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

FITLETE Radio Trainer Spotlight: Meet Kevin DineenAbout Kevin DineenCoach Kev Dineen’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine, followed by over 1,500 hours of clinical experience in Division I athletics. After graduating in 2005, he moved to New York City, managing one of the largest personal training departments in the country at Equinox on 63rd Street. He’s since built multiple training facilities from humble beginnings in a 150 sq. ft. room inside a nail salon to owning a 6,000 sq. ft. gym, and now leads Structure Personal Fitness. He is recognized for both his hands-on coaching style and genuine care for each client, combining deep scientific knowledge with practical leadership.​​Three Memorable Quotes“If you’re doing a budget of either time, resources, financial... I could accurately say from a financial and personal level—to always estimate a little bit higher than you think.”​“A man who chases two rabbits loses both. While that’s not always true, that hybrid training is real. I think goal setting for clients is about focusing on what’s important now rather than doing everything together.”​“Technology isn’t going to change the weight on the bar. It can change how you read it—but it’s effort, not apps, that truly transforms your fitness.”​Key Takeaways* Relentless Evolution: Coach Kev believes in continually growing both as a coach and as a person. He’s built his business from scratch multiple times, always learning from each stage and “underestimating” the resources required—but never the effort.​​* Real-World Experience First: “In-person experiences are gold.” Coach Kev values real training hours over just certifications, and encourages young trainers to learn in the trenches, observing and listening as much as possible.​* Empathy-Driven Coaching: He’s a storyteller with a coaching style rooted in empathy, often using analogies (like his “man in a hole” story) to connect with clients facing unique challenges—making them feel seen and understood.​* Fighting Fitness Myths: Kevin takes a “meet them where they are” approach, debunking fitness fads and guiding clients with respect for personal nuance, not just “the science”.​* Smart, Simple Tech: While Coach Kev appreciates effective technology for tracking progress or automating business tasks (like Google Sheets and InBody scans), he believes tech is a tool—not the driver—of fitness results.​Socials & How to Connect* Instagram: @coachkevdineen for daily coaching wisdom, honest takes, and a look inside his training philosophy.​* Structure Personal Fitness: CEO and head coach—reach out for training, workshops, or speaking events.​* LinkedIn: Connect professionally at Kevin Dineen’s LinkedIn.​The FITLETE Resource Nexus is your all-in-one hub for education, networking, and business growth. It’s made for entrepreneurial trainers and coaches. Instantly explore in-person seminars, online courses, industry events, job boards, mentorship opportunities, and a toolkit for running your business your way. Updated regularly, the Nexus ensures you find what you need, when you need it, so you can keep learning, connecting, and thriving as a fitness professional. Check it out and join a community built for coaches who never stop growing. 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 Trainer Spotlight: Meet Aram GrigorianEpisode Key Takeaways* Authenticity drives results: Aram is open about his own life and believes coaches should be themselves, creating honest spaces for lasting change.​​* Practical advice for real women: His coaching combats unrealistic, harmful fitness industry tactics and instead arms women with habits, awareness, and body confidence.​​* Lifestyle over quick fixes: Aram stresses the importance of viewing health as a lifelong journey, not a short-term project. Progress is measured beyond aesthetics—digestion, sleep, and mindset matter.​​* Education for coaches: He hosts the Real Coaches Summit in Vegas to connect, educate, and elevate the coaching profession with tactical, nuanced topics that matter to real clients.​* Adaptability and empathy: After recovering from a serious injury, Aram emphasizes working with each client’s unique limitations and goals, helping people train safely and regain confidence.​* Embracing technology (with caution): Though “old school,” he now leverages AI tools like ChatGPT to summarize studies and deepen clients’ education, while valuing personal connection over automation.​Guest Quotes“I try to give practical tactical real advice on how to improve their body composition, lose body fat, gain muscle mass, get their confidence and their swagger back so that they can age gracefully and improve their health span—not just their lifespan.”​“Getting somebody more confident to be able to move in comfortable ranges of motion is really the important aspect of getting somebody back to training… they start to just feel better mentally as opposed to just kind of waiting the injury out.”​“Folks trying to make changes to their nutrition, to their training… need to accept that this is a long haul endeavor and that it’s not difficult because you practice the skillset, build habits, and systems.”​Connect with Aram* Four Weeks to the Beach Coaching Program​* Aram Grigorian Instagram: @4weeks2thebeach​* Real Coaches Summit Information​* Aram’s Programs on TrainHeroic​For more episodes and community resources, visit FITLETE 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 Taylor EdwardsAbout This EpisodeIn this episode of FITLETE Radio’s Trainer Spotlight, host George Pagan III sits down with Taylor Edwards, a personal trainer and online coach from Reno, Nevada. Taylor’s blend of analytical precision and human connection—rooted in her background in mathematics and teaching—defines her holistic coaching philosophy. She focuses on helping clients create sustainable routines and mental flexibility so they can thrive even during life’s busiest seasons.Taylor’s Coaching MindsetTaylor’s approach to fitness is grounded in empathy, structure, and personal responsibility. “At the end of the day, my role is that of a helper. I can’t do the work for you, but I can clear the path for you and guide you toward your own vision of success.”She sees her mission as teaching clients to challenge their current realities—whether physical, mental, or lifestyle-based—through simple but powerful habit changes.Key Takeaways* Holistic Coaching: Taylor emphasizes that most client barriers are mental or lifestyle-related, not just physical limitations.* Intentional Planning: Known as “the planner” at Team Iron & Lace, she uses yearly calendars to design personalized training phases that adapt to each client’s schedule.* Community Collaboration: She believes great coaching comes from collaboration, saying, “Build your network. I’m huge on collaboration. It’s more important than certifications.”* Smart Technology Use: For Taylor, tech is a tool, not a substitute for presence. She uses MyPT Hub for programming, check-ins, and client communication, yet still commits to weekly video calls to maintain the human connection.Fun MomentIn one of the lighter parts of the episode, Taylor shares her unlikely obsession—with umbrella catalpa trees. After finding her “dream tree” on social media, she planted it in her yard and turned it into a quirky local project, joking that one day she’ll make a scrapbook of every catalpa tree in Reno.Quotes“At the end of the day, my role is that of a helper. I can clear the path, but the client has to make the journey.”“Nearly anything is possible if you’re willing to challenge your own reality.”“The best coaches invest in themselves and serve their clients first—that’s the foundation.”Connect with TaylorStay up to date with Taylor and Team Iron & Lace:* Instagram Live: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM Pacific – @team_iron_and_lace* Coaching & Inquiries: @Taylorce on InstagramWhy ListenIf you’re a coach looking to improve your client relationships or someone struggling to stay consistent, this episode delivers wisdom from a coach who merges data-driven planning with empathy and humor. It’s about growth, curiosity, and showing up for yourself—one habit at a time. 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

Steve Lutz, an online fitness coach and owner of Lutz Fitness, shares his incredible journey of overcoming a 170-pound weight gain and transforming his life. He emphasizes that real change is as much mental as it is physical. Steve discusses the significance of meeting clients where they are and adapting coaching to their unique challenges. He highlights the essential role of technology in fostering client connections and accountability. With authenticity, he illustrates how progress is built slowly, through mastering one step at a time.

In this conversation, Russell Moore, the owner of More Than Fitness, shares his mission to empower gym newcomers facing anxiety. He emphasizes an empathetic coaching approach, adaptable problem-solving, and the importance of personalized language in fitness. Russell discusses how to help clients set flexible goals without overwhelm and prioritizes communication skills and empathy when hiring trainers. He also advocates for a simple tech approach that enhances client connections rather than complicates them. Russell’s philosophy fosters a supportive gym environment for all.

Join Paul Henri Lambert, a martial artist and the CEO of Holometa Strength and Conditioning, as he shares insights from over 20 years in fitness. He discusses the importance of understanding clients’ motivations and how he gently tackles fitness myths with evidence-based dialogue. Paul emphasizes the significance of setting realistic, prioritized goals to prevent burnout, and he reveals his simple tech tools for effective coaching. Tune in for a dose of wisdom on building community and fostering critical thinking in fitness!

In a lively conversation, Tasha Wolf Whelan shares her 24+ years of coaching experience and her unique blend of anthropology and exercise science. She emphasizes the importance of individualized coaching and adapting plans to fit each person's needs. Tasha recounts a hilarious airport story, and discusses common fitness myths with a focus on curiosity and education. She tackles the challenge of managing multiple client goals through phased goal-setting and highlights the essential qualities every coach should possess, such as flexibility and emotional intelligence.

Neal Snyder, a personal trainer and program director at Fitness Inc, brings a unique blend of fitness expertise and a background in computer engineering. In their discussion, Neal emphasizes adaptive coaching for clients with injuries, highlighting detailed assessments and effective communication with healthcare providers. He also tackles common fitness myths, advocating for skepticism and personal experimentation in nutrition. Further, he shares strategies for helping clients juggle multiple goals while managing expectations. Neal's pragmatic approach makes fitness accessible and enjoyable for all.

Sujal Sancheti is a certified sports nutrition specialist and competitive powerlifter who founded NutriFit World, focusing on metabolic health for South Asian vegetarians. She shares her inspiring journey from reversing pre-diabetes to coaching others, showcasing her Plant Power Metabolic Makeover which emphasizes sustainable habits. Sujal discusses the importance of listening to clients, debunking social media nutrition myths with compassion and evidence. Her tech-driven approach fosters accountability, aiming to build self-trust in her clients as they navigate their health journeys.

Jeremy Dillon, a certified strength and conditioning coach and owner of Rewire Health & Performance, shares his insights on elevating athleticism in adults and youth. He emphasizes the importance of customized coaching, using modifications instead of eliminations to address client injuries. Jeremy tackles fitness myths with engaging analogies, while also illustrating the significance of goal staging for clients with multiple objectives. Additionally, he highlights the role of technology in enhancing coaching experiences and client communication.