too much isolation too early. Compounds go first to drive strength and mechanical tension; isolation slides to the end where it belongs. Using a simple CCA pattern—compound, compound, accessory—we stack pressing and rowing for output and then add targeted raises, curls, and triceps work that won't blunt your main lifts. Along the way, we address common pitfalls like fragile low backs during bent-over rows, shoulder irritation on fixed-path incline pressing, and calf training that never progresses beyond 3x10.Progression gets an upgrade with daily undulating periodization. One day leans heavy in the 5–8 rep zone, the next expands to 8–12 or 10–15 for volume and skill. We outline weekly set targets, show how to nudge volume 10–20 percent without tipping into junk fatigue, and explain why tension is the north star while stress and damage remain useful indicators. You'll also hear how to use short, brutal finishers—push-ups, pull-ups, walking lunges—to add conditioning, and how interval runs beat endless steady-state when the goal is fat loss with muscle retention.By the end, you'll know how to structure a chest-forward day, a back-dominant day, and an optional leg or accessory day that respects recovery and keeps elbows and shoulders happy. You'll leave with a plan to grow faster, get stronger, and ditch random workouts for training with a purpose. If this helps, follow the show, share it with a training partner, and drop a review telling us which lift you're prioritizing this month.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!The most honest look you'll hear at what separates a textbook-certified trainer from a trusted professional. We sit down with Derek, a rising manager at Lifetime, to unpack how he evaluates candidates, coaches a veteran team, and keeps standards high in a premium training environment where members expect safety, clarity, and results. From real-time prospecting on a busy gym floor to programming under pressure, Derek explains why 80% of applicants fail the practical and what the top performers do differently.We walk through his three-stage hiring process, the exact screening questions he wants to hear before a single rep, and the coaching behaviors that build instant credibility: precise cues, smart regressions, and simple anatomy language. Then we dig into pricing and value—why $120–$150 per hour makes sense for general population clients, how to handle “that's expensive” without flinching, and the mindset shift that happens when you invest in your own development through mentors, seminars, and bodywork. If you've ever wondered how to charge more while training fewer sessions, this conversation gives you the playbook.Derek also shares what it's like to lead as a younger manager among seasoned trainers, including fostering a culture of accountability without ego. We talk mentorship as the shortcut to competence, retention as the true metric, and why soft tissue work and recovery sessions drive client loyalty. You'll leave with practical steps to pass a tough practical, communicate your value, and build a six-figure path at a high-standard gym or as a smart freelancer.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a trainer who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so more coaches can find it. Your support helps us raise the standard—one qualified trainer at a time.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!What if the crowded gym, the taken rack, and the sore client were your advantage? We sit down with John, a 64-year-old coach who turned a lifetime of athletics and a career in finance into a service-first approach that seniors and everyday clients trust. The through-line is confidence: not bravado, but the quiet certainty that comes from knowing the why behind every exercise and being able to pivot in seconds without losing momentum.We unpack how mentorship and workshops transformed imposter syndrome into a repeatable system. John breaks down programming by patterns instead of equipment—push, pull, squat, hinge, carry, rotate—so he can swap a bench press for any push variation or move from back squats to goblets with wedges when racks are full. That shift keeps sessions seamless and clients calm. You'll hear practical details on warm-ups that prepare tissues, loaded carries and toes-up drills for resilient feet and ankles, and modular templates that make full-body training simple, scalable, and effective.The heart of the conversation is longevity. John trains clients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s with complex histories—heart issues, surgeries, autoimmune conditions—and shows how smart loading, mobility work, and balance training restore independence for daily tasks like carrying groceries, getting in and out of a car, and picking up grandkids. We also talk about community as a performance multiplier: learning from rooms full of veteran coaches, debriefing to normalize struggles, and adopting cues and progressions that instantly improve outcomes.If you're a coach, aspiring trainer, or lifter who cares about real results for real people, you'll leave with tools to own the session, speak clearly about the why, and serve clients with steady confidence. Subscribe, share this with a coach who needs it, and leave a review to help more trainers find practical, human-centered coaching.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Step off a plane in Tokyo and you notice it immediately: people are moving, portions look different, and even a “small” soda is actually small. We unpack why Japan stays leaner without fad diets or gym‑centric lifestyles, and what parts of that system you can borrow without booking a flight. From broth‑based ramen to bento boxes, from 20,000‑step days to transit that makes walking the default, we explore how design, culture, and habits quietly cut calories and add movement.Adam, our instructor of programming, shares on‑the‑ground observations from Okinawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. He breaks down portion density, how convenience stores stock cheap protein and fiber next to sweets, and why intentional eating norms—like not snacking while walking—reduce mindless calories. We dig into conveyor‑belt sushi “micro‑ordering,” the value of half‑rice options, and the power of smaller drink sizes. We also talk fiber intake, affordable on‑the‑go protein, and simple swaps that make a noticeable dent in daily calories.There's another side to consider. Corporate health policies that target waist circumference can improve population metrics but raise serious ethical and mental health questions. We discuss kids' independence, social accountability around vices, and how pressure at work intersects with alcohol use and Japan's high male suicide rates. Health isn't just weight; it's movement, food, and mental wellbeing working together. Our takeaways focus on environment over willpower: build steps into your day, choose broth over cream, keep a cheap protein snack on hand, sit to eat, and start with a truly small sugary drink.If this conversation gets you thinking about your own environment, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review with the one habit you'll try this week. Your tip might be the nudge someone else needs.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Tired of feeling invisible on the gym floor? We share a practical, no-fluff playbook for new and rising trainers who want to fill their books fast without turning into pushy salespeople. It starts with presence: show up early, stay late, and learn the living rhythm of your gym. Map traffic patterns, make eye contact, and smile more than anyone else. Members trust the faces they see every day—so be the person who offers a quick warm-up tip, a towel when it's needed, and a calm answer when someone looks lost.We break down a simple programming framework—CCA: Core movement, Complementary movement, Accessory—that lets you design effective workouts on the spot. Whether you're helping the arm-day regular or the machine-loving 70-year-old, CCA keeps sessions focused, scalable, and aligned with real goals. We also dig into light-touch sales that don't feel slimy: front-desk rapport, micro-education moments, and fun calorie-estimation games that spark nutrition chats. Instead of lecturing, invite members into a complimentary assessment to review goals, stress, sleep, and training history. The tone stays friendly, curious, and helpful.Mindset sets your ceiling. Use a Kobe-level work ethic to stack tiny wins: chase floor shifts, learn from the top and bottom performers, and invest downtime in anatomy and cueing. Bring your food, manage your energy, and radiate gratitude. Then commit to 90 days of rinse-and-repeat consistency and run a quarterly review to turn weaknesses into strengths. If you've been waiting for permission to step forward, here it is: be the most present, prepared, and positive person in the room. That's how strangers become clients—and clients become long-term success stories.If this playbook helped, follow the show, share it with a trainer who needs a boost, and leave a quick review so more coaches can find it.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!A burning leg at night, a “herniated disc” on the MRI, and years of mixed messages—sound familiar? We unpack a real client story and show how to trade fear for a plan using assessment-first coaching, language that calms the system, and progressions that actually work.We start by debunking outdated ortho beliefs that frame backs as fragile and people as broken. Then we map a simple screening process to pinpoint intolerances—flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion, or compression—and use those findings to build a zero-discomfort movement menu. You'll hear why stretching into nerve symptoms often flares sciatica-like pain, when sciatic nerve glides help, and how to reframe “pain” as “discomfort” to reduce threat and increase buy-in.From there we get practical. Learn how to coach precise planks, side planks, and bridges; when to choose TRX rows over bent-over rows; how to modify pressing with landmine variations; and why bilateral pulling beats asymmetrical loading early on. We cover bracing and drawing-in cues, pacing volume to track responses, decompression options for compression-sensitive clients, and small lifestyle levers like sleep setup, hydration, and nutrition quality. We also explain imaging context, disc reabsorption, and the power of daily low back routines that rebuild trust. Finally, we share networking tactics to team up with pro-movement physios and chiros so your client always has a path forward.If you coach people with back issues—or you're working through them yourself—you'll leave with a step-by-step framework: listen, screen, find zero-discomfort ranges, progress deliberately, and keep the wins going for life. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review with your top takeaway so we can cover it next.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: Show Up Fitness CPT TikTok: Show Up Fitness CPT Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com/collections/nasm