The Show Up Fitness Podcast

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Want to run more without getting sidelined by cranky feet and tight calves? We walk through a real client scenario—a 20-year-old cardio diehard who stacked three five-mile runs onto a week of classes—and show how to turn enthusiasm into a durable plan. You’ll hear the exact warm-ups, strength circuits, and weekly progressions we use to build mileage safely, fix plantar fasciitis flare-ups, and keep motivation high.

We start with the biggest injury driver most runners ignore: sudden volume spikes...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

What if your entire coaching business—programming, payments, client feedback, and messaging—lived in one clean, simple place you actually enjoy using? We sit down with Noah, a former baseball player and health coach who joined Superset after discovering how much better training can be when systems work with you, not against you. His story moves from early interests in lifestyle coaching and Z-Health to building features that reflect what coaches really need: speed, clarity, and client results.

We dig into prac...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Charging more isn’t about louder marketing; it’s about undeniable value. We break down the three pillars that move trainers from average rates to premium pricing: advanced anatomy mastery, a real referral network with physical therapists and dietitians, and the discipline to look the part without slipping into influencer theatrics. You’ll hear why precise knowledge of shoulder and hip mechanics changes client outcomes, how to screen pain within scope and reduce discomfort so training never stalls, and the simple phrase that protec...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Most new trainers don’t fail because they’re lazy—they fail because they were set up to memorize, not to coach. We sit down with Cori, a dedicated runner navigating NASM overwhelm, and turn tangled chapters into clear, usable coaching. You’ll hear how to translate planes of motion into exercises you can demo immediately, how to spot agonists and antagonists without guessing, and how to use synergists and stabilizers to make your cues land.

We walk through the OPT model th...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

If you’ve ever passed a certification and still felt lost on the gym floor, this conversation will sound uncomfortably familiar—and surprisingly hopeful. We sit down with Anna, a Cincinnati trainer who went from textbook confidence to real-world clarity, trading fear-based assessments and complicated plans for simple, effective coaching that clients actually feel.

We start with her early days at Crunch, where 30-minute sessions exposed the limits of memorized protocols. Moving to Lifetime changed the trajectory: peer-led discovery sessions, floor obse...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

What if your training career wasn’t limited by a sales quota or a noisy gym floor? We sit down with Moroccan coach Abdul Jalil Guemra to map his leap into a five-star medical spa where fitness coaches work alongside doctors, physical therapists, and dietitians to design true longevity programs.

Abdul pulls back the curtain on a model that starts with comprehensive consults and flows into personalized plans built on five pillars: metabolic function, nutrition and diet, sleep and recovery, physical fi...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Ever wonder why top trainers walk away from big-name gyms even when the pay looks great on paper? We sit down with Tyrus to unpack his leap from Equinox to independent training, the fears that came with it, and the unexpected relief of having space, time, and creative control. He shares how he retained his core clients, why micromanagement pushed him to the edge, and what actually sustains a long-term book: trust, outcomes, and a coaching style that trains the human, not a...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

What if the real difference between a stagnant coaching career and an elite one isn’t a new certificate, but how you learn, coach, and connect? We sit down with Arjun, a Mumbai-based strength and conditioning coach working with Olympians and top prospects, to unpack the real substance of S&C—far beyond “weights inside, conditioning outside.” From injury prevention and periodization to testing, data, and tailored communication, he shows how the job blends science with coaching art.

Arjun shares his path fro...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Struggling to turn dense textbook prep into real coaching skill? We open the door to a smarter path—one that helps you pass your CPT and step onto the floor with confidence. Ashley leads a clear, practical tour through the Overhead Squat Assessment, the must‑know overactive and underactive muscle pairs, and the exact high‑yield topics NASM loves to test. You’ll hear how to replace fear‑based posture rules with strong, simple cues that make clients feel capable and safe, and how the OP...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Want a steady stream of five-star reviews, real referrals, and a calendar that fills itself without paid ads? We unpack a simple, ethical system that trades meaningful value for timely action, guiding clients to leave reviews while they’re already engaged and excited. You’ll hear how to personalize outreach, make the incentive irresistible, and remove friction so testimonials flow consistently—organically boosting your Google and Yelp rankings for “personal trainer near me.”

We walk through the full lifecycle: crafting offers that clien...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

A 63-year-old pivoted careers and passed the NASM CPT by changing how he studied, not who he is. We open the playbook we used together: a clean path through the OPT model, phase-by-phase variables, and the corrective decisions that make both the test and client sessions click. If you’ve felt buried by jargon, this conversation pulls concepts into the light and connects them to simple choices you can make tomorrow.

We start with stabilization and build to strength and power, li...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Ever watched a dream job slip through your fingers because of nerves and tech chaos, then found a way to win it back? That’s the heart of our conversation with Ayanna, a determined trainer who went from CrossFit and PT settings to a full-time role at Lifetime Fitness—after a botched remote interview and a bold, make-good workout that changed everything.

We dig into the difference between reading a cert and becoming a coach. Live, interactive learning built her confidence: anat...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

You don’t need a massive following to build a real coaching business. You need fundamentals, live feedback, and the courage to ship imperfect work. We sit down with Caleb to unpack how hands-on experience at a performance gym evolved into a focused online strength and conditioning model, especially for rugby athletes, and why simple systems beat flashy tactics when the goal is results.

We walk through what credible programming act...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

The fastest way to raise your rates isn’t a new logo or a shiny app. It’s raising your standard. We sit down with Dr. David Skolnik, a physical therapist who teaches trainers, to unpack why the floor of fitness education is so low—and the exact skills that move you from “gig job” to trusted professional with a full roster.

We start with movement assessment that actually maps to training. Instead of relying on narrow screens, we break down how to eva...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Nicholas: Tik Tok Crag Monkey Fitness

Ready for a blunt look at what actually makes a great trainer? We sit down with Nicholas, a new coach who passed a major certification, stepped onto the gym floor, and realized the test didn’t prepare him to handle real clients with pain, limitations, and shifting goals. His turnaround came from mentorship, relentless anatomy study, and the discipline to plan, pivot, and communicate clearly—all before chasing trends or complicated gear.

We walk...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

The pickleball surge isn’t just hype—it’s a business runway for trainers who know how to assess, prevent injury, and program with purpose. We dig into a practical system you can use today: start by hiring a top local pickleball coach, learn the game from the inside, and open a direct line to the exact clients who need you most. From there, we map out how to host simple prehab clinics at clubs, set up a referral structure that actually moves people...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Most trainers don’t fail for lack of passion; they fail because no one showed them how to turn knowledge into coached reps and coached reps into confident sales. We walk straight through the credential maze—C-tier certs like NASM/ACE/ISSA, nonprofit mainstays NSCA/ACSM, the CSCS and kinesiology degrees, and why applied internships and mentorships sit at the top when it comes to getting hired and keeping clients safe.

We share the hard numbers managers see on the floor, the...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Pass any Textbook personal training certification with the SUF study guide.

SUF has helped over 5,300 personal trainers get certified 

Most trainers are told to read more and “trust the process,” then left to sink in a sea of acronyms and 800-page manuals. We take a sharper route: pass your NASM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA, or ACSM quickly, then turn that momentum into hands‑on skill, confident coaching, and a book of business that lasts. Our goal is simple—make the exam make...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Down 21–7 in the fourth? That’s how most trainers feel when goals are vague, leads are random, and revenue wobbles. We flip that script with a practical playbook: define KPIs, run 90-day sprints, test weekly like an athlete, and hold public accountability so momentum has nowhere to hide. Think sports strategy meets small-business execution—clear metrics, tactical pivots, and simple scripts you can use today.

We walk through a SWIFT-style review cadence that turns reflection into action: strengths to double down on, we...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

IG: Coach.madds Become a personal trainer and get certified for life SUF-CPT

Ever wondered what it takes to open your own gym at just 23 years old? Coach Mads shares her extraordinary journey from battling anorexia as a teenager to becoming a successful gym owner with a thriving boutique fitness business.

The path wasn't straightforward. After getting her ISSA certification during COVID when gyms were shuttered, Mads discovered the stark gap between textbook knowledge and real-world application. "You get...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

TikTok @seanokstr83
Instagram @sean.straub.313
Facebook Sean Straub

What happens when you trade a stable construction paycheck for the uncertainty of becoming a personal trainer in your 40s? Sean's journey will inspire anyone feeling trapped in their career.

After years in construction, Sean found himself drained by his blue-collar job despite doing everything he was "supposed to" do – putting on boots each morning and providing for his family. A chance encounter with John Ratey's book "Spark" ignited so...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Follow Doc Chris IG: Chrishughen

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/E3Rehab

Website: https://e3rehab.com/

NASM / ACE trainers are gonna want to listen to this podcast with Dr. Hughen from E3 Rehab debunking perfect posture, text neck, FMS and the overhead squat analysis.

The fitness industry has long perpetuated myths about "perfect posture" and ideal movement patterns, creating fear and limiting beliefs that keep people from fully enjoying movement. In this eye-opening...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Listen to IPL cricketeer Jay IG: im_jayasurya and Devang talk about the life of a personal trainer in Chennai India. 

What happens when a cricket career ends due to injury? For Jaisurya, it became the beginning of a transformative journey into the world of personal training. In this captivating conversation, Jai reveals how his path shifted from representing Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry in cricket to becoming a certified personal trainer helping others transform their lives.

The turning point c...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Ever wondered how to properly design a fitness program for someone with metabolic syndrome? Meet "Metabolic Mary," our 44-year-old avatar client who presents with multiple risk factors including hypertension, elevated resting heart rate, and poor overall fitness. This episode dives deep into the thoughtful approach required to help clients like Mary succeed when standard training methods might do more harm than good.

The journey begins with understanding what metabolic syndrome actually is—having at least three of five specific health markers th...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Ready to transform your chest training and finally see real growth? This episode dives deep into the science and practical application of optimizing chest development for both beginners and experienced lifters.

Starting with a case study of an online client who successfully grew his social media following to 250,000+ followers, we analyze his current chest training program and identify the key opportunities for improvement. You'll learn exactly how a professional trainer thinks when designing programs that drive results—from understanding chest anatomy (th...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Want to get hired at Equinox? Show Up Fitness CPT has helped get more trainers hired at Equinox than any fitness company. Learn how to ace the interview and get hired at the BEST gym for personal trainers.

Breaking into the elite world of personal training isn't just about looking the part or having a textbook certification—it's about strategy, confidence, and genuine expertise. Megan Gilbert joins us to reveal how she transformed from a Show Up Fitness intern to Equinox's to...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

DeVang explores what it's like to become a trainer in Delhi India w/ IG: Thebongbeast 

What does it really take to succeed as a personal trainer in today's competitive fitness industry? Forget the Instagram highlight reels - this raw, honest conversation with 12-year veteran trainer Suman Gupta reveals the challenging yet rewarding path to building a sustainable career in fitness.

Suman shares his journey from starting without formal education to becoming a specialized coach working with senior citizens and c...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

What does it take to build a thriving personal training business that generates over $13,000 in just 20 days? Cody Maynard returns to the Show Up Fitness Podcast to reveal exactly how he's projecting a $150,000 annual income after only eight months as an independent trainer.

The secret isn't complicated marketing schemes or sales tactics. Instead, Cody shares how continuous education has transformed his career, describing how he immediately implemented knowledge from recent seminars into his training sessions. "You get that 'whoa' from the...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Ever wondered why so many personal trainers struggle despite having "gold standard" certifications? This eye-opening exploration pulls back the curtain on the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - the fitness industry's equivalent of McDonald's.

Founded in 1987 by Dr. Robert Goldman and developed by respected professionals like Dr. Michael Clark, NASM once represented cutting-edge fitness education. Today, after multiple corporate acquisitions (Ascend Learning in 2009, then Blackstone in 2017), it's become a marketing powerhouse with 1.5 million certified trainers worldwide. But quantity doesn't always...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

The hidden truth behind successful personal training isn't just exercise knowledge—it's mastering the art of sales. After surveying countless fitness professionals about why trainers quit the industry, one answer stood out: the inability to sell their services effectively.

Most trainers make critical mistakes during the sales process. They talk excessively when they should be listening, make conversations self-centered rather than client-focused, and struggle to convey their true value. The result? Potential clients walking away with "I'll think about it" instead of...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Falls among the elderly cost our healthcare system over $50 billion annually—a staggering figure made even more heartbreaking when you realize many are preventable through proper strength training. Yet the fitness industry continues pushing ineffective "gentle" approaches that fail to provide adequate stimulus for meaningful adaptation.

This episode dismantles outdated training myths for older adults and presents a comprehensive framework for designing strength programs that truly address the physiological changes of aging: sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and dynopenia (loss of po...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Jake's IG: Jake_Schum

Ever wonder what happens when a professional athlete's career ends? Jake Schum's remarkable journey from NFL punter to elite fitness coach offers a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

Jake takes us through his winding path to professional football—starting with soccer, transitioning to football, walking on at University at Buffalo, and eventually earning spots with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. The rarity of NFL punting positions (just 32 in the world) meant constant co...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Show Up Fitness is launching our NEW podcast with IG D_fit_man director of India operations & education, Devang. Anytime you see INDIA, these podcasts will be specific to the 28 States in India.

Still a great podcast for EVERYONE, but focused on the 1.4 billion friends in India. 

What does it take to leave a conventional path and build something meaningful in the fitness industry? In this revealing debut episode of the Show of Fitness India podcast, host Devang Borda s...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Email info@showupfitness.com with your five-star review to get the NASM cheat sheet.

Chapter 12 in How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer vol. 2 will help you pass. Leave a 5 star review for $200 worth of FREe nasm resources to pass in less than 30 days if you cannot get a refund. 

Ready to crack the code on passing your NASM exam? This episode delivers the blueprint that's helped over 5,200 people achieve certification success with a 100% pass rate for those who r...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Renaissance Periodization, CEO Nick Shaw.

What happens when you combine a PhD in exercise science with practical bodybuilding experience and build it into a multi-million dollar fitness empire? Nick Shaw, co-founder of RP Strength, reveals the fascinating journey from basement workouts with sand weights to creating apps that help millions of people transform their physiques. We explore the revolutionary RP Diet Coach app that shifts nutrition coaching from reactive food logging to proactive meal planning, making it easier for busy professionals...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Ready to transform your personal training knowledge into a thriving online business? This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential steps that separate successful online coaches from those who struggle to gain traction.

The fitness industry has become increasingly saturated with trainers offering generic workout plans, but the real opportunity lies in creating personalized experiences that AI simply cannot replicate. We dive deep into the critical foundation every online fitness business needs - from selecting the perfect domain name and establishing proper...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Dr. Jacob Goodin - https://www.drjacobgoodin.com/cscs-accelerator

Ever feel overwhelmed by energy systems, wondering why your clients need to know about ATP or glycolysis? Dr. Jacob Goodin cuts through the complexity to reveal how bioenergetics knowledge transforms your coaching from guesswork to precision-guided results.

The conversation begins with a clear breakdown of our three energy systems: the phosphagen system (lightning-fast but brief), glycolytic system (moderate speed and capacity), and oxidative system (slow but virtually unlimited). Dr. Goodin...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

The fitness industry is on the brink of a massive transformation, and artificial intelligence will be the catalyst. Drawing from twenty years of experience as a trainer and gym owner, I'm making a bold prediction: AI will eliminate more personal training jobs than COVID did in 2020, when over 20% of gyms closed permanently and 1.4 million fitness jobs disappeared.

This technological revolution will expose a harsh truth about our industry – most trainers lack the fundamental skills needed for long-term success. With 90% of textbook-certified tr...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Dr. Pat Davidson reveals a revolutionary approach to understanding human movement through an evolutionary lens on this episode of the Show Up Fitness Podcast. Rather than treating exercises as arbitrary selections, Davidson presents his comprehensive seven-pillar model that creates a systematic, logical progression for any movement pattern – from the most basic to the most advanced.

Davidson begins by cutting through fitness industry nonsense, explaining that personal training success requires strength in three areas: aesthetics (how you look), personality/charisma, and technical kn...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Poojan's IG - Shahathletics from Lancaster PA.

What does it take to triple your personal training rates and build a six-figure fitness business in just 18 months? Poojan's journey from gym trainer to thriving entrepreneur offers a masterclass in leveling up your fitness career through strategic education, powerful networking, and unwavering persistence.

Starting at just $30 per hour, Poojan now commands $100-120 per session and recently celebrated his most profitable month ever—clearing over $15,000 in June alone. The transformation wasn't magical bu...