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

Get to know George Pagan III, a trainer with a winding journey from business to fitness. He shares a hilarious vacation prank that showcases his sense of humor and knack for connecting with strangers. Explore his insights on building client relationships and the importance of a welcoming approach in personal training. George emphasizes the need for ongoing education in the fitness industry and discusses the challenges trainers face, while advocating for community support over divisive debates.

Megan Cooper, the dynamic owner of Studio Me Fitness in Northeast Minneapolis, specializes in helping clients heal from pain while embracing an active lifestyle. She shares her transformative journey from a pre-dental student to a passionate gym owner, discovering her love for group fitness along the way. Listeners will enjoy her humorous tandem bike story and learn about innovative strategies for client retention. Megan emphasizes the importance of personalized onboarding for new clients, fostering growth in both trainers and clients alike.

Meet Jose Rosario of Spartan Strong PerformanceGet to know Coach Jose Rosario, owner of Spartan Strong Performance, in this in-depth Trainer Spotlight episode. Dive into his journey, coaching philosophy, and vision for the future of fitness.About Jose Rosario* Strength and conditioning coach, powerlifter, and founder of Spartan Strong Performance* Grew up in King George, Virginia, attended Shenandoah University, and later moved to California to manage an athletic performance facility* Mentored by Rod Richards, a former Mets strength and conditioning coach, which inspired his career path* Returned to Virginia during the pandemic, passed the CSCS exam in 2021, and has been training clients at Gold’s Gym in Fredericksburg for the past three yearsCoaching Experience & Clientele* Works with a diverse range of clients: youth athletes (as young as 7), general population clients (including a 75-year-old woman), powerlifters, bodybuilders, and even an OCB pro* Notably coaches a 73-year-old powerlifter with over a dozen national records* Specializes in movement quality, injury prevention, and holistic strength developmentCoaching Philosophy & Approach* Believes “good business sells itself”-his clients’ health, strength, and movement quality attract attention and referrals within the gym community* Builds an exclusive, supportive community around the Spartan Strong brand, fostering camaraderie and motivation at events like powerlifting meets* Offers referral incentives and runs promotions to expand his client base* Uses a comprehensive assessment process: observes clients’ movement from the moment they walk in, evaluates daily habits (e.g., sitting, driving), and regresses all clients to fundamental movement patterns to ensure quality before progressing to heavier liftsA Memorable Coaching MomentJose shares a heartfelt story about coaching a 46-year-old client through injuries and setbacks to achieve a 500-pound deadlift at a meet-an emotional milestone that highlights his commitment to his clients’ success and well-being.Continuing Education & Professional Growth* Holds a bachelor’s degree and CSCS certification* Actively pursues continuing education through seminars (e.g., Swiss, Prescript), conferences, and networking with other coaches and medical professionals* Values humility and collaboration, regularly reaching out to peers for knowledge and supportVision for the Future* Aims to expand Spartan Strong Performance globally, inspired by renowned strength coaches with international reach* Already coaches athletes in locations including Okinawa, Japan; North Carolina; and California, with a goal to build a worldwide community of strong, healthy individualsConnect with Jose Rosario* Instagram: _Spartanstrong* Book a Session: Spartan Strong Performance – Schedule a 30-Minute ConsultationWhether you’re an aspiring athlete, a seasoned lifter, or just looking to move and feel better, Jose’s expertise and passion for coaching can help you reach your goals. Reach out to join the Spartan Strong community! 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

Meet Jackson Lohr: The Shenandoah Valley’s Go-To Trainer for Older AdultsJackson Lohr is a personal trainer based in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, located near the mountains and close to the University of Virginia. With six years in the industry, Jackson brings a deep background in sports medicine and strength and conditioning, holding an undergraduate degree from Messiah College and a master’s degree from Liberty University. His journey started in athletic training, where he spent three years working full-time before launching his own business, Fitness for Life.Who Jackson Serves: Specializing in Unique and Older PopulationsJackson’s focus is on helping adults 60 and up-especially those with unique anatomical needs, disabilities, or chronic pain that hasn’t been resolved by traditional physical therapy. He’s passionate about empowering his clients to regain confidence in their bodies, improve their strength and bone density, and ultimately reduce chronic pain. His mission: to ensure that no one is limited by what a doctor says and help people live —and even die —on their terms.A Funny Sideline Story: When Passion Meets Soccer EtiquetteJackson’s love for soccer runs deep. He shared an early-career story from his time as a student in athletic training at Messiah College. At his first-ever sideline assignment for a conference championship soccer game, his passion got the better of him. Started yelling instructions to the players (who were way more skilled than he was) from behind the coaches. One of the coaches turned around and, in a pretty polite way, told him to “shut up” and let them handle the coaching. Lesson learned: sideline etiquette is a real thing, and sometimes your enthusiasm needs a filter!How Jackson Attracts and Retains Clients* Facebook Community: Jackson runs a free Facebook group with a couple of hundred members. It’s a hub for nurturing leads, keeping in touch with clients who “graduate” from his programs, and providing ongoing motivation and information.* Free Community Classes: He hosts a four-part class series with the local library for seniors and also teaches at a local college’s lifelong learning institute. These sessions, called “Reframing Fitness,” are all about providing older adults with actionable, trustworthy fitness information in a world full of bad advice.* Long-Term Relationships: Most of Jackson’s clients stick around for a year or more. He credits this to getting real results, building strong relationships, and vetting clients well so he can focus on unique, longer-term pain cases.Assessment Process: Deep Dives for Complex CasesJackson’s intake process is super thorough, especially since his clients often have complex medical histories. He digs into:* Exercise and training background* Experience with physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, and surgeries (think reconstructions, fusions, nerve ablations)* Main challenges and goals, like regaining the ability to walk unaidedHe’s learned that every client is different - sometimes someone surprises him with unexpected strengths - and a detailed intake conversation is key to understanding where to start.Continuing Education: Staying Sharp and Up-to-DateJackson’s certifications and credentials include:* Certified Athletic Trainer (licensed in Virginia)* Master’s in Exercise Science* Girls Gone Strong Women’s Coaching Specialist* RPR Level 1 (Reflexive Performance Reset)* NASM Performance Enhancement SpecialistHe keeps learning by:* Following thought leaders and peers on social media for the latest trends and research* Subscribing to journals and email newsletters so new studies land right in his inbox* Relying on his network of friends and colleagues to stay in the loop (especially helpful as a busy dad!)Final ThoughtsJackson Lohr is dedicated to helping older adults and those with unique challenges take control of their health and live life on their own terms. He’s a lifelong learner, a passionate soccer fan, and a community builder who’s making a real difference in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.Website: https://www.facebook.com/jackson.lohr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessforlife_jacksonlohr/Thanks for tuning in to this Trainer Spotlight on FITLETE Radio! For more on Jackson and other inspiring trainers, stay subscribed and keep listening. 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

Dr. Ashley Dwyer is a former licensed pharmacist and the founder of Team BDN Coaching, specializing in helping women navigate hormonal health. She discusses her transition from pharmacy to fitness, emphasizing a holistic approach for women feeling unwell. Ashley shares her unique coaching style which includes personalized fitness plans and deep-dive consultations. With a focus on continuous education, she highlights the importance of overcoming misinformation in the fitness industry, ensuring her clients receive trustworthy health guidance.

Nate Matos, a body architect at Anatomy in South Beach, combines athletic training with aesthetic goals for his clients. He shares his journey from studying exercise science to launching his business, NDM Operations, and even discusses his side hustle renting cars on Turo. Nate amusingly recounts his early coaching nerves, emphasizing the importance of confidence and effective client retention strategies. He also highlights the necessity of ongoing education in the ever-evolving fitness industry and how trainers must adapt to challenges like economic shifts and social media influence.

In this engaging conversation, Blake Parado, a personal trainer and gym owner from Honolulu, shares his journey and philosophy on making fitness fun. He humorously recounts a baseball anecdote that shaped his approach to personal training. Blake discusses effective client engagement strategies, emphasizing exceptional service and the importance of understanding clients' goals. He also reflects on the challenges of the industry, particularly misinformation on social media, and advocates for collaboration among trainers to enhance client experiences.

April Emmers, a wellness and rehabilitation specialist from Houston, shares her insights on training clients as they age. She emphasizes the importance of realistic fitness goals and tailored plans for those recovering from surgeries or managing chronic conditions. April's unique background in athletic training enhances her coaching, ensuring clients maintain their athleticism. The discussion also touches on client retention strategies in personal training and the need for ongoing education amidst changes in the fitness industry.

Jim Ferris, a seasoned strength coach with over 23 years of experience, dives into the dynamic fitness industry. He humorously recounts a memorable moment with NBA star Allen Iverson during a preseason tour, showcasing the unpredictability of coaching. Jim emphasizes the importance of personalized training for men over 35, highlighting strategies to attract and retain clients through tailored workout plans. He also discusses the evolving landscape of online coaching and the value of ongoing education for trainers navigating today's fitness challenges.

Phil Dominguez, owner of Attitude and Effort Fitness LLC, shares his unconventional journey into the fitness world. He emphasizes the significance of attitude and effort in personal growth, especially while training diverse clients like athletes and golfers. Phil humorously connects his passion for wrestling with building client relationships. He discusses personalized assessment techniques and the importance of ongoing education to adapt to industry changes. Plus, he tackles the challenges of navigating misleading information in the fitness industry.