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

In this FITLETE Radio Trainer Spotlight, meet Jacob Martinez, MA, CSCS, the lead performance coach for OrthoNebraska Athletic Performance and Adult Fitness in Omaha, Nebraska. Jacob works along a full continuum of care—surgery, physical therapy, then performance—helping youth athletes, college competitors, and adults (including joint-replacement patients) bridge the gap between rehab and real-world performance. He talks about how he collaborates with physical therapists, modifies movements instead of eliminating them, and focuses on what clients can do rather than what they can’t.​​Off the floor, Jacob shares the story of his past life as a hip-hop artist and the chaotic show where an inebriated audience member unexpectedly turned into his unofficial hype man—an inside joke he and his wife still reference years later. In the episode, Jacob also dives into why active listening and trust-building matter more than “owning” people with research citations, how he shrinks client goals into winnable chunks, and why communication skills can be harder to train than programming. He wraps with a peek into the tech he actually uses—force plates, blaze pods, and why he’s intrigued by velocity-based tracking—as tools to support, not replace, coaching.​​Guest highlights* Lead performance coach at OrthoNebraska Athletic Performance and Adult Fitness, working with both athletes and general-population adults.​​* Background as a multi-sport athlete and baseball player, now specializing in sports performance, knee and shoulder-related performance, and adult fitness.​​* Experience hiring and onboarding coaches, giving him a front-row view of what actually matters when building a performance staff.​Who Jacob coaches and what he doesJacob breaks down how OrthoNebraska’s performance program fits into a hospital system that serves the Omaha metro, working closely with physical therapy to handle the “after PT” phase for both athletes and adults. He explains that his teams see youth athletes as young as 9–10 years old through college, plus adults ranging from joint-replacement patients to general-population folks who just want to get in shape.​​How he coaches around pain, injury, and limitationsWorking inside a continuum that runs from surgery to PT to performance, Jacob leans heavily on communication with physical therapists so he knows exactly what a recovering athlete is cleared to do. If something is off-limits, he pivots to movements and body parts that are safe, focusing on the goal of the movement rather than the specific exercise.​* “I’m not married to an exercise. I’m only married to Krista Martinez.”​* He emphasizes patterns (squat, hinge, push, pull) over exercises (back squat vs. split squat vs. landmine press) and uses variations like heel-elevated squats or unilateral work to find a trainable pattern that fits the person in front of him.​* For adults with very limited options, he zeroes in on what they can do and layers in the tools that allow them to be successful and consistent.​Tackling myths, social media noise, and “bro science”When clients come in armed with TikTok tips, family advice, or half-true nutrition rules, Jacob’s first move is not to dunk on their sources. He builds trust and rapport, then uses active listening and open-ended questions to help clients unpack where their beliefs came from and how well those ideas are actually serving them.​* “Nobody wants to meet someone for the first time and then hear, ‘That’s dumb. That’s not what the research says.’”​* Rather than rushing to fix, he tries to guide people toward seeing why a misconception might not hold up—so that by the time he offers an alternative, they are already more open to it.​* Once enough trust is built, clients are more likely to believe him over a random internet post without the constant back-and-forth debate.​Helping clients juggle multiple goalsJacob doesn’t see multiple goals as a problem by default—sometimes achieving one goal is exactly what creates momentum for another. But he notes that without structure, a long list of goals can quickly become discouraging if nothing ever gets checked off.​He borrows the idea of “shrink the change” from the book Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Dan and Chip Heath, using smaller stepping-stone goals that feel achievable right now. He also distinguishes between:​* Outcome goals: things you want (e.g., hit a .300 batting average), which depend on many factors you cannot fully control.​* Process goals: actions you can directly control (e.g., three 15-minute hitting sessions per week outside of practice) that stack the odds in favor of the outcome you want.​* “Process goals are usually within your control; outcomes, not always.”​* With multiple objectives, he clarifies the main desired outcome, then reverse-engineers process goals that make success more likely without overwhelming the client.​What he looks for when hiring coachesBecause Jacob interviews, hires, and onboards staff at OrthoNebraska, he has a clear sense of what separates effective coaches from the rest. He resists the idea that there’s one golden certification everyone must have, and instead talks about balancing technical skill with communication and behavior-change chops.​He looks for:* Solid “X’s and O’s”: kinesiology, exercise physiology, and real programming ability.​* Demonstrated interest in behavior change and active listening, which often are underemphasized in four-year strength-and-conditioning or exercise-science programs.​* Communication skills and presence: the ability to command a room, hold attention (even with 7th–8th graders), and adjust coaching style to the athlete or client in front of them.​He notes that great programmers who cannot connect with people will struggle, just like charismatic motivators who cannot design safe and effective training plans. In his view, certifications and technical knowledge can be taught more easily than genuine session leadership and charisma, so he tends to prioritize the latter when hiring.​Where and how he uses technologyJacob jokes that he feels like a bit of a boomer when it comes to adopting tech, but his team has chosen a few key tools that genuinely sharpen their coaching instead of distracting from it. At OrthoNebraska, they use:​* Force plates instead of a manual Vertec, letting them measure jump performance, asymmetries, and power outputs in healthy athletes, then compare those numbers if the athlete later gets injured and returns through OrthoNebraska’s surgical and PT pipeline.​​* Isometric mid-thigh pulls on the force plates to estimate strength and reduce the need for risky, time-consuming one-rep max testing in busy group settings.​* BlazePods and similar reaction-based tech to create fun, competitive drills that also train reactivity and decision-making.​Looking ahead, he’s interested in velocity-based training (VBT) trackers as a way to keep overzealous lifters honest about bar speed and intent. Having an objective number on the screen can back up coaching cues like “lighten the bar and move it fast,” tying the “trust the science” side of coaching into a format athletes respect.​Three key takeaways for coaches* Focus on movement, not specific exercises: patterns can stay the same even when the joints or equipment need to change.​* Build trust before busting myths: active listening and rapport make your evidence-based advice more likely to stick.​* Sharpen communication and behavior-change skills as much as your programming: they are often the true bottleneck in delivering great results.​Connect with Jacob & FITLETE* Learn more about OrthoNebraska’s Sports Performance and Adult Fitness offerings: JACOBS INSTAGRAM 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

About Julia SteierJulia Steier is a vibrant group fitness instructor who describes herself as a “group fitness nomad.” As a remarried military spouse, she’s traveled extensively, bringing her energy and expertise to new communities wherever she goes. Julia specializes in leading spin classes and supporting both prenatal and postpartum fitness, blending her experience coaching college athletics and her NASM Personal Training certification into every class she leads.​Key Takeaways* Empathy Above All: Julia believes the best coaches connect deeply with clients, embracing their struggles and successes. “It is imperative that you find a coach who is empathetic and willing to connect and also really learn about a person, what motivates them, what gets them going, what has them returning and what inspires them, because that can be the difference between an okay coach and a great coach”.​* Celebrate Small Victories: Whether someone is showing up postpartum, returning from injury, or reaching for new goals, Julia celebrates every win and fosters a community that uplifts each other’s achievements.​* Meet Clients Where They’re At: Adaptable and humble, Julia stresses modifications and listening to individual needs: “I try to meet them where they’re at, and this comes with offering modifications whenever available or just letting them know…whatever their body feels, do what feels good to them”.​* Honest Approach to Nutrition: Julia eschews fad diets and encourages practical, sustainable changes, favoring calorie tracking over extreme restrictions and advocating for professional help when needed.​Notable Quotes from Julia“As long as the people continue to show up, build it into their routine—that is winning right there. That is a victory”.​“You can have the Xs and Os. You can rip off what body parts do what and what connects to what… But if you lack the personal touch, that is going to hurt a coach in the long run”.​“One thing that I like to do is celebrate big for the people who come in… The hope is that when they’re getting celebrated, there might be someone else in the room who sees that and goes, if they can do it, I can do it”.​Discoverability & Connect* Instagram: Find free tips and Julia’s latest fitness adventures on Instagram at @julia_steier_.​* Julia’s 1000+ Spotify Playlists Library: * Julia’s classes blend fun, challenge, and genuine care for every participant. Expect an uplifting environment, from new studios to established rooms. Her story and coaching offer inspiration for those seeking lasting change and community.FITLETE.com — Resource nexus for coaches and personal trainers; stay up-to-date by visiting for the latest coaching platforms and resources.​ 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 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.