

Elite Trainer Academy
Kyle Pullin
The Elite Trainer Podcast is hosted by Kyle Pullin, a coach mentored by Sal, Adam, and Justin from Mind Pump and now leading the growth of their personal training business. This show is for fitness coaches who want to sharpen their skills, grow a real business, and impact more lives. Whether you're new to training or looking to level up, you'll get proven strategies, honest insights, and the tools to stand out in a crowded industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2025 • 53min
EP 14: Optimizing Trainer Workouts with MAPS Programs with Justin Andrews
Optimizing Trainer Workouts with MAPS ProgramsIn this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast, Kyle sits down with Justin Andrews to discuss the MAPS workout programs and how trainers can effectively utilize them for different client avatars. They talk about the importance of simplifying workout programming for new and experienced trainers, the benefits of MAPS programs, and specific strategies for various client types, including corporate professionals, busy parents, ex-athletes, and group fitness enthusiasts. They also emphasize the importance of mobility work using MAPS Prime and Prime Pro to enhance overall training outcomes.00:00 Introduction to Elite Trainer Academy00:31 The Value of MAPS Programs for Trainers02:19 Simplifying Client Assessments and Customization04:32 The Evolution of Trainer Experience with MAPS11:34 Addressing Common Client Avatars27:49 Training the Ex-Athlete: Rekindling Athleticism28:13 Challenges and Strategies for Ex-Athletes30:18 Building Momentum and Mobility32:20 Phases of Training for Ex-Athletes36:14 Group Fitness Enthusiasts: Overcoming Overtraining37:37 Effective Programming for Group Fitness Clients40:47 The Importance of Rest and Recovery45:51 Using MAPS Prime and Prime Pro for Mobility48:06 Integrating Mobility Drills into Daily Life51:44 The Long-Term Approach to Mobility and StrengthInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy

Oct 13, 2025 • 46min
EP 13: Building Effective Client Relationships for Long-Term Success with Sal Di Stefano
Welcome to the Elite Trainer Academy podcast, brought to you by Mind Pump, where we discuss essential strategies for personal trainers aiming to grow their business. Host Sal Di Stefano covers the critical skill of fostering behavioral change in clients. Key points include the importance of building trust, avoiding overcommitment, and the pitfalls of aiming for temporary versus permanent change. The conversation also covers practical tips for achieving small wins, fostering honesty, and utilizing storytelling to connect with clients. Trainers are encouraged to balance their coaching intensity, forecast challenges, and demonstrate empathy, emphasizing the goal of lasting client relationships and sustainable fitness habits.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Elite Trainer Academy00:46 Common Mistakes Trainers Make02:21 Building Trust with Clients12:15 The Importance of Forecasting15:55 Balancing Client Expectations22:58 Building Trust with Clients24:56 Navigating Online Coaching Challenges26:20 Empathy in Fitness Coaching28:19 Long-Term Client Relationships29:55 Trainer Business Stability40:10 Setting Standards for TrainersInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle Sal Di Stefano - @mindpumpsalMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy

Oct 6, 2025 • 51min
EP 12: Building a Successful Online Personal Training Business with Adam Schafer
In this episode of Elite Trainer Academy, Adam Schafer covers the steps required to build a successful online business as a personal trainer or fitness coach. Adam discusses the importance of setting clear business goals, understanding metrics like client success rates and revenue, and recognizing the value of working within big box gyms before going solo. He emphasizes the need to learn about digital marketing, social media, email marketing, and organic lead generation. The conversation also explores the challenges of balancing training clients and business development, and the long-term benefits of building a brand through consistent, valuable content over quick revenue schemes. This episode is packed with actionable insights for any trainer looking to scale their business sustainably.00:00 Intro to Building a Successful Online Fitness Business01:00 Defining Success as a Personal Trainer01:24 The Reality of Client Success Rates01:42 Revenue Metrics for Personal Trainers03:08 The Value of Big Box Gyms06:51 The Importance of Business Skills08:50 Balancing Training and Business Development09:43 The Grind of a Successful Trainer10:19 The Role of Passion and Hustle12:50 Interviewing and Hiring the Right Trainers14:38 The Impact of the Podcast on Trainer Recruitment15:36 The Journey of a Top Trainer18:26 Learning Sales as a Trainer21:35 The Importance of E-commerce and Social Media Skills25:40 Ranking Marketing Strategies for Trainers26:16 The Importance of Organic Traffic29:39 Building a Brand vs. Building a Business31:53 The Pitfalls of Quick Money Schemes34:09 Creating Value and Engaging Your Audience40:48 The Long-Term Strategy for SuccessInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadamMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy

14 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 42min
EP 11: Creating the Ultimate Program For Your Clients with Justin Andrews
Justin Andrews, an experienced strength coach, shares insights on effective training programming tailored for individual clients. He discusses the balance between aesthetics and performance, emphasizing the need for direct communication to foster long-term success. The conversation highlights the importance of allowing clients to fail and learn, building their independence, and focusing on functional strength to support their overall goals. Justin advocates for simplicity in programming, prioritizing movement quality over complexity, and fostering a supportive community for lasting adherence.

11 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 51min
EP 10: The Entrepreneur’s Ceiling: What’s Holding You Back with Adam Schafer
Adam Schafer, a seasoned business leader and strategist, shares his insights on transitioning from a solo hustler to a scalable entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of delegation, encouraging listeners to outsource low-ROI tasks for better time management. Adam discusses how fast decision-making serves as a key competitive advantage and reveals methods to build a positive team culture. He also highlights the significance of operational leadership and investing in people, all essential for creating a thriving business.

10 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 45min
Ep 09: How Mind Pump Is Scaling to $20 Million (Behind the Scenes)
Adam Schafer, co-host of Mind Pump and fitness expert, shares his journey in scaling a fitness empire to $20 million. He discusses how leveraging an email list can unlock immense potential and emphasizes personal training as a crucial growth driver. The conversation also covers the importance of daily client engagement and small actions that foster loyalty. Moreover, Adam highlights the art of delegation and resource allocation, sharing insights on empowering the right team members to lead and thrive in the competitive fitness landscape.

14 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 40min
EP 08: How to Build a Loyal Client Base That Never Leaves
In this engaging discussion, Sal Di Stefano, a seasoned fitness industry expert and co-host of Mind Pump, dives into the critical art of client retention. He emphasizes that strong relationships and a positive gym culture are key to keeping clients loyal. Sal shares insights on the importance of likability, adaptability, and empathy in coaching. He explains how creating a welcoming environment and navigating tough conversations gracefully can lead to clients who stick around for years, making this a must-listen for trainers who want to build lasting connections.

12 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 46min
EP 07: The ROI of Fast Decisions w/ Adam Schafer
Adam Schafer, co-host of Mind Pump and fitness expert, shares his journey in managing time and making fast decisions crucial for business growth. He emphasizes the difference between top performers and overthinkers, revealing how speed of execution can lead to success. Adam discusses learning from early mistakes, the importance of knowing when to pivot, and measuring ROI. He also tackles the myth of work-life balance, advocating for intentional sprints that lead to freedom later, making this a must-listen for aspiring trainers.

9 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 46min
Ep 06: What Trainers Need to Know Before Going Independent with Justin Andrews
Justin Andrews, a former personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness and now a thriving independent coach, shares his journey of building a successful training business. He discusses the importance of finding clients, utilizing early lead generation tactics like referrals, and mastering SEO and ad copy. Justin emphasizes listening to clients as a superpower for trainers and highlights how embracing failure can fuel growth and innovation. He also explores enhancing client experiences and building referral networks for sustained business success.

13 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 34min
Ep 05: Sal DiStefano Talks About Why Your Clients Won’t Listen (and How to Fix It)
In this discussion, Sal DiStefano, a fitness veteran and co-host of Mind Pump, shares essential strategies for personal trainers dealing with clients who resist advice. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and strong relationships before pushing for results. Sal explores navigating complex client situations with empathy, the significance of small, manageable health changes, and how to foster nutritional awareness without rigid tracking. He advocates for coaching that empowers clients to make lasting changes on their own terms.