The Show Up Fitness Podcast

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!What does it take to leave behind a 20-year healthcare career and build a thriving fitness business? Meet Michelle Smith, who took the leap from medical professional to gym owner and never looked back.Michelle's journey begins with a whisper—literally. While running one day, she heard a voice saying "you've got three years," which became her timeline to transition away from a healthcare job she'd grown to dislike. Starting with just three clients in her basement, Michelle built a foundation that would eventually grow into multiple training facilities.The path wasn't straightforward. Despite her extensive healthcare background, including work as a certified orthotic fitter, Michelle struggled with traditional personal training certifications. The textbook approach didn't match her hands-on learning style or the practical skills needed for real-world client success. It wasn't until she found education that emphasized anatomical understanding and practical application that she began to thrive.What sets Michelle's story apart is her methodical approach to career transition. She advises calculating exactly how many clients you need to replace half your salary, then gradually reducing hours at your day job as your training business grows. "You have to figure out if your why is bigger than your paycheck," she explains, highlighting that passion must drive the decision to change careers.Today, Michelle specializes in women's health, particularly helping clients navigate perimenopause and menopause—a niche she discovered organically as she and her clientele aged together. Her willingness to pivot and evolve her business model has been key to her longevity in the industry, along with her dedication to continuous learning.Whether you're contemplating a mid-career change or looking to build a more fulfilling fitness business, Michelle's experience offers a roadmap for combining passion with pragmatism. Subscribe to the Show Up FitWant 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: ...

Barbara Zabawa, a wellness law expert with 25 years of experience and the owner of wellnesslaw.com, joins the conversation to demystify the legal landscape for fitness professionals. She explains the key differences between certification and licensure, and reveals why many trainers misunderstand their legal protections. The discussion covers scope of practice, outlining when trainers should refer clients to licensed healthcare providers. Additionally, Zabawa warns about the surprising legal risks of online training, highlighting the need for better industry standards.

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Devang IG = d_fit_manThe fitness industry struggles with a respect problem. Whether in the United States or India, personal trainers often fight an uphill battle against stigmas that minimize their profession as "just a side hustle" rather than a legitimate career path. This eye-opening conversation with Devang, a fitness instructor from Gujarat, India, reveals surprising parallels in the challenges trainers face worldwide—and actionable strategies to overcome them.Devang shares his journey from engineering student to fitness professional, including the discouraging first question from his family: "Who's gonna marry you?" This response highlights the universal undervaluation of fitness careers despite their critical importance in addressing public health crises. In India, where only 4% of the 1.4 billion population engages in physical activity, metabolic diseases run rampant through generations of families.The podcast dives deep into why personal training lacks prestige—primarily due to minimal entry barriers compared to respected professions like medicine or law. When anyone with a good physique can become a trainer without certification, the profession's perceived value diminishes. This problem compounds when trainers receive only 30% of personal training fees in commercial gym settings while working grueling 12-16 hour days.The conversation shifts from problem to solution, outlining a blueprint for elevating the profession beyond collecting certifications. Successful trainers develop business acumen, network with healthcare professionals, and create comprehensive wellness centers that command respect. By building teams that include physical therapists and dieticians, trainers position themselves as integral parts of the healthcare ecosystem rather than isolated fitness specialists.Ready to transform your passion for fitness into a respected, sustainable career? Learn how to become the uncommon "unicorn trainer" who staWant 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: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!What happens when a trainer skips proper assessment and puts a client with previous back surgery through burpees, jumping jacks, and speed deadlifts? A $1.4 million lawsuit and a powerful lesson for every fitness professional.The landmark case of Baldy-Perry versus Kaifus exposes the dangers of negligence in personal training and why proper assessment protocols are non-negotiable. This eye-opening discussion dives into the court findings that held a trainer accountable for failing to evaluate fitness levels, implement safe exercises, and consider prior medical history—resulting in serious injury and substantial legal consequences.We explore what separates qualified fitness professionals from textbook-certified trainers: understanding the human body, implementing thorough assessments, and knowing when to refer clients to appropriate medical professionals. Just as a restaurant server asks about allergies before taking your order, trainers must identify potential risks before designing exercise programs. This systematic approach demonstrates professionalism and elevates the entire fitness industry.The conversation highlights essential assessment components every trainer should implement—from screening for medical history and risk factors to communication with healthcare providers for clients with previous surgeries. You'll learn why continuing education through workshops, seminars, and mentorship is crucial for staying current with best practices and expanding your knowledge beyond initial certification.Whether you're a seasoned fitness professional or just starting your career, this podcast serves as both a warning and a roadmap to excellence. Invest in education beyond your certification, implement thorough assessment protocols for every client, and establish relationships with healthcare providers. Your clients trust you with their health and safety—a responsibility that should never be taken lightly.Ready to elevate yWant 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: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Doc Coleman, a physical therapist specializing in athletic rehabilitation, takes us deep into the misunderstood world of hip pain—specifically femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). This condition affects countless young athletes but is frequently misdiagnosed as simple IT band tightness or dismissed because of the misconception that hip problems only affect older adults.With surgical precision, Doc Coleman breaks down the anatomy of hip impingement, explaining how bony buildups on either the femur (cam) or pelvis (pincer) create friction that can damage the labrum. The telltale signs are unmistakable once you know what to look for: C-shaped pain wrapping around the hip, pinching sensations during deep flexion, catching feelings during normal activities like walking, and discomfort with prolonged sitting.For fitness professionals, this episode serves as an essential field guide to navigating hip pain in clients. Doc Coleman offers clear guidance on which movements to modify, which mobility exercises actually help, and most importantly—when to refer out to a physical therapist. His approach emphasizes that conservative management through targeted mobility work and glute strengthening can be effective, but only if you're seeing improvement within 6-8 weeks.Perhaps the most valuable takeaway is Doc's passionate plea for greater collaboration between trainers and physical therapists. "We're not trying to take clients from you," he emphasizes. "I want to get them better and back to you as quickly as possible." This partnership approach benefits everyone, especially clients who receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.Whether you're a fitness professional working with clients experiencing hip pain or someone dealing with that mysterious catching sensation yourself, this episode provides clarity on a condition that's frequently misunderstood and mismanaged. Connect with Doc Coleman on Instagram at Coleman PT PerformanWant 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: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!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: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Need to pass NASM/ACE/ISSA/NSCA/SUF, master muscle contractions. Everything isotonic, isometric, isokinectic. Become a successful personal trainer by reading chapter 12 How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer vol. 2 to pass in 30-daysMuscular contractions form the foundation of all human movement, yet many trainers struggle to translate this science from certification textbooks into effective client programs. In this comprehensive breakdown, we demystify the three primary types of muscular contractions—isotonic, isometric, and isokinetic—and explain precisely how understanding each transforms your training approach.Diving deep into the sliding filament theory, we explore how myosin and actin interact during different movement phases and why this matters for your clients' results. You'll discover why eccentric training (where muscles lengthen under tension) produces greater strength adaptations with less volume, how isometric holds can build tissue tolerance at points of pain, and when to implement advanced breathing techniques like the Valsalva maneuver for experienced lifters.Beyond the physiology, we translate this knowledge into practical applications across all fundamental movement patterns. Learn how to identify weak points in a bench press and implement isometric pin presses to break through plateaus. Understand why controlling the eccentric phase of a pull-up builds the foundation for clients who can't yet perform a single rep. See how proper breathing mechanics change as clients progress from beginners to advanced lifters.The difference between memorizing terminology for a certification exam and truly understanding how to implement this knowledge represents the gap between textbook trainers and qualified professionals who transform lives. Whether you're preparing for your NASM exam or looking to elevate your training approach beyond industry standards, this episode delivers the science, practical applications, and confiWant 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: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!The fitness industry has a dark secret that qualified trainers need to address head-on: exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis. This potentially life-threatening condition, once primarily associated with catastrophic events or extreme military training, has become disturbingly common in regular gym settings due to unqualified trainers pushing clients too hard, too fast.This eye-opening episode tackles a real case study of a 38-year-old client who developed rhabdomyolysis after just her second session with a previous trainer. What should have been a routine workout turned into a five-day hospital stay with dangerously elevated creatine kinase levels of 10,000 (normal post-exercise levels might reach 600-700). The culprit? A punishing 90-minute session filled with high-repetition exercises, minimal rest, and culminating in exhaustive rowing - a perfect recipe for disaster.We break down exactly how qualified trainers should approach clients with fitness trauma, beginning with the crucial first workout. You'll discover the specific exercise selection, rep schemes, and rest periods that rebuild trust while still creating an effective session. The detailed programming walkthrough demonstrates how to gradually increase intensity over subsequent sessions while ensuring the client feels safe and successful.What makes this case particularly powerful is the outcome: through proper progression and client-centered training, this traumatized client stayed with the qualified trainer for over three years. The key wasn't just physical programming but psychological understanding - acknowledging fears, educating about exercise physiology, and prioritizing the client relationship over ego-driven "tough" workouts.Whether you're a personal trainer looking to level up your skills or a fitness enthusiast wanting to understand what separates qualified professionals from dangerous ones, this episode delivers actionable insights that could prevent injury and potWant 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: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Become a Nutrition Coach with Show Up Fitness info@showupfitness.comTransforming your clients' nutrition habits requires more than just telling them to "eat more protein" or "cut the carbs." As fitness professionals, we need to understand the science behind macro calculations while recognizing the psychological factors that make or break dietary adherence.This episode dives deep into a practical case study of a 191-pound male consuming 3,600 calories daily—walking you through exactly how to calculate macronutrients, create sustainable deficits, and present this information to clients in ways that drive consistent results. You'll learn why dramatic calorie restrictions often backfire and how to structure gradual, psychologically manageable changes that lead to long-term success.Beyond the science, we tackle the business side of nutrition coaching. Most trainers make the critical mistake of bundling nutrition advice with their training sessions, diluting both services and leaving thousands of dollars on the table. By establishing nutrition coaching as a separate premium service ($200-500 monthly), you create an additional revenue stream that could generate $30,000+ annually while delivering superior client outcomes.The key to standing out as a nutrition coach lies in building a professional ecosystem. Rather than positioning yourself as a nutrition expert who knows everything, we show you how partnering with registered dietitians creates a powerful client support system that handles everything from macro calculations to restaurant menu guidance.Whether you're already offering nutrition services or looking to expand your coaching toolkit, this episode provides the calculations, client psychology insights, and business framework to elevate your practice. Email info@showupfitness.com with subject line SUF-NC to sit in on one of our nutrition certification classes and see firsthand how you can transform both your clients' resulWant 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: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Shubh Hamirwasia IG: Kaaffi_shubh from Maharashtra India. Transform your career as a personal trainer in India. Become a certified personal trainer with Show Up Fitness CPT recognized globally. Ever wondered how a personal struggle with weight could transform into a thriving fitness career? Meet Shubh, who turned his experience as an overweight teenager into a powerful platform for helping others in India navigate their fitness journeys.Shubh's story begins at 16 when a Les Mills instructor saw potential in him and encouraged him to try teaching classes. What started as a way to improve his own fitness quickly evolved into a passion for helping others. Facing the reality that quality personal trainers were beyond his budget, Shubh took matters into his own hands by pursuing ACSM certification. "How difficult can this be?" he thought – a question that launched him into multiple certifications and eventually, a career training others.The conversation provides fascinating insights into India's unique fitness landscape, where "skinny fat" is more prevalent than obesity. Shubh explains how economic factors and cultural traditions impact protein consumption, creating distinct challenges for fitness professionals. Unlike Western markets where trainers often leave the industry quickly, Shubh notes that in India, personal training attracts people from other careers due to its earning potential – an interesting contrast that shapes the professional environment.What makes Shubh's approach special is his commitment to education and mentorship. "Don't focus on money for the first five years," he advises new trainers. "Surround yourself with the best mentors that you can." This philosophy of prioritizing learning over immediate returns mirrors the approach effective trainers take with clients – focusing on sustainable progress rather than quick fixes. His disciplined lifestyle (including non-negotiable sleep from 9:30-4:30) demonstrates hWant 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: ...