How to design a workout for 35-yr old beginner male w/ CCA

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/1aoRnqA
NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com