
Trainers Talking Truths
Welcome to Trainers Talking Truths! This is an ISSA podcast dedicated to exploring the fitness industry and uncovering the whys and hows of personal training.
Latest episodes

Jan 22, 2025 • 56min
Ep.189: Adam Daniel on Leadership, Growth, and Success: Personal and Professional Development for Fitness Professionals
In this episode, Jenny and John chat with Adam Daniel, a renowned human performance and leadership coach, to explore the transformative journey of personal and professional development.With a wealth of experience spanning senior leadership roles in global health and fitness brands, consulting for National Governing Bodies, and building a gym from the ground up, Adam brings a unique blend of practical insights and cutting-edge strategies. He’s coached professionals worldwide, helping them identify strengths, cultivate self-awareness, and embrace positive change for greater fulfillment in work and life.What to Expect:Adam’s incredible journey from athlete to leadership coach.The role of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and mindset in achieving lasting success.Proven strategies to identify growth opportunities and take actionable steps forward.Key advice for fitness professionals aspiring to lead, innovate, or build thriving businesses.Whether you’re a fitness professional, entrepreneur, or someone seeking personal growth, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you unlock your full potentialhttps://www.instagram.com/adamdanielmba/

Jan 15, 2025 • 44min
Ep.188: Revolutionizing Movement Analysis with the Demotu App
In this episode Jenny and John chat with Evan Ledahl and Jason Bombard, the innovative minds behind Demotu, a cutting-edge movement assessment app that’s changing the game for fitness professionals and athletes alike.We explore:The origins and purpose of DemotuWhy movement analysis is critical and how Demotu enhances the processHow trainers, clinicians, and athletes can benefit from the appInnovative features like remote assessments and workout buildersInsights into the role of technology, including AI, in shaping the future of fitness toolsEvan and Jason then share inspiring success stories from professionals who’ve used Demotu to achieve remarkable results and offer a sneak peek into what’s next for this game-changing platform.https://www.demotuapp.com/https://www.instagram.com/demotuapp/

Jan 8, 2025 • 56min
Ep.187: Unlocking Leadership Potential: Mindset Strategies for Personal Trainers with Brian Grasso
In this episode Jenny and John chat with Brian Grasso, author of Mindset Matters Most, to talk about leadership and mindset in the fitness industry. From overcoming imposter syndrome to cultivating trust with clients, Brian provides invaluable advice for trainers looking to enhance their leadership skills. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced trainer, this episode will guide you in developing the mindset of a leader to influence and inspire those around you

Jan 1, 2025 • 32min
Ep.186: Research and Real Talk Ep.14 with ISSA’s Jenny Liebl and John Bauer
In this episode of Trainers Talking Truths, Jenny kicks things off with Lightning Fast Facts, diving into the latest research on health and wellness. She covers the surprising risks of standing too long at work, the dangers of sedentary behavior for heart health, and the impact of ultra-processed foods on muscle quality, especially in the thighs.Then, John takes over for the Real Talk segment, discussing the pressure of New Year’s resolutions and why progress over perfection is key. He shares how personal trainers can help clients set realistic, sustainable goals and avoid the all-too-common crash and burn.Tune in for some eye-opening research and practical advice to kick off the year right!

Dec 25, 2024 • 48min
Ep.185: Best Of Trainers Talking Truths (Ep 174 with Scott Rawcliffe)
Welcome to this special "Best Of" episode of Trainers Talking Truths! Today, we’re taking a look back at a valuable past episode from a great leader in our industry. A huge thank you to all our listeners—whether you’ve been with us from the start or just found us, your support means the world. Sit back, enjoy, and let’s revisit the truths that have inspired and guided us all!In this episode, Jenny and John chat with fitness marketing expert Scott Rawcliffe to explore the game-changing role of AI in the fitness industry. Scott breaks down how AI tools are revolutionizing personalized workouts, virtual training, and content creation for fitness businesses. Plus, he shares insights into the future of AI and how smaller fitness operations can leverage this technology without breaking the bank.A.I. Tools List For Fitness ProfessionalsThings in the world of AI are changing so fast, so this list may not always have the most up-to-date. Scott’s suggestion is to pick 1-2 tools and start integrating them into your daily/weekly tasks.All of these are tools Scott has spent at least 5-10 hours testing. The ones in RED are the ones that I’m either currently using or have spent more than 10 hours using.1. ChatGPTDescription: ChatGPT is an advanced AI language model designed to help fitness professionals create engaging content, answer client questions, and even craft workout plans. It can be used to write emails, generate social media content, or provide clients with helpful fitness tips. With its conversational nature, it’s an essential tool for handling customer queries, automating responses, and creating personalized client communication.2. ClaudeWebsite: Claude by AnthropicDescription: Claude is a conversational AI assistant that helps fitness professionals by providing quick insights, generating workout and nutrition content, and automating client interactions. Claude can also be used for brainstorming session ideas, outlining educational content, or even drafting blog posts for your fitness business.3. GeminiWebsite: Gemini by Google DeepMindDescription: Gemini is an AI tool by Google DeepMind designed for complex problem-solving and planning. For fitness professionals, Gemini can assist with business strategy, client journey mapping, or optimizing fitness program designs. It’s still an evolving tool, but its deep learning capabilities make it an exciting option for large-scale planning.4. PerplexityWebsite: Perplexity AIDescription: Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine and chatbot that helps fitness professionals quickly research new trends, find workout data, or explore health studies. It provides fast, comprehensive answers to detailed questions, saving time when looking for the latest research or best practices in the fitness industry.5. PoeWebsite: Poe by QuoraDescription: Poe is a platform that offers access to various AI chatbots in one place. Fitness professionals can use Poe to get quick answers from different AI models for diverse needs—whether it’s nutrition planning, exercise tips, or marketing ideas. It’s a handy tool when you want to test out different AI responses and find the best solutions for your business.6. MidJourneyWebsite: MidJourneyDescription: MidJourney is an AI tool focused on generating stunning visual content. For fitness professionals, it’s a fantastic way to create custom images for social media, promotional material, or even branding elements for fitness programs. With its ability to create high-quality, unique visuals, MidJourney can elevate your brand’s online presence.7. DALL-EWebsite: DALL-E by OpenAIDescription: DALL-E is an AI image generator that allows fitness professionals to create custom images based on text prompts. This can be useful for creating branded visuals, workout illustrations, or promotional graphics. DALL-E helps those without design skills quickly generate attractive, personalized content for their fitness business.8. OpusClipWebsite: OpusClipDescription: OpusClip is an AI-powered tool that helps fitness professionals repurpose long-form videos into short, engaging clips. Perfect for those creating workout tutorials or fitness vlogs, OpusClip automatically edits your videos into bite-sized pieces for social media, saving you hours of editing time while keeping content fresh and engaging.9. CanvaWebsite: CanvaDescription: Canva is a design tool that integrates AI to help fitness professionals create high-quality marketing materials, social media posts, workout planners, and more. With its easy-to-use templates and intuitive drag-and-drop interface, Canva is ideal for creating branded content, even if you don’t have a design background. Its AI features include image suggestions, automatic formatting, and design enhancements.10. Lumen5Website: Lumen5Description: Lumen5 is a video creation platform powered by AI, making it easy for fitness professionals to turn blogs, articles, or written content into engaging videos. You can create quick workout tips, fitness insights, or motivational videos to share on social media without needing advanced editing skills.11. JasperWebsite: JasperDescription: Jasper is an AI-powered copywriting tool that helps fitness professionals write blog posts, social media updates, emails, and even ad copy. It's perfect for those who struggle with content creation or want to streamline their marketing efforts by generating persuasive, high-converting copy quickly.12. DescriptWebsite: DescriptDescription: Descript is an AI-powered video and audio editing tool. Fitness professionals can use Descript to edit workout tutorials, fitness vlogs, or podcasts with minimal effort. Its transcription feature allows you to edit video by editing the transcript, making it user-friendly and efficient for quick content production.13. Copy.aiWebsite: Copy.aiDescription: Copy.ai is another AI-driven writing assistant that helps fitness professionals create compelling marketing copy, client emails, social media content, and even product descriptions. With easy-to-use templates, you can quickly draft content tailored to your fitness business's needs.14. PictoryWebsite: PictoryDescription: Pictory is an AI tool that allows fitness professionals to turn long-form content like workout videos, seminars, or classes into shorter, social-media-friendly clips. With automatic highlights, captions, and editing, Pictory is perfect for sharing quick tips, teasers, or promotional content on Instagram or Facebook.15. SynthesiaWebsite: SynthesiaDescription: Synthesia is an AI video creation platform that generates professional-looking videos with AI avatars and voiceovers. Fitness professionals can use this to create explainer videos, client onboarding tutorials, or educational content without the need for cameras, actors, or a professional studio.16. RunwayWebsite: RunwayDescription: Runway is an AI-based video editing tool that simplifies complex editing tasks like color correction, motion tracking, and green screen removal. Fitness professionals can use Runway to create high-quality workout videos or promotional clips with minimal post-production effort.17. QuillbotWebsite: QuillbotDescription: Quillbot is an AI writing tool designed to paraphrase, summarize, and improve the clarity of your content. It’s a handy tool for fitness professionals who need to generate a lot of written content like blogs, client guides, or newsletters and want to ensure their language is clear, concise, and engaging.18. TomeWebsite: TomeDescription: Tome is an AI-powered storytelling tool that helps fitness professionals create visually stunning presentations, pitch decks, and promotional materials. With AI-generated layouts and text, it’s perfect for those who want to present their fitness business or programs in a polished and professional way without hiring a designer.19. Beautiful.aiWebsite: Beautiful.aiDescription: Beautiful.ai is an AI-driven presentation software that helps fitness professionals quickly build stunning, professional presentations. It’s ideal for creating visual pitches, fitness program overviews, or seminar decks. The tool automatically formats and designs slides for a cohesive and engaging look.20. MarketMuseWebsite: MarketMuseDescription: MarketMuse is an AI content research and optimization platform that helps fitness professionals create SEO-optimized blog posts, articles, and content. It analyzes trends, competitors, and keywords, ensuring your fitness website ranks high in search results, helping to attract more clients.21. Vidyo.aiWebsite: Vidyo.aiDescription: Vidyo.ai automatically turns long videos into short, engaging clips optimized for social media. Fitness professionals can use this to create bite-sized snippets from workout classes, client testimonials, or educational content for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.22. Surfer SEOWebsite: Surfer SEODescription: Surfer SEO is an AI-powered tool that helps fitness professionals optimize their website content for search engines. It provides keyword suggestions, competitor analysis, and content recommendations, ensuring your fitness-related articles, blog posts, and landing pages rank higher on Google.23. DeepBrain AIWebsite: DeepBrain AIDescription: DeepBrain AI is a platform that allows fitness professionals to create AI avatars for personalized client interactions, virtual coaching, and customer service. With AI-powered virtual trainers, you can engage with clients in a new, interactive way that enhances the fitness experience.24. HyperWriteWebsite: HyperWriteDescription: HyperWrite is an AI writing assistant that helps fitness professionals generate content faster, from blog posts to social media updates and emails. With its smart suggestions, HyperWrite helps you create copy that connects with your audience and conveys your fitness expertise without much hassle.25. GrammarlyWebsite: GrammarlyDescription: Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps fitness professionals ensure their content is grammatically correct, clear, and engaging. Whether you're writing newsletters, social media posts, or client communications, Grammarly ensures you come across as professional and polished.

Dec 18, 2024 • 42min
Ep.184: Best Of Trainers Talking Truths (Ep. 165 with Raphael Konforti)
Welcome to this special "Best Of" episode of Trainers Talking Truths! Today, we’re taking a look back at a valuable past episode from a great leader in our industry. A huge thank you to all our listeners—whether you’ve been with us from the start or just found us, your support means the world. Sit back, enjoy, and let’s revisit the truths that have inspired and guided us all!In this episode, Jenny and John are joined by Raphael Konforti, Senior Director of Fitness Business and Operations at 24 Hour Fitness, a brand with over 270 locations and a 40+ year legacy. With over 15 years in the fitness industry, Raphael has a wealth of experience in personal training, group fitness, digital product development, and more. We'll dive into his career journey, discussing pivotal moments that shaped his approach to fitness and business. Raphael will also share insights into the latest innovations at 24 Hour Fitness, strategies for driving revenue and member engagement, and the future of technology in the industry. Tune in to learn about the trends shaping the future of fitness and how continuing education is crucial for professionals in the field.https://www.instagram.com/raphaelkonforti/

Dec 11, 2024 • 52min
Ep.183: From Personal Triumph to Professional Impact: Joseph Carson’s Fitness and Wellness Journey
In this episode, Jenny and John chat with Joseph Carson to uncover the incredible story of his 177-pound weight loss transformation and how it ignited his passion for health and fitness. From building the largest private training studio in Oklahoma to creating Age-Well Arizona, a groundbreaking program for empowering older adults, Joseph’s journey is full of inspiration and practical insights. Tune in to learn how he turned personal challenges into massive entrepreneurial success, built thriving fitness businesses, and discovered innovative ways to help clients of all ages achieve their best lives. Whether you're seeking motivation, business strategies, or lessons in leadership, this episode delivers invaluable takeaways.

Dec 4, 2024 • 37min
Ep.182: Fact or Fiction: The Truth About Insurance Coverage for Personal Trainers
In this episode Jenny and John are joined by Jim Hooper and Phil Stump of API for a game of "Fact or Fiction" as they tackle the biggest myths and truths about insurance for personal trainers. From liability coverage to protecting your career, this episode delivers essential insights every fitness professional needs to know. Don’t miss this fun and informative discussion!Don't forget to check out this link https://team.apifitness.com/wordpress/ for a special offer from API!

Nov 27, 2024 • 52min
Ep.181: Pivoting with Purpose: How Bob Esquerre Transformed Corporate Expertise into Fitness Impact
In this episode, Jenny and John dive into the transformative career of Bob Esquerre, a fitness industry leader with over 38 years in the field and 13 years in Corporate America. Known as the "Trainer of Trainers" and "Manager of Managers," Bob shares how his early experiences in operations and project management shaped his approach to fitness business strategy.Join us as Bob unpacks:The pivotal moments that led him from corporate training to shaping global fitness operations.Key leadership qualities fitness professionals need to succeed in managerial roles.Business strategies to grow income opportunities for owners, operators, and trainers.The importance of customer-centric programming to engage the inactive majority.Bob's insights are a masterclass in bridging strategy, mentorship, and innovation to drive meaningful growth in the fitness industry. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to elevate your career or business.

Nov 20, 2024 • 37min
Ep.180: Fitness Research and Real Talk: Episode 13
In this episode, Jenny's research brings us some fun Lightning Fast Facts:Why We Crave Carbs: Discover how ancient gene duplications for salivary amylase might explain our love for bread and pasta.Travel to Slow Aging? New findings reveal that leisure travel may help reduce stress and support longevity.Protein + Fiber = Weight Loss: Learn why higher protein and fiber intake are key to effective, sustainable weight loss.Then, join John for Real Talk, where he dives into the essentials of sales in fitness: why it's important, what you're really selling, and how to build lasting client relationships.Stay tuned for practical tips, surprising research, and actionable advice that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a pro trainer, this episode has insights to level up your game—let's dive in!References:Feyza Yılmaz, Charikleia Karageorgiou, Kwondo Kim, Petar Pajic, Kendra Scheer, Christine R.Beck, Ann-Marie Torregrossa, Charles Lee, Omer Gokcumen, Peter A. Audano, Olanrewaju Austine-Orimoloye, Christine R. Beck, Evan E. Eichler, Pille Hallast, William T. Harvey, Alex R. Hastie, Kendra
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