EP 25: Big Box Gym Survival Guide for New Trainers

9 snips

Jan 12, 2026

Join Kyle, Adam, and new trainer Brennan as they explore the reality of starting fresh in a big box gym. Discover how Brennan navigates client building through innovative strategies like body-fat scans. Learn the art of relationship-building versus pushy sales tactics. They discuss reframing sales as an act of service to enhance client connections. Plus, insights into what top trainers do differently to keep their schedules packed. A must-hear for anyone embarking on their personal training journey!

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ANECDOTE

Why He Still Became A Trainer

Brendan started training four months ago despite hearing the hosts discourage the career choice.
He chose it because of a deep love for fitness and wanting to impact people's lives.

INSIGHT

Big-Box Gyms Throw You Into The Fire

Big-box gyms give volume but not hand-holding; you must find your own clients.
New trainers often face uncomfortable 'sink-or-swim' situations on the floor.

ADVICE

Use Body-Fat Scans To Start Conversations

Offer free body-fat scans to break the ice and spark curiosity about results.
Use the scan to explain muscle, fat, and nutrition, then pivot to how training helps.

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Mind Pump Personal Training: https://mindpumppersonaltraining.com/?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=etapepisode&el=14

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle and Adam sit down with Brennan, a brand-new trainer just four months into his career. They dive into what it’s really like starting at a big box gym, how to build real relationships without being pushy, and how to reframe sales as service. Brennan opens up about the uncomfortable surprises, finding his voice, and the strategies that are helping him succeed fast—including mentorship from top-tier trainers. This episode is a must-listen for new coaches navigating their first year.If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started.00:00 Brennan joins the show: Early impressions of training

01:08 Why he became a personal trainer despite warnings

02:01 First big surprise: Big box gym challenges

03:02 Learning to find your own clients in the gym

04:00 Brennan’s scan-based strategy to break the ice

05:03 Adam’s story: Becoming the “mayor” of the gym

07:12 Relationship-building vs. direct sales

09:10 Lessons from the most successful trainer in the gym

10:00 Brennan’s approach to presenting PT packages

11:02 Mindset shift: Selling transformation, not sessions

12:22 Lessons from Marcelo’s sales calls

14:01 How to evaluate your own sales performance

15:02 Final takeaways and Brennan’s biggest growth momentsInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f