NASM Master Instructor Roundtable: A Show for Personal Trainers

The most important thing NASM fitness professionals need to know is that low-calorie and low-energy diets, whether intentional or medication-driven, can have significant impacts on weight loss, metabolism, and long-term health, and require careful management and client education to ensure safe and effective outcomes.

In this “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts and Dr. Marty Miller are joined by Dr. Brad Dieter, who provides an evidence-based review of low-calorie and low-energy diets. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how these dietary approaches have evolved over the last century, why appetite-suppressing medications like GLP-1s are changing the...

Yes, you can achieve the same strength and muscle growth with shorter, time-efficient resistance training sessions as you would with longer traditional workouts, according to research discussed in this “Master Instructor Roundtable.” The main question this episode answers is: "Can time-efficient resistance training give you the same results as longer, traditional sessions?"

Hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller break down recent NASM-backed research showing that shorter workouts—sometimes cutting total duration by 30 to 50 percent—can be just as effective for strength and hypertrophy, provided the right strategies are used. They explain specific techniques such as focusing on exercise...

The key to building a successful and impactful fitness career is focusing on both the technical side of training and the deeper elements of mindset, community, and self-care. In this NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable,” co-hosts Marty Miller and Wendy Batts are joined by fitness industry veteran Todd Durkin to answer the central question: How do top fitness professionals build lasting success by blending training knowledge, psychological skills, business strategy, and authentic human connection?

Listeners will learn practical strategies for assessing and developing both physical and mental performance, discover why mindset and recovery have become essential in today’s fitn...

If you want to know how NASM-certified trainers can use networking and community resources to build a successful fitness career and get practical answers to real industry questions, this “Master Instructor Roundtable” provides clear strategies and expert advice.Hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller, Master Instructors, address the most common challenges NASM trainers face by pulling questions directly from the NASM private Facebook page, including how to get started with online coaching, how to price in-home sessions, and how to maximize your NASM membership benefits.

Listeners will come away understanding the value of active engagement in NASM comm...

Your foot is not just a support structure but a critical foundation for athletic performance and everyday movement. This episode of the NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable” answers the common question: "Why should I rethink training the foot and ankle for better movement and injury prevention?"

Hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller break down the importance of treating the foot as an integrated performance system, not just a passive base. Listeners will learn how foot function impacts the entire kinetic chain, influencing everything from strength and power generation to common overuse injuries. The conversation explores how the foot's sens...

The main question this episode answers is: What is the LESS (Landing Error Scoring System) test, and how can fitness professionals use its research-based assessment to reduce ACL injury risk in clients, especially when considering anticipated versus unanticipated movement? The LESS test is a movement assessment that helps identify lower extremity dysfunction and ACL injury risk by evaluating how clients land from a jump, whether they know what to expect (anticipated) or are reacting to new stimuli (unanticipated).

NASM experts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller break down recent, peer-reviewed NASM research from the open-access Journal of Fitness...

Are you skipping the most important cardio zone without even knowing it? In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” NASM Master Instructors Marty Miller and Wendy Batts reveal why Zone 2 cardio is the real game-changer for anyone looking to boost fitness, brain health, and longevity—no matter your age or athletic level!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Are you new to the fitness world or looking to level up your personal training expertise?

In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosted by award-winning NASM Master Instructors Wendy Batts and Marty Miller—we dive deep into the top 10 mistakes beginners make at the gym and in training programs. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned trainer helping clients break through plateaus, this episode is packed with actionable tips and science-backed strategies you don’t want to miss!

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

Discover the future of recovery, wellness, and fitness performance in this powerhouse episode! Join NASM Master Instructors, hosts Wendy Batts, and Wendy Batts, as they sit down with Star Sage, VP of Business Development at Hyperice, to explore the groundbreaking innovations transforming recovery from a luxury perk for pro athletes to an essential pillar for everyone.

⏩ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Unlock the secrets to expanding your fitness business and elevating client success!

In this exclusive episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” NASM master instructors Wendy Batts and Marty Miller, along with leading industry experts Dr. Ed Davila (Internal Medicine Physician), Dr. Scott Cheatham (Sports & Orthopedic Physical Therapist), and Mike Fantigrassi (Head of Product, NASM) reveal actionable strategies for bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

Are you training older adults or clients with specific needs? Wondering if your programs are too "safe" — or not effective enough? In this powerful episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” Wendy Batts and Dr. Marty Miller break down the REAL differences between safe and effective training, and why you don't need to choose just one!

🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Unlock the secrets of photobiomodulation and discover how red and near-infrared light therapy can supercharge your brain health, enhance athletic performance, and protect against cognitive decline! In this groundbreaking episode of the NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable,” Dr. Lew Lim—founder and CEO of Vielight and a pioneer in the field—joins hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, to break down the science, protocols, and real-world results athletes and active people are using now.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

Welcome to another high-impact episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable!”In this episode, Wendy Batts and Dr. Marty Miller break down the latest American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Position Stand: “Resistance Training Prescription for Muscle Function, Hypertrophy and Physical Performance in Healthy Adults”—the first major update since 2009.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

Are you still falling for the “muscle confusion” myth, or do you know how variation REALLY works in fitness programming? On this episode of the award-winning “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Marty Miller and Wendy Batts break down everything you need to know about muscle confusion, programming myths, and how to create results-driven workouts your clients will love.

In This Episode:

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your fitness results with our award-winning podcast! In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, dive deep into the "15-Minute Warmup"—revealing proven strategies, science-backed techniques, and practical solutions for prepping your body and your clients for peak performance.

What You'll Learn:

Welcome to the latest episode of the “NASM Master Instructor Roundtable!” Join hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller as they sit down with special guest, Isaac Lewis, co-founder of ANCORE Training, to reveal the secrets behind the new ANCORE X and how upgrading your mindset and your equipment can supercharge your fitness career.

🎯 Episode Highlights:

Welcome to the “Master Instructor Roundtable!” In this must-hear episode, host Wendy Batts is joined by Dr. Scott Cheatham—physical therapist, NASM Scientific Advisor, and co-editor-in-chief—to break down the launch of NASM's revolutionary "Journal of Fitness, Wellness, and Human Performance."

Timestamps & Topics We Dive Into:

·      Why the NASM Journal is a Game Changer for Fitness, Wellness, & Human Performance

·      The Peer-Review Process: What Makes This Journal Different·      Making Research Work for YOU as a Trainer, Coach, or Health Pro

·      How to Use the Journal for Programming, Client Education & Staying Ahead

·      Surprising Evidence on Perc...

Ready to take your nutrition knowledge to the next level? In this high-impact episode of the "Master Instructor Roundtable," delve deep into the world of nutrition, supplementation, and emerging trends with renowned guest Neil Spruce—CEO of DotFit, former owner of NASM, and one of the fitness industry’s most influential thought leaders.

Hosted by master instructor Marty Miller, this episode is a must-watch for personal trainers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to optimize their health and performance.

🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·      The latest trends in nutrition for Gen Z and beyond

Struggling to bridge the gap between textbook theory and real-world client needs? In this pivotal episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, unpack practical strategies for trainers and coaches facing clients who defy the “perfect scenario” of certification manuals.Discover how to adapt evidence-based science with flexibility, intuition, and compassion—so you deliver results for ANYONE who walks through your gym doors.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Are you ready for a raw, real look at what it actually takes to build a successful career in the fitness industry?

In this episode of the Master Instructor Roundtable, co-hosts Wendy Batts and Dr. Marty Miller break down the truth behind the reps—beyond what you see on the gym floor.

Whether you’re just starting out as a personal trainer or a seasoned pro needing a reset, this episode covers the burnout, irregular hours, business realities, emotional labor, and strategies required to thrive as a fitness professional. With over 55 years of collective experience, Wendy an...

Welcome to another transformative episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable.” In this discussion, hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, break down a vital topic every fitness professional and enthusiast needs to hear:

Why **strength** should be treated as a key vital sign for longevity and overall health.

🔑 **In this episode, you’ll learn:**

- The latest research on strength as a leading biomarker for healthy aging and longevity 

- How sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) impacts billions of dollars in annual medical costs and affects millions over 60

- Effective strength assessment...

Ready to take your training—and recovery—to a whole new level?

In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, sit down with world-renowned sports scientist and Hytro co-founder, Dr. Warren Bradley, to decode one of the most buzzworthy innovations in fitness: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training. Whether you’re a trainer, athlete, or fitness enthusiast searching “What is BFR training?”, “How does blood flow restriction work?”, or “Is BFR safe for older adults?”, you’ll discover answers—and so much more—right here.

Dr. Bradley breaks down the actual science behind BFR, dem...

Are you ready to gain an edge in understanding the latest trends in nutrition and supplementation? This “Master Instructor Roundtable” is a goldmine for anyone looking to optimize health, boost performance, and make sense of the ever-evolving world of supplements!

Join hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, as they sit down with the legendary Neal Spruce —the visionary behind dotFIT and former owner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine—for an illuminating roundtable that unpacks decades of industry expertise.

With real-life stories and evidence-based insights, Neal reveals what’s really new in the nutrition landscape: fr...

Ready to unlock the secrets of building a powerful personal brand in the fitness world?

Tune into the “Master Instructor Roundtable” for a compelling insider’s look at what makes NASM’s brand stand out and how you can apply those strategies to your own career! Hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, are joined by featured guest, Cynthia Flores, NASM’s creative director, who reveals behind-the-scenes stories of brand evolution, authentic messaging, and transformative community engagement.

Discover how NASM has set the standard for science-based fitness for over 35 years and learn why their creative approach goes far b...

Are you working hard in the gym but feeling stuck when it comes to true results? It might be time to rethink what “recovery” really means! In this special presentation, hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, dive deep into the science and strategies of recovery—going way beyond just “taking a day off.”

Discover why recovery isn’t only about muscles but also mind, nutrition, and sleep. You’ll learn about the difference between passive recovery (think rest, sleep, and downtime) and active recovery (like foam rolling, stretching, and contrast therapy). Spoiler alert: Getting your head in the right plac...

Unlock the secret to speed, power, and agility—no matter your age or fitness level!

In this episode of the "Master Instructor Roundtable," hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, shatter the myth that speed training is just for athletes. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an active grandparent chasing after kids, or someone looking to boost daily performance, this conversation reveals how speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) can revolutionize your fitness approach.

Curious about whether sprint intervals and agility drills could benefit YOU? Discover the research-backed advantages of “training for the speed o...

Discover how evidence-based nutrition is sparking a cultural revolution in a country you may not expect.

In this special episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, are joined by featured guest, Tornike Enukidze, founder of the Nutrition Academy of Georgia—not the U.S. state, but the vibrant country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Tornike shares his inspiring journey of introducing the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) program to Georgia, and reveals the challenges and triumphs of transforming health habits in a culture famed for its Mediterranean-style cuisine and feasting tradit...

Ready to unlock the high-performance habits that set elite fitness professionals apart from the crowd?

In this episode of the "Master Instructor Roundtable," hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, go behind the scenes of top-tier trainers and coaches, revealing powerful strategies you won’t hear anywhere else. Are you an up-and-coming trainer hoping to level up, or a seasoned educator ready for your next breakthrough? Get ready to learn the daily routines, mindset tweaks, and business systems that drive lasting success in the fitness industry.

Discover how elite pros structure their days, manage time for ma...

Are you ready to level up your career in fitness, wellness, or health promotion?

In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts and Dr. Marty Miller welcome Dr. Barry McGlumphy, program coordinator at Penn West University (formerly Cal U), for a deep dive into the transformative power of continuing education in the exercise science industry.

Discover why thousands of NASM-certified professionals―from NFL trainers to gym owners and aspiring fitness leaders―credit PennWest’s fully online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees with redefining their career paths. Get the real story behind the Cal...

It’s time to unlock the power of your hips.

On this “Master Instructor Roundtable,” join hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, as they pull back the curtain on why your hips might be the missing link to peak performance, pain-free movement, and good posture. Is your modern lifestyle or favorite workout routine holding back your athletic potential? Have you ever wondered how something as simple as sitting or crossing your legs could be hurting your hips—and what to do about it?

Dive deep into the conversation as they break down the...

Are your mobility drills really working—or are you missing key details that could transform your performance?

In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, break down the top five most essential mobility drills every fitness enthusiast and professional should know. But it’s not just about going through the motions—they’ll reveal why quality trumps quantity and how small tweaks can make a game-changing difference.

Join Wendy and Marty as they demystify what “mobility” truly means (hint: it’s not just range of motion!), expose r...

Are you ready to future-proof your fitness career?

In this lively and insightful episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” co-hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller dive deep into the evolving landscape of the fitness industry and share actionable tips for staying ahead as a professional.

Tune in as Wendy and Marty break down the biggest trends shaping the next decade—from the integration of technology like AI, wearables, and data-driven training, to clients’ growing emphasis on longevity, movement quality, and whole-lifestyle coaching. They reflect on their own career journeys, discussing the importance of setting bold goals and...

In this “Master Instructor Roundtable,” co-hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, take a deep dive into some of the most persistent myths in strength training. Whether you’re a fitness newbie, a seasoned trainer, or just fascinated by health science, this lively discussion will help clear up common misconceptions that still linger in gyms everywhere.

The two tackle myths like the idea that lifting heavy weights automatically leads to bulkiness, especially for women, and whether kids and seniors should steer clear of strength training. They dispel the old “high reps for toning, low reps for...

In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” co-hosts, and NASM Master Trainers, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, dive deep into the art—and real-world challenge—of bridging the gap when your clients don’t fit the fitness textbook. Kicking off with classic wisdom from Bruce Lee and examples from pro athletes like Derek Jeter, Marty and Wendy remind us why mastering the fundamentals is truly non-negotiable.

Throughout their candid and experience-driven discussion, the duo explores what to do when the “perfect world” of the textbook doesn’t align with the messy reality of diverse clients: from young little lea...

In this "Master Instructor Roundtable," hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, dive deep into the world of speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training—shattering the common myth that these techniques are only for elite athletes or hardcore weekend warriors. Drawing from their extensive experience, Wendy and Marty explain why SAQ should be a staple for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.

They kick things off by sharing real-life examples—like hurrying to cross the street or stepping around unexpected obstacles at home—to highlight how SAQ principles translate directly into everyday safety, confid...

On this “Master Instructor Roundtable," co-hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, take a deep dive into the ever-evolving concept of functional training, a term often tossed around but rarely fully understood. Drawing from over two decades of industry experience, Wendy and Marty unravel the origins of functional training, tracing its roots back to physical therapy in the 1970s and ’80s. They highlight how its true intent was to restore efficient, multi-joint movement patterns essential for everyday life—well beyond gym floor trends and Instagram-worthy workouts.

The hosts discuss how functional training has been redefi...

 In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, explore the real role of corrective exercise and challenge the common misconception that trainers are supposed to "fix" movement. 

They discuss the difference between optimizing movement patterns and chasing perfection. We’ll also dive into the scope of practice for NASM professionals and how to reframe success with your clients through the lens of function, not flaw. 

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow...

As fitness professionals, we strive to help our clients achieve their goals, but what happens when a session reveals something outside our scope?  

In this “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, dive into the critical topic of recognizing red flags and understanding when it’s time to refer out. 

We’ll explore the physical and mental warning signs no personal trainer should ignore, from unexplained pain to signs of disordered eating or mental health struggles. You'll learn how to build a trusted referral network, how to have those tough convers...

In this special episode of the NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, sit down with featured guest, PGA Tour pro Scott Stallings, to explore his inspiring fitness journey and how it’s transformed both his life and his performance on the course. 

Scott opens up about the pivotal moment that led him to prioritize health, the role fitness plays in his competitive edge, and how technology is reshaping the future of both golf and athletic training. 

From data-driven insights to the discipline behind lasting change, this conversation blends elite sport with real-worl...

In this special episode of the “NASM Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, sit down with legendary fitness innovator, featured guest, Randy Hetrick, founder of TRX and the new mobile fitness venture, OutFit. 

From creating a suspension trainer out of jiu-jitsu straps while deployed as a Navy SEAL to building one of the most recognizable brands in the fitness industry, Randy shares the real story behind TRX, the lessons learned in business and coaching, and how he's reshaping the way we think about training access with OutFit. 

Whether you're...