FITLETE Radio | A Personal Training News and Fitness Industry Q&A Show

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Tasha Wolf WhelanAbout Tasha Wolf WhelanTasha Wolf Whelan brings more than 24 years of coaching experience to the table, shaped by an eclectic academic background in cultural anthropology, archaeology, exercise science, athletic training, and dance. Co-owner of Ideal Strength, Tasha is known for both her deep industry knowledge and her refreshing ability to not take herself too seriously ("I am the world's worst ballerina, but I can get down to some hip hop. So crank that music up and I will bust out some moves.").She has spent her career not only coaching individuals but also mentoring other professionals and educating personal trainers, coaches, physical therapists, and more. Her journey is marked by a genuine spirit of mentorship, adaptability, and keeping fitness meaningful, fun, and empowering.Key Takeaways* Individualized Coaching: Tasha emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. "We're not looking for the truth, but their truth—what works best for their body, their goals and their lifestyle."* People Over Programs: She prioritizes flexibility and human connection. "A great coach needs to be flexible in their approach, willing to adapt the plan to fit the person, not the other way around."* Phased Goal Setting: Tasha helps clients organize and prioritize multiple goals. "Trying to chase everything at once often leads to diluted results...my job as their coach is to help them organize and prioritize those goals into a clear kind of progressive roadmap."* Curiosity and Respect: Challenging client misconceptions starts from a place of curiosity, not confrontation. She opens up dialogue, asking, "How has that worked for you so far?" to collaboratively explore solutions.* Tech Balance: Tasha prefers old-school pen and paper for in-person coaching but uses programming platforms, spreadsheets, and video modules for remote clients. The goal? Tech should enhance—not replace—the coaching experience.Guest Quotes“We're not looking for the truth, but their truth—what works best for their body, their goals and their lifestyle.”“A great coach needs to be flexible in their approach, willing to adapt the plan to fit the person, not the other way around.”“Trying to chase everything at once often leads to diluted results...my job as their coach is to help them organize and prioritize those goals into a clear kind of progressive roadmap.”Fun FactTasha is always stopped by airport security; one time her dad loudly proclaimed, “The only thing Tasha has that's explosive is diarrhea!” while she was being searched for ‘explosives’. Years later, she’s able to laugh at the moment...but insists, “I did not have diarrhea.”Connect with TashaWant to learn more about Tasha or get inspired by her approach? Follow her on Instagram @ironwolf03 and check out Ideal Strength.Discover MoreFind Tasha and other standout coaches at fitlete.com. For more Trainer Spotlights and fitness wisdom, subscribe to the FITLETE Radio Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Neal SnyderNeal Snyder is a personal trainer, program director, and fitness industry veteran based in Garwood, New Jersey at Fitness Inc, known for his adaptable, client-focused training and management expertise.About Neal SnyderNeal Snyder has a background in computer engineering before making a career switch to personal training in 2009. He’s worked in major fitness centers, including Equinox in Manhattan, and is now the Program Director at Fitness Inc in Garwood, NJ. Neal is described as fun, pragmatic, and experienced in handling real-world client needs, supporting fitness goals for everyone from teens to octogenarians.Key Takeaways* Adaptability: Neal’s approach to working with clients who have aches, injuries, or limitations centers on detailed assessment, communication with healthcare providers, and creative problem-solving such as adjusting movements or ranges to ensure progress and comfort.* Mindset Matters: Coaching isn’t just about physical training—Neal emphasizes supporting clients’ mindsets and expectations, especially when adjusting movements for safety and effectiveness.* Debunking Myths: Neal takes a practical, non-dogmatic stance with nutrition and exercise misconceptions, encouraging skepticism, short-term experiments, and open discussion rather than rigid rules.* Multi-Goal Coaching: He helps clients prioritize multiple objectives, especially as initial progress slows, and applies management strategies from his own experience leading large teams.* Value of Education: Neal underlines the importance of foundational knowledge in anatomy, kinesiology, exercise technique, and effective programming—plus learning through mentorships and observing skilled trainers in action.* Tech Use: Despite his engineering background, Neal values “old school” methods—pen, paper, and face-to-face connection—while using technology strategically for online coaching, reminders, and progress tracking when beneficial.Quotes from Neal Snyder“Oftentimes it’s not the whole movement that hurts. It’s a little bit of the movement. So now we’re looking at cutting short range of motion... Just kind of investigating as much as you can.”“If it’s not dangerous and they want to try it, I’m all up for running a short term experiment... ’cause I think a large process of that is them learning by themselves as well.”Connect & Discover Neal Snyder* Fitness Inc Training Studios, Garwood, NJ* Neal Snyder on Instagram and Linkedin for updates and coaching insights Find out more about FITLETE Radio and connect directly for guest opportunities at FITLETE.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Sujal SanchetiWho Is Sujal Sancheti?Sujal Sancheti is a certified sports nutritionist, competitive powerlifter, and founder of NutriFit World in Dallas, Texas. After reversing her own pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid issues, she now specializes in coaching South Asian vegetarians, helping them burn fat, balance blood sugar, and build strength without sacrificing cultural foods like rice and roti. Her approach is grounded in science, sustainability, and self-trust.Episode Highlights* Personal health journey: Sujal turned a diagnosis of pre-diabetes and cholesterol into a launchpad for her coaching career, demonstrating lived experience and empathy.* Signature program: Her Plant Power Metabolic Makeover is tailored for plant-based metabolic health, focusing on root causes, restoration, and lifestyle integration.* Empowering with technology: Sujal’s private coaching app and individualized check-ins foster accountability and encourage learning, not just following rules.* Community and resilience: She helps clients filter social media “noise,” build self-trust, and decode advice with compassion.Sujal’s Approach: Key Takeaways* Listen before fixing: Sujal’s philosophy is to slow down, listen, and find the emotional anchor behind every client’s goal. “Your body is not broken, it just needs a different kind of attention.”* No gimmicks: Her methodology avoids fad diets and emphasizes the long-term integration of habits, not fast fixes or elimination of cultural foods.* Education and lived experience: Sujal sees certification as a starting point but says true coaching requires ongoing learning and real transformation, both personal and through client results.Fun Quotes from Sujal“They’ll come in saying things like, my cousin just lost weight on keto…There is so much information. You’ve just been given 100 opinions and you haven’t had the chance to learn what actually works for your body.”“Tech is not the coach. It’s the bridge. It supports the relationship. It doesn’t replace it.”Connect & Discover SujalFind out more about Sujal’s coaching, her latest nutrition advice, and client stories:* Instagram: @sujal_nutrifitworld (latest reels, Q&A, tips)* NutriFit World coaching site: NutriFitWorld.fitbudd.com* LinkedIn: Sujal Sisodiya Sancheti This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Jeremy DillonJeremy Dillon is a certified strength and conditioning coach and owner of Rewire Health & Performance in Franklin, Massachusetts, specializing in empowering adults and youth athletes to feel, move, and perform like athletes for life.Meet Jeremy DillonJeremy blends over 15 years of coaching experience with a warm and empowering approach, focusing on movement quality, strength, and lasting athleticism. His clientele includes adults eager to regain athleticism and youth athletes looking to boost speed, strength, and confidence. Jeremy's ethos: “Move well, get strong, stay athletic for life”—and he’s passionate about helping people build both a body they trust and a mindset to keep going beyond the gym.Key Takeaways* Customized Coaching: Jeremy listens deeply to each client’s history and needs before tailoring programs; he believes in progress over avoidance and uses modifications, not eliminations, to keep clients moving forward.* Education First: He debunks fitness and nutrition myths using analogies and empowers clients through ongoing education: “Your metabolism isn’t a switch you broke—it’s more like a dimmer on a light that we can adjust.”* Goal Staging and Blending: Jeremy helps clients with multiple objectives by prioritizing impact, staging goals, blending them when possible, and always anchoring around what matters most now.* Client-Centric Technology: He streamlines scheduling and client communication through branded apps and advanced performance metrics (like force plates), making progress visible and freeing up time for a client-focused gym environment.* Experience Matters: Jeremy values personality and service-industry experience as much as certifications, emphasizing the importance of empathy, multitasking, and reading people.Guest Quotes“I see my job as helping people build a body they trust and a mindset that keeps them going long after they leave the gym.”“We can't care about fixing somebody more than they care about fixing themselves.”“Your metabolism isn’t a switch you broke—it’s more like a dimmer on a light that we can adjust.”Discover More* Connect with Jeremy Dillon at Rewire Health & Performance: find him on Instagram @remy3416 and via the studio’s site [rewirehp.com].* For client-focused programs, training tips, and updates, follow @rewirehealthandperformance.* Email for coaching details: jeremy@rewirehp.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

Dal Sekhon, a former law enforcement professional turned nutrition coach, shares her inspiring journey of personal transformation after losing 120 pounds. She emphasizes the importance of breaking free from yo-yo dieting and all-or-nothing mindsets. Dal advocates for compassionate coaching tailored to individual clients, highlighting the value of emotional intelligence over mere credentials. She also discusses how to balance technology with personal connection, using simple tools to foster meaningful relationships while supporting sustainable lifestyle changes.

Dylan Mayorquin is the founder and head coach at Integra Fitness in Nashville, dedicated to personalized, evidence-based training. He delves into the significance of a tailored coaching approach that respects client limitations, advocating for teamwork with physical therapists. Dylan highlights empathetic communication as vital for successful coaching and stresses the integration of technology, including AI, to enhance client connections and streamline business operations, ensuring coaches aren't left behind in a fast-evolving industry.

Cat Zazon, a vibrant yoga and breathwork guide with over 15 years of experience, discusses her holistic coaching style that merges strength training and dance. She emphasizes the importance of personalized training that encompasses emotional well-being and self-care. Cat shares insights on cultivating vulnerability in coaching relationships to build trust. With her new brand, Zazz Body, launching soon, she also explores the balance of technology and intuitive practices in wellness, aiming for genuine connections and lasting transformations.

Dan Stephenson, a veteran coach and founder of Ideal Strength, shares his insightful approach to fitness coaching. He emphasizes the importance of listening to clients, recognizing that mental aspects often play a crucial role in physical training. Dan discusses personalized training methods tailored to clients' needs, especially those with injuries, advocating for smart progressions. He also highlights the balance between leveraging technology to enhance coaching while maintaining genuine human connections. Mentorship, he believes, is essential for growth in the fitness industry.

In this engaging discussion, Carmie Hawkins, owner of Carmie Hawk Fitness, shares her journey in empowering women to embrace a joyful, sustainable approach to health. She emphasizes personalized coaching, meeting clients at their limits, and demystifying nutrition myths. Carmie highlights the importance of building strong coach-client relationships and setting realistic goals. With a tech-savvy approach, she utilizes simple tools for effective client programming, all while adding a touch of humor about her playful cat, Nixie.

In this engaging chat, Benjamin Ludwig, the owner of Buff Body with Ben and certified strength and conditioning specialist, shares insights from over a decade of coaching a wide range of clients. He emphasizes the significance of emotional connection in training and how technology enhances client communication. Benjamin also tackles fitness myths head-on, advocating for a questioning mindset. He discusses the equilibrium between ambitious athletic goals and the necessary sacrifices, making his approach both relatable and inspiring.