The Show Up Fitness Podcast

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Pass any Textbook personal training certification with the SUF study guide.SUF has helped over 5,300 personal trainers get certified Most trainers are told to read more and “trust the process,” then left to sink in a sea of acronyms and 800-page manuals. We take a sharper route: pass your NASM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA, or ACSM quickly, then turn that momentum into hands‑on skill, confident coaching, and a book of business that lasts. Our goal is simple—make the exam make sense, and make your training career real.We walk through the essentials you’re most likely to see on the test—clinical red flags like hypertension and tachycardia, ACSM risk stratification, and the behavior change stages—then connect those terms to real assessments and training decisions. You’ll decode planes of motion, open vs closed chain, and the roles of agonists, synergists, and stabilizers on big lifts like squats, pull-ups, presses, and rows. We map NASM’s OPT phases and ACE’s IFT model to actual programming: stabilization setups, strength endurance supersets, hypertrophy ranges, maximal strength rest periods, and power pairings that develop force and speed without guesswork.We also dive into performance testing and bioenergetics so your intervals match the sport—ATP‑PC efforts with long recovery, glycolytic repeats with targeted rest, and steady oxidative work when it counts. On the nutrition side, we keep you in scope and exam‑ready: macros, calories per gram, fiber targets, and practical protein ranges from sedentary to strength and mass phases. Most importantly, we show how to move from textbook answers to client outcomes: clean assessments, simple cues that fix valgus without fear, workouts that hit stated goals on day one, and a clear, confident close that turns great coaching into paid sessions.If you’re done cramming and ready to perform, grab the study guide, pass in 30 days, and join us for hands‑on learning that builds real-world confidence. Subscribe, share this with a trainer who needs a win, and leave a review to help more coaches show up strong.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Down 21–7 in the fourth? That’s how most trainers feel when goals are vague, leads are random, and revenue wobbles. We flip that script with a practical playbook: define KPIs, run 90-day sprints, test weekly like an athlete, and hold public accountability so momentum has nowhere to hide. Think sports strategy meets small-business execution—clear metrics, tactical pivots, and simple scripts you can use today.We walk through a SWIFT-style review cadence that turns reflection into action: strengths to double down on, weaknesses you block time to fix, and the improvements, implementations, and innovations that compound results. You’ll hear how to build a full book without waiting on algorithms—client appreciation invites that spark referrals, storefront intros that plant local roots, and discovery calls that convert because the questions are better. We even dig into pricing with confidence: tie rate increases to skill upgrades, invite clients to sponsor your growth, and communicate the plan with candor and care.There’s a reason great coaches obsess over numbers. We break down the KPIs that matter for trainers—leads per week, show-up and close rates, ARPC, content-to-call conversion—and show how to read them like a dugout watches pitch counts. You’ll leave with a 90-day roadmap: daily story prompts with polls, a DM follow-up system, a weekly beta test, and a review cycle that makes iteration inevitable. Ready to stop “wanting more clients” and start winning the quarter? Tap play, build your plan, and tell us your first move. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a trainer who needs a push, and drop a review so more coaches can find it.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!IG: Coach.madds Become a personal trainer and get certified for life SUF-CPTEver wondered what it takes to open your own gym at just 23 years old? Coach Mads shares her extraordinary journey from battling anorexia as a teenager to becoming a successful gym owner with a thriving boutique fitness business.The path wasn't straightforward. After getting her ISSA certification during COVID when gyms were shuttered, Mads discovered the stark gap between textbook knowledge and real-world application. "You get into the real-life gym and you're like, what the heck am I doing? I don't know how to apply this at all," she reveals with refreshing honesty. This experience shaped her determination to create something better.Moving 2,000 miles from Canada to Washington, Mads worked briefly at the YMCA before taking a leap that most trainers wait years to attempt – opening her own facility. Her 2,000-square-foot private boutique gym now serves a clientele that's 90% women, providing a safe haven from the judgment often felt in traditional gym environments. "We're trying to break that stigma with our gym," she explains, describing how every potential member must meet her personally before joining.What makes Mads' approach particularly savvy is her focus on multiple revenue streams – independent trainers paying rent, personal training services, memberships, and potential future additions like supplements and merchandise. This diversification strategy provides crucial stability in an industry where 81% of gyms fail within five years.The challenges of solopreneurship weigh heavily at times. "Being a solopreneur is one of the hardest parts because I do everything myself," Mads admits. Yet she's tackling this by building a reliable team and creating systems that don't require her constant presence, with plans to expand into a collaborative wellness space including other health professionals.Perhaps most inspiring is her mindset toward entrepreneurial risk: "I don't give myself a Plan B because that means you have to make Plan A work." This unwavering commitment exemplifies why she's succeeding where many others falter.Are you ready to take control of your fitness career? Subscribe now and learn how determination, strategic thinking, and refusing to accept failure can transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!TikTok @seanokstr83Instagram @sean.straub.313Facebook Sean StraubWhat happens when you trade a stable construction paycheck for the uncertainty of becoming a personal trainer in your 40s? Sean's journey will inspire anyone feeling trapped in their career.After years in construction, Sean found himself drained by his blue-collar job despite doing everything he was "supposed to" do – putting on boots each morning and providing for his family. A chance encounter with John Ratey's book "Spark" ignited something inside him, beginning a transformation that would completely reshape his life.The path wasn't straightforward. Sean candidly shares his frustrations with traditional fitness certification, describing moments of heart-pounding anxiety when confronted with textbooks filled with jargon he couldn't understand. But everything changed when he discovered a practical approach to training that focused on real-world skills rather than abstract concepts. This breakthrough gave him the confidence to approach gym owners and stand out in an industry where 90% of new trainers fail within their first year.Now earning more than his construction salary while experiencing unprecedented freedom and fulfillment, Sean finds his greatest rewards in his clients' victories – from the former hockey player who can finally fit into his college jacket again to the budget-conscious client proudly purchasing her first dumbbell. More importantly, his career change has given him precious mornings with his five-year-old son, moments he previously sacrificed to his demanding job.For anyone contemplating a career change, especially those in their 40s or 50s who think it might be too late, Sean offers powerful advice: "We're here one time on this beautiful earth. The fruits we produce in life aren't for us, they're for others. Give your gift to others." His guiding question – "If not now, when?" – might be exactly what you need to hear today.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Follow Doc Chris IG: ChrishughenYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/E3RehabWebsite: https://e3rehab.com/NASM / ACE trainers are gonna want to listen to this podcast with Dr. Hughen from E3 Rehab debunking perfect posture, text neck, FMS and the overhead squat analysis.The fitness industry has long perpetuated myths about "perfect posture" and ideal movement patterns, creating fear and limiting beliefs that keep people from fully enjoying movement. In this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Chris Hughen of E3 Rehab, we dismantle these misconceptions and explore what the research actually tells us about human movement.Dr. Hughen shares compelling evidence that challenges common practices like text neck warnings and overhead squat assessments. Despite what many textbooks teach, research consistently shows that static posture doesn't predict pain or injury risk. Your forward head position while texting or "less than perfect" squat form isn't setting you up for inevitable pain—your body is far more resilient than that.We explore how elite athletes like Usain Bolt and Olympic weightlifter Dmitry Klokov excel despite having movement patterns that would fail standard assessments. This natural variation demonstrates that human bodies find unique, individual solutions to movement challenges rather than conforming to arbitrary standards.Most importantly, we discuss the psychological impact of movement correction on clients. When trainers constantly point out "flaws" and focus on "fixing" clients, they often create feelings of fragility and fear. Instead, Dr. Hughen advocates for an approach that builds confidence through exploration, guided discovery, and positive reinforcement.For trainers and fitness enthusiasts alike, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective that celebrates human resilience and adaptability. Rather than chasing perfect form, we should focus on consistency, progressive loading, and helping people feel powerful in their bodies. How might your relationship with movement change if you let go of perfectionism and embraced your body's natural ability to adapt and thrive?Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Listen to IPL cricketeer Jay IG: im_jayasurya and Devang talk about the life of a personal trainer in Chennai India. What happens when a cricket career ends due to injury? For Jaisurya, it became the beginning of a transformative journey into the world of personal training. In this captivating conversation, Jai reveals how his path shifted from representing Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry in cricket to becoming a certified personal trainer helping others transform their lives.The turning point came after completing his MBA in data analytics when Jai ventured into sports event management, working with prestigious tournaments like IPL. During this time, he experienced a moment he describes as "speechless" – witnessing MS Dhoni enter Chennai's stadium to thunderous applause that literally shook the building. Despite these exciting experiences, something was missing until a friend introduced him to Show Up Fitness CPT.Jai offers a candid look at the fitness industry in Chennai, where many trainers lack proper education and focus solely on workouts without understanding fundamental anatomy or movement patterns. He contrasts this with his experience at Show Up Fitness, which created a supportive community where continuous learning is valued. "This industry is all about patience, constant learning, and consistency," Jai emphasizes, noting how these qualities transfer perfectly from his sports background.Perhaps most touching is Jai's story about his parents' journey from skepticism about his career choice to pride when they witnessed firsthand the impact he was making on clients' lives. For anyone considering a fitness career or looking to understand what separates successful trainers from those who quit within the first year, Jai's insights provide invaluable guidance.Whether you're a cricket fan, fitness enthusiast, or someone considering a career transition, this episode delivers powerful reminders about the importance of community, continuous education, and the fulfillment that comes from helping others achieve their goals. Ready to be inspired? Listen now and discover how passion can redirect your path when you keep showing up.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ever wondered how to properly design a fitness program for someone with metabolic syndrome? Meet "Metabolic Mary," our 44-year-old avatar client who presents with multiple risk factors including hypertension, elevated resting heart rate, and poor overall fitness. This episode dives deep into the thoughtful approach required to help clients like Mary succeed when standard training methods might do more harm than good.The journey begins with understanding what metabolic syndrome actually is—having at least three of five specific health markers that significantly increase risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We explore each marker in detail, from waist circumference thresholds to blood pressure parameters, giving you the knowledge to recognize these conditions in your own clients.What makes this episode particularly valuable is the stark contrast drawn between typical trainer approaches and the more sophisticated method taught at Show Up Fitness. Rather than annihilating a deconditioned client with high-intensity circuits on day one (virtually guaranteeing they won't return), we demonstrate the "Goldilocks approach"—programming that's not too hard, not too easy, but just right for the client's current abilities.The conversation extends beyond exercise selection to cover crucial professional skills: how to approach physicians for medical clearance, positioning yourself as distinct from "CrossFit weirdos," and addressing client fears (like Mary's concern about "bulking up") with empathy rather than dismissal. You'll learn specific progression models using CA (compound-accessory), CC (compound-compound), and CCA (compound-compound-accessory) formats that can be modified based on client response.Whether you're a new trainer struggling with program design or an experienced professional looking to refine your approach to special populations, this episode provides both the science and art of effective training for metabolic syndrome clients. Email info@showupfitness.com for a complete program template and take your training expertise to the next level.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ready to transform your chest training and finally see real growth? This episode dives deep into the science and practical application of optimizing chest development for both beginners and experienced lifters.Starting with a case study of an online client who successfully grew his social media following to 250,000+ followers, we analyze his current chest training program and identify the key opportunities for improvement. You'll learn exactly how a professional trainer thinks when designing programs that drive results—from understanding chest anatomy (the three regions of the pectoral major) to calculating optimal training volume for hypertrophy.What makes this episode uniquely valuable is our no-nonsense approach to program design. We break down why most people aren't seeing chest gains (hint: it's not just about pressing heavy), and provide specific protocols you can implement immediately. You'll discover why weighted dips with eccentric focus, strategic drop sets, and forced overload fly variations might be your missing ingredients for growth. We also explain why training to true fatigue matters, how to incorporate pushups effectively, and when deload weeks become necessary for continued progress.For personal trainers, we share how elevating your knowledge of exercise science can directly translate to charging higher rates and providing superior client results. Whether you're looking to develop an impressive chest or you're a fitness professional wanting to upgrade your programming skills, this episode delivers actionable insights that will change how you approach training forever. Ready to stop leaving gains on the table?Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Want to get hired at Equinox? Show Up Fitness CPT has helped get more trainers hired at Equinox than any fitness company. Learn how to ace the interview and get hired at the BEST gym for personal trainers.Breaking into the elite world of personal training isn't just about looking the part or having a textbook certification—it's about strategy, confidence, and genuine expertise. Megan Gilbert joins us to reveal how she transformed from a Show Up Fitness intern to Equinox's top trainer in just three months, eventually charging $200+ per hour while others struggled for years to reach full-time status.Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes at luxury fitness clubs? Megan pulls back the curtain on what it takes to succeed in high-end gym environments, sharing candid insights about everything from the initial interview process to managing difficult conversations about pricing with affluent clients. Her story demolishes the common belief that trainers must "pay their dues" at budget gyms for years before moving upmarket.What's particularly fascinating is Megan's revelation that despite being relatively new, she quickly became the go-to resource for veteran trainers who lacked practical knowledge about training clients with injuries or discomfort. This speaks volumes about the gap between certification and real-world competence in the industry. She also addresses the unexpected challenges of burnout, unsupportive management, and the mental barriers many trainers face when valuing their services.Now channeling her experience into a new book, "How to Get Hired at Equinox," Megan shares actionable strategies for accelerating your personal training career—from negotiating with clients and creating different pricing tiers based on referrals to avoiding the toxic mindsets that hold many trainers back. Whether you're just starting your fitness career or looking to level up your training business, this episode delivers a masterclass in building a sustainable, profitable practice based on genuine value rather than gym branding.Ready to transform your training career? Listen now, and don't forget to check out Megan's upcoming book for the complete roadmap to elite personal training success.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!DeVang explores what it's like to become a trainer in Delhi India w/ IG: Thebongbeast What does it really take to succeed as a personal trainer in today's competitive fitness industry? Forget the Instagram highlight reels - this raw, honest conversation with 12-year veteran trainer Suman Gupta reveals the challenging yet rewarding path to building a sustainable career in fitness.Suman shares his journey from starting without formal education to becoming a specialized coach working with senior citizens and clients with medical conditions. He candidly discusses the struggles most trainers face but rarely talk about: the financial rollercoaster of seasonal client fluctuations, the pressure from family who don't understand the profession, and the ethical dilemmas of managing unrealistic client expectations."I haven't found another job more tough than a trainer's job," Suman admits, highlighting the need for both physical and mental toughness. Yet he offers practical wisdom for navigating these challenges - developing multiple revenue streams across in-person training, online coaching, and specialized programs rather than relying solely on gym-based income.The conversation delves into the critical importance of education and anatomy knowledge, especially when working with knowledgeable clients who expect expertise beyond basic exercise instruction. Suman emphasizes how proper certification and continuous learning serve as your "license" to train people effectively and command premium rates.Whether you're considering a career in fitness or looking to elevate your existing training business, this episode provides the reality check and strategic guidance you need. The fitness industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, with increasing opportunities for trainers willing to invest in their education and build genuine expertise. Are you ready to show up and create a sustainable career beyond just counting reps?Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com