
The Show Up Fitness Podcast
Join Chris Hitchko, author of 'How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer' VOL 2 and CEO of Show Up Fitness as he guides personal trainers towards success. 90% of personal trainers quit within 12-months in the USA, 18-months in the UK, Show Up Fitness is helping change those statistics. The Show Up Fitness CPT is one of the fastest growing PT certifications in the world with partnerships with over 500-gyms including Life Time Fitness, Equinox, Genesis, EoS, and numerous other elite partnerships.This podcast focuses on refining trade, business, and people skills to help trainers excel in the fitness industry. Discover effective client programming, revenue generation, medical professional networking, and elite assessment strategies. Learn how to become a successful Show Up Fitness CPT at www.showupfitness.com. Send your questions to Chris on Instagram @showupfitness or via email at info@showupfitness.com."
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 31min
How to write a book w/ Trainer David from Kansas
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Why do 90% of personal trainers fail within their first year? This eye-opening conversation with David, a successful trainer from Wichita, Kansas, exposes the critical gaps in traditional fitness education that leave new trainers unprepared for real-world success.David shares his journey from YMCA trainer to business owner, revealing how the repetitions he gained working with diverse clients proved far more valuable than any certification. "I've never met a trainer who contributes their success to their baseline certification," he notes, highlighting the disconnect between industry education and actual career requirements.The discussion explores how the personal training industry's low barrier to entry damages its professional reputation. Unlike physical therapists who undergo rigorous clinical training, trainers can start working after a weekend certification course. This minimal requirement leads many to view training as a side hustle rather than a serious profession.Both professionals advocate for a complete overhaul of trainer education to include supervised experience, business skills training, and communication coaching. They discuss how successful trainers must master multiple roles – from social media manager to community outreach organizer – while developing their technical knowledge.The conversation takes an interesting turn when they explore book publishing as a pathway to establishing authority in the fitness industry. David shares his plans to write a book for struggling trainers, while receiving practical advice on self-publishing, editing, and marketing strategies that can transform a trainer's career trajectory.Whether you're a new trainer struggling to build your business or an experienced professional looking to level up, this episode delivers actionable insights on differentiating yourself in a crowded marketplace. Subscribe now to join our mission of changing the fitness industry one qualified trainWant to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

May 7, 2025 • 24min
The BEST way to sell coaching / training
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ever wonder why 90% of personal trainers quit within their first year? The answer lies not in their fitness knowledge but in their approach to sales. This eye-opening episode dismantles the myth that great trainers don't need to be salespeople and reveals why embracing your role in sales is essential for career longevity.Through engaging stories and practical examples, we explore the Four C's framework that transforms awkward sales conversations into authentic value propositions: Competence in your craft, Confidence in your delivery, Control of the consultation, and consistent Contact with prospects. You'll witness firsthand how these principles apply through real-world scenarios, from signing new clients to handling common objections like "it's too expensive" or "I need to talk to my partner."The most powerful revelation comes in understanding the core emotional motivations behind every fitness goal. Beyond surface-level desires to lose weight or gain strength, clients ultimately want to look better naked, perform better physically, or live without pain. By connecting your services directly to these fundamental needs, you'll create irresistible value that clients can't find elsewhere.Whether you're struggling with sales conversations or simply want to elevate your client acquisition strategy, this episode provides actionable techniques to shift from transactional thinking to relationship building. You'll discover why the most successful trainers focus on long-term client retention rather than quick closes, and how adding value at every interaction builds a sustainable practice.Ready to transform your approach to fitness sales and build a thriving career? Subscribe to the Show Up Fitness Podcast and visit showupfitness.com to learn more about our personal training certification programs, including upcoming seminars in Denver, Miami, Santa Monica, and Atlanta.Want to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

May 6, 2025 • 13min
Lower Crossed Syndrome / Knee Valgus Pass NASM / ACE in 30-Days
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Pass nasm / ace in 30-days. Get our CHEAT SHEET for free if you send us your five star review. Get our study guide and quizzes ($200 value) for a 5-star review of how to become a successful personal trainer vol 2The fitness industry harbors a dirty secret that's costing aspiring trainers their careers: certification doesn't equal qualification. This revealing episode cuts through the smoke and mirrors of personal training certifications to expose why 90% of trainers quit within their first year.If you're struggling with NASM concepts like knee valgus and pes planus, you'll appreciate our no-nonsense breakdown that will help you pass your exam in under 30 days. Why memorize an 800-page textbook when you only need to understand a handful of concepts? We reveal exactly what to focus on to pass quickly, including the overactive muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus, adductors, and hip flexors), underactive muscles, and the simplest way to understand the OPT model.Beyond exam tips, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about the industry's lack of respect and how to overcome it. The difference between being a mere "rep counter" and a qualified trainer who commands premium rates comes down to supervised experience and hands-on learning—something textbooks can't provide. This explains why top fitness clubs like Lifetime and Equinox specifically seek trainers with Show Up Fitness certification, often preferring them over candidates with years of unguided experience.Ready to transform your passion for fitness into a successful career? Discover how our two-month internships and weekend seminars deliver more practical knowledge than any textbook certification. Leave a five-star review for a free NASM study guide and quiz package ($300 value) that guarantees you'll pass. Your journey to becoming a respected, successful trainer starts here.Want to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

May 4, 2025 • 27min
Equinox Interview Process (Phone): Get Hired At Equinox w/ SUF-CPT
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer Vol 2, Chapter 5 is dedicated to helping people get hired at Equinox and Life Time. Mijoia is looking to get hired at the Berkeley Equinox. This podcast will help her build confidence, review her elevator speech, and land her dream job as a QUALIFIED Certified Personal Trainer w/ the BEST personal training certification in fitness, SUF-CPT.Landing a trainer position at elite gyms like Equinox isn't just about having a certification—it's about demonstrating you're the complete package. This episode breaks down exactly how to stand out in an industry where 90% of personal trainers quit within their first year.Most certification programs prepare you technically but leave you woefully unprepared for the business side of training, especially sales. That's why the average trainer takes six to nine months to reach $10,000 in monthly revenue, while Show Up Fitness-certified trainers typically hit this milestone in just one to three months.When approaching your dream job interview, preparation is everything. Recruiters at premium gyms receive thousands of applications yearly and can spot a half-hearted effort immediately. We walk through crafting the perfect elevator pitch, researching the company thoroughly (knowing everything from the CEO's name to their expansion plans), and confidently discussing your strengths and weaknesses in ways that position you as an asset.The secret sauce? Confidence without cockiness. Learning to articulate your ambitions ("I will be the top-performing trainer at this location") while demonstrating humility and a willingness to learn. We explore how to mirror your interviewer's communication style, ask thought-provoking questions, and follow up persistently if you don't hear back.Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, we show you how to leverage your natural tendencies as strengths rather than limitations. The practical strategies shared have helped placeWant to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

May 2, 2025 • 16min
How to train a client w/ Osteoporosis | Become a Trainer in Santa Monica / Atlanta
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Your bones are constantly changing. Beneath the surface, specialized cells called osteoblasts build up bone tissue while osteoclasts break it down. This delicate balance shifts as we age, with breakdown eventually outpacing construction—especially in women after menopause when estrogen production decreases. The result? Weakened bones vulnerable to fractures that can dramatically reduce quality and length of life.The good news? Osteoporosis is 100% reversible. But not through the gentle exercise most people associate with bone health. True bone remodeling requires significant resistance—at least 75% of your maximum capacity. That means working in the challenging 6-12 repetition range where those last few reps feel difficult. Light workouts might feel tough, but they won't trigger the microscopic bone stress needed to stimulate rebuilding.The type of loading matters too. Vertical loading—where gravity forces travel through the length of your bones—provides optimal stimulus. Back squats, bench press, and overhead presses create this vertical pressure, while even beneficial exercises like hip thrusts don't provide the same bone-building stimulus. This explains why activities like swimming and yoga offer minimal bone density benefits despite their many other advantages.Proper progression is essential, especially for beginners or those with existing bone concerns. Start with bodyweight or assisted movements to develop competence before adding load. A thoughtful progression might move from TRX-assisted squats to goblet squats and eventually to barbell back squats, gradually increasing weight over time. With consistent training and proper nutrition (adequate protein and calcium), meaningful improvements in bone density typically emerge after about six months.Personal trainers have a unique opportunity to address this critical health issue. By understanding bone physiology and designing progressive resistance programs, you can literally Want to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

May 1, 2025 • 28min
ATLANTA Personal Training Internship SUF-CPT June 9th | SWIFT May 2025
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Do you live in Georgia or on the east coast? SUF-CPT and 2-month internship is now being offered at Stbil Fit Life with SUF instructor Josh Ortiz and wife Ki. You will become an ELITE trainer within 2-months with job placement at the best gyms in the world!Ready to transform your passion for fitness into a thriving career? This episode dives deep into the SWIFT analysis framework that's revolutionizing how personal trainers build sustainable, six-figure businesses without burnout.Unlike the traditional SWOT analysis, SWIFT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Improvements, Fears, Trajectory) provides actionable principles that translate directly to professional growth. The framework emphasizes building on strengths rather than dwelling on weaknesses, with practical strategies for implementing multiple revenue streams using the 60-30-10 rule: 60% from your primary service, 30% from a secondary service like nutrition coaching, and 10% from supplementary offerings.We share the exciting evolution of Show Up Fitness, from our partnerships with premium brands like Lifetime and Equinox to our new Atlanta internship launching June 9th. These collaborations aren't just name-dropping – they create concrete pathways for our certified trainers to secure positions commanding $150-300 per session, making six-figure incomes achievable in the first year. That's a stark contrast to the $40-50K typically earned with traditional certifications at entry-level positions.What sets our approach apart? We've completely reimagined the certification process with hands-on learning and practical assessments. Rather than relying on textbook knowledge and multiple-choice tests, our candidates demonstrate their abilities by training actual paying clients, designing programs on the fly, and showing deep anatomical understanding. The result? Trainers who deliver exceptional value and command premium rates because they produce premium results.The sobering reality is tWant to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

Apr 29, 2025 • 23min
Ep. 215 Back Pain: Case Examples FLEXION / EXTENSION INTOLERANT
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!If you have a client who has low back pain, become a QUALIFIED Personal Trainer with the SUF-Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique Certification (SUF-STM)Show Up Fitness 2-day Seminars Denver Parker / Auora CO June 13/14 12-5Miami Florida Coral Gables June 27/28 12-5.5 NASM / ACE CEU'sBattling low back discomfort doesn't have to mean the end of your training career or active lifestyle. This eye-opening episode tackles the pervasive problem of back pain—affecting a staggering 80% of the population—and reveals why cookie-cutter approaches fail while qualified trainers succeed.Through compelling real-world case studies, you'll discover the crucial differences between merely certified trainers and truly qualified movement specialists. We break down the biopsychosocial model of pain assessment, showing how biological factors, psychological experiences, and social circumstances all influence recovery. You'll learn exactly how proper screening determines whether a client needs simple movement modifications or medical referral, and why positive language like "discomfort" instead of "pain" creates psychological shifts that facilitate healing.The episode features detailed explanations of flexion intolerance versus extension intolerance, how to modify exercises for zero-irritation movement patterns, and the importance of establishing appropriate tissue capacity baselines before progressive overload. Most importantly, you'll understand why qualified trainers never simply say "do planks and bridges" or "never squat again"—fear-based approaches that dominate the industry but fail to address individual needs.Whether you're a trainer looking to elevate your skills or someone suffering from persistent back issues, this episode offers hope, concrete strategies, and a methodical approach to recovery. We also highlight upcoming workshops in Denver (June 13-14) and Florida (June 27-28) for hands-on learning opportunities that can tranWant to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

Apr 24, 2025 • 18min
NASM vs ACE vs ISSA: What’s The EASIEST Personal Training Certifications
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!The easy way, textbook certs: NASM/ACE/ISSA.The QUALIFIED WAY: NSCA, ACSM, SUF-CPT.Hands-on learning > specializations.Get a DPT & RD on your team.Master the fundamentals of movement, anatomy, sales, and assessments.Ever wonder why so many certified personal trainers struggle or quit within their first year? The answer lies in a startling disconnect between certification marketing and real-world preparation.Across the fitness landscape, aspiring trainers face a critical choice – pursue the "easiest" certification or invest in truly learning the craft. This episode exposes the uncomfortable truth that the most marketed certifications (NASM, ACE, ISSA) fail to prepare trainers for actual client work, while the certifications respected by physical therapists and movement experts (NSCA, ACSM) remain less popular despite better preparing professionals for success.Drawing from over 20 years of experience and thousands of trainer interactions, I unpack why memorizing textbooks and multiple-choice answers isn't the path to becoming a respected fitness professional. You'll discover why no client will ever ask you to identify an "agonist muscle" or follow NASM's formulaic approach, yet these are what commercial certifications test extensively. Instead, real success comes from mastering movement assessment, developing hands-on skills, and building relationships with other health professionals.For those serious about turning their passion into a sustainable career, this episode offers a reality check and a clear alternative path. The fitness industry doesn't need more certificate holders – it needs qualified, competent trainers who can deliver results and earn their place alongside other health professionals. Whether you're just starting out or feeling frustrated after certification, this frank discussion will help you understand what it really takes to thrive as a personal trainer.Want to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

Apr 21, 2025 • 17min
Functional Neurological Disorder | How to design a fitness program
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Become a QUALIFIED Certified personal trainer with www.showupfitness.comQualifying yourself as a professional personal trainer means going beyond basic certifications when working with clients who have complex conditions like Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This episode breaks down exactly how to establish yourself as a trusted fitness professional within the medical community while designing effective programs for clients with neurological challenges.When working with clients who have medical conditions, your first move should always be reaching out directly to their healthcare providers. We walk you through exactly how to approach doctors and therapists, what to say, and how to present yourself as a qualified professional who stands apart from the Instagram fitness crowd. This simple step not only improves your programming but positions you for valuable referral relationships.For the long-distance runner with FND who experiences symptoms while descending stairs, we detail a comprehensive programming approach focusing on unilateral strength, frontal plane stability, and neurological control. You'll learn specific exercise selections—from explosive step-downs to airplane poses—that directly address the functional limitations while building overall performance. Most importantly, we explain why consistent progression of these movements creates better results than constantly changing exercises.The difference between average trainers and elite coaches isn't just exercise selection—it's creating comprehensive systems and networks. By learning to work collaboratively with medical professionals and focusing on evidence-based programming rather than entertainment, you'll not only help clients overcome conditions like FND, but you'll establish yourself as an indispensable part of their healthcare team. Ready to elevate your professional status and help clients who truly need your expertise?Want to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

Apr 19, 2025 • 26min
4-Reasons Why 90% of Personal Trainers Quit Within a Year
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!The fitness industry harbors a shocking statistic - 90% of personal trainers quit within their first year. In this passionate, no-holds-barred episode, we dive deep into why this happens and how aspiring trainers can avoid this fate by taking a radically different approach to building their careers.We expose the fundamental flaws in the traditional path most trainers take: getting a textbook certification that requires minimal knowledge, seeking "experience" at low-tier gyms without proper mentorship, failing to master anatomy and movement fundamentals, and refusing to invest in quality continuing education. This approach virtually guarantees failure in an industry that should offer tremendous opportunity.The episode offers a blueprint for success that stands in stark contrast to conventional wisdom. True success comes from mastering anatomy (can you name all 17 muscles of the shoulder?), understanding movement patterns for efficient programming, building relationships with medical professionals, and consistently investing in yourself. When you develop genuine expertise rather than collecting certifications, you can command premium rates while working fewer hours.Our message is clear: stop following the struggling masses and start challenging yourself to reach a higher standard. The trainers who thrive aren't just passionate - they're professionally competent, continuously learning, and committed to excellence. Ready to fish in a blue ocean where the competition disappears? It starts with mastering the fundamentals that most trainers ignore.Ready to transform your training career and join the elite 10% who succeed? Listen now and discover exactly what separates those who quit from those who thrive in this rewarding profession.Want to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...
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