

The Show Up Fitness Podcast
Chris Hitchko, CEO Show Up Fitness
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."
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2025 • 11min
Ep. 225 Should you WORKOUT when your SICK
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Navigating the delicate balance between consistency and recovery is essential for every fitness enthusiast. Have you ever struggled with deciding whether to push through a workout while feeling under the weather? This episode provides clarity on this common dilemma by exploring the science-backed "neck rule" that helps determine when exercise might help versus when it could harm your recovery.We dive into fascinating immune system science, revealing how your body becomes temporarily vulnerable after intense exercise—a phenomenon so significant that elite Soviet Olympic athletes wore masks after training sessions to protect themselves during this window of compromised immunity. You'll learn practical strategies for supporting your immune function during illness, from optimizing sleep to strategic steam room sessions that may help alleviate respiratory symptoms.The episode also addresses the psychological challenge of training interruptions. Rather than viewing illness as a fitness failure, you'll discover how to frame these periods as strategic recovery that ultimately serves your long-term goals. Whether you're a personal trainer guiding clients through illness or an individual navigating your own fitness journey, this episode provides the knowledge to make informed decisions that honor both your health and your athletic ambitions. Share your fitness journey openly—setbacks included—because authentic progress inspires others far more than perfectionism ever could. Remember that temporary pauses don't derail your goals; they're simply part of the path to sustainable progress.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: ...

7 snips
May 20, 2025 • 34min
Dr. Farnsworth Overcoming A Torn Achilles / Achilles Injuries
Dr. Justin Farnsworth, a board-certified sports physical therapist with two decades of coaching under his belt, shares groundbreaking insights on Achilles injuries. He emphasizes that while injuries can't be entirely prevented, smart strategies can improve resilience. Dr. Farnsworth dismantles the outdated RICE protocol, advocating for compression and targeted isometrics instead. He also introduces heavy eccentric training and contralateral strength training as essential techniques for recovery and performance, all while challenging common misconceptions in injury management.

May 17, 2025 • 22min
14 Yr old girl basketball workout | Needs analysis for basketball programming
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ever wondered what goes into creating an effective training program for a young athlete? This episode dives deep into designing a comprehensive workout regimen specifically tailored for a 14-year-old female basketball player, revealing the science, psychology, and practical considerations that elite trainers use.We break down the essential components of athletic development, starting with a thorough needs analysis that examines movement patterns, physiological demands, and injury prevention strategies. You'll discover why basketball relies on specific energy systems (60% ATP-PCR, 20% glycolysis, 20% oxidative) and how this knowledge shapes program design. From properly sequenced warm-ups to strategically structured compound circuit arrangements (CCAs), we provide a blueprint for developing explosive power, strength, and sport-specific skills.Beyond the exercises themselves, we explore the often-overlooked psychological and political aspects of training youth athletes. Learn how to navigate parent expectations, coach relationships, and the unique developmental needs of teenagers. The most successful trainers understand that they're not just building stronger bodies—they're serving as mentors during a critical stage of physical and emotional growth. We share practical strategies for making sessions both effective and enjoyable, ensuring long-term athletic development takes precedence over short-term performance gains.Whether you're a personal trainer looking to specialize in youth sports, a coach seeking to enhance your programming, or a parent wanting to better understand athletic development, this episode delivers actionable insights that bridge the gap between exercise science and real-world application. Subscribe to the Show Up Fitness Podcast to continue learning how to develop truly elite personal training skills that transform both your clients and your career.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 14, 2025 • 22min
AVM Stroke (Arteriovenous Malformation) How to train a client who had a stroke
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!IG: Stroke_riser21 The boundary between certified and qualified trainers becomes starkly apparent when working with clients who have complex medical conditions. Through the journey of Jimmy, a stroke survivor with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), we examine the critical approach qualified trainers must take when designing rehabilitation programs.Jimmy's story is particularly powerful—once a Division I baseball player throwing 90+ mph fastballs, he experienced a hemorrhagic stroke during exercise when his "ticking time bomb" AVM ruptured. After emergency brain surgery and months of therapy, Jimmy faced the mental challenge of rebuilding his identity before even beginning serious physical rehabilitation.What sets qualified trainers apart is their approach to medical collaboration. Before designing Jimmy's program, I connected with both his physician and our team physical therapist, establishing clear communication channels and demonstrating anatomical knowledge that overcame the common stigma about personal trainers being merely "appearance-focused" without substantive expertise. This interdisciplinary approach created a safe framework for Jimmy's program, focusing on intensity management due to seizure risk while implementing strategic movement patterns.The program incorporated bilateral squats biased toward his stronger right side (potentially creating a crossover effect to strengthen his affected left side), grip training for his left hand which remained claw-like due to muscle tone issues, and carefully monitored rest periods. The most emotional breakthrough came when Jimmy, with proper supervision, successfully transitioned from standing to floor and back again—bringing tears to his eyes as he said, "The most important thing people need with stroke is hope, and what that did right there gives me hope."This experience highlights why proper training for special populations demands comprehensive understanding of anatomy, criticWant 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 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: ...