The Show Up Fitness Podcast

Chris Hitchko, CEO Show Up Fitness
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Aug 23, 2025 • 34min

Ep. 250 How to make 13k/ Month as a Personal Trainer | SUF-CPT Cody in North Carolina

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!What does it take to build a thriving personal training business that generates over $13,000 in just 20 days? Cody Maynard returns to the Show Up Fitness Podcast to reveal exactly how he's projecting a $150,000 annual income after only eight months as an independent trainer.The secret isn't complicated marketing schemes or sales tactics. Instead, Cody shares how continuous education has transformed his career, describing how he immediately implemented knowledge from recent seminars into his training sessions. "You get that 'whoa' from the client and you're like, yeah, all right, paid off there," he explains, highlighting how investing thousands in education creates immediate returns through improved client retention and referrals.Unlike many trainers who spend hours creating complex workout programs, Cody focuses on fundamentals. His assessment process combines careful listening with movement analysis and a mini-session that showcases his expertise. This comprehensive approach eliminates sales pressure because clients immediately recognize his value. His programming philosophy emphasizes progressive overload rather than constant novelty: "If it's not broke, don't fix it," he says, noting how clients appreciate consistency when they're seeing results.Perhaps most revealing is Cody's ability to adapt his communication style to each client's preferences, from the early morning client who barely wants conversation to the high-energy afternoon sessions. This authentic, personalized approach explains why he rarely encounters price objections despite charging premium rates.Whether you're an established trainer looking to increase your income or just starting your fitness career, this episode provides a masterclass in building a sustainable training business through education, competence, and genuine client connection. Subscribe now to transform your approach to personal training.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
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Aug 20, 2025 • 23min

Should you get NASM certified 2025 | NASM vs McDonalds, who did it better | NASM breakdown

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ever wondered why so many personal trainers struggle despite having "gold standard" certifications? This eye-opening exploration pulls back the curtain on the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - the fitness industry's equivalent of McDonald's.Founded in 1987 by Dr. Robert Goldman and developed by respected professionals like Dr. Michael Clark, NASM once represented cutting-edge fitness education. Today, after multiple corporate acquisitions (Ascend Learning in 2009, then Blackstone in 2017), it's become a marketing powerhouse with 1.5 million certified trainers worldwide. But quantity doesn't always equal quality.We dive deep into NASM's transformation from respected education provider to corporate giant, examining both its strengths (global recognition, gym employment opportunities) and critical limitations. The certification offers minimal business training, relies on outdated biomechanical concepts like upper cross syndrome (largely debunked by physical therapists), and features questionable programming recommendations.Most troublingly, newly certified trainers face a harsh reality: $9-12 per half-hour pay at big box gyms while clients are charged $50+, demanding split shifts, and pressure to sell supplements they may not believe in. It's no wonder 90% of trainers quit within their first year.True success in fitness requires more than passing a multiple-choice test. Elite trainers need mentorship, hands-on experience, business acumen, and professional networks – elements textbook certifications rarely provide. Whether you're considering becoming a trainer or looking to level up your career, understanding the limitations of standard certifications is crucial to avoiding the common pitfalls of the fitness industry.Ready to move beyond basic certifications? Discover what it really takes to build a sustainable, six-figure training career. Subscribe for more industry insights that separate fitness facts from marketing fiction.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
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Aug 16, 2025 • 37min

Why Trainers Struggle With Sales — And How to Fix It

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!The hidden truth behind successful personal training isn't just exercise knowledge—it's mastering the art of sales. After surveying countless fitness professionals about why trainers quit the industry, one answer stood out: the inability to sell their services effectively.Most trainers make critical mistakes during the sales process. They talk excessively when they should be listening, make conversations self-centered rather than client-focused, and struggle to convey their true value. The result? Potential clients walking away with "I'll think about it" instead of signing up for transformative training packages.The core issue is a confidence problem rooted in competence gaps. Trainers who struggle with sales often lack depth in their professional knowledge and network. They can't fluently discuss anatomy, haven't attended hands-on continuing education, and don't have relationships with allied health professionals like physical therapists and registered dietitians. These deficiencies create subtle insecurity that clients can sense during consultations.Through real-world examples—including the story of an executive client who paid $8,400 for a month of training and brought a $400 whiskey bottle as a thank-you gift—this episode reveals the psychology behind successful fitness sales. You'll learn practical techniques for assessment processes that convert, setting clear expectations, handling objections confidently, and building genuine relationships with clients.The most transformative action you can take today? Record yourself delivering a sales presentation, analyze your performance objectively, and challenge yourself to approach potential clients with confidence-building exercises. Sales isn't something you can avoid as a trainer—it's a fundamental skill that, when mastered, allows you to help more people transform their lives while building the career you deserve.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
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Aug 11, 2025 • 26min

How to program for an elderly client (70+ yrs young)

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Falls among the elderly cost our healthcare system over $50 billion annually—a staggering figure made even more heartbreaking when you realize many are preventable through proper strength training. Yet the fitness industry continues pushing ineffective "gentle" approaches that fail to provide adequate stimulus for meaningful adaptation.This episode dismantles outdated training myths for older adults and presents a comprehensive framework for designing strength programs that truly address the physiological changes of aging: sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and dynopenia (loss of power). Using a 70-year-old retired professor as our case study, we walk through exactly how to assess, design, and progressively overload a training program that builds functional strength where it matters most.You'll discover why motor unit recruitment through appropriate loading strategies is essential for bone remodeling—specifically, resistance training with weights that challenge clients in the 8-10 repetition range. We explain why popular balance training methods using unstable surfaces fail to produce optimal results compared to properly designed unilateral strength exercises that challenge stability in the frontal plane.The episode provides a detailed three-day-per-week program with specific exercises, sets, reps, and progressions that can be immediately implemented with older clients. You'll learn assessment strategies that evaluate relevant movements like sit-to-stand rather than irrelevant ones like overhead squat, and understand how to incorporate cognitive challenges that stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor for improved neuroplasticity.Beyond program design, we address crucial considerations like increased protein needs for seniors and practical coaching strategies that build confidence while challenging clients appropriately. This evidence-based approach doesn't just improve fitness metrics—it preserves independence and quality of life while substantially reducing fall risk.Ready to transform how you train older adults? Email info@showupfitness.com for our complete month-long program design template and information about upcoming certification opportunities.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
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Aug 8, 2025 • 22min

From NFL Punter to Elite Personal Trainer w/ Jake Schum

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Jake's IG: Jake_SchumEver wonder what happens when a professional athlete's career ends? Jake Schum's remarkable journey from NFL punter to elite fitness coach offers a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.Jake takes us through his winding path to professional football—starting with soccer, transitioning to football, walking on at University at Buffalo, and eventually earning spots with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. The rarity of NFL punting positions (just 32 in the world) meant constant competition and uncertainty, but Jake's unwavering determination kept him pushing forward: "I'm going to make it one way or another. I'm just going to keep knocking at the door."What truly sets Jake's story apart is how he transformed his athletic experience into coaching expertise. Unlike many trainers who start with certifications, Jake built his foundation through practical experience and mentorship, including training at the legendary Westside Barbell with Louie Simmons. Those experiences shaped his coaching philosophy: "I've seen plenty of people book smart that don't know what the heck they're doing in the gym." Now operating from a fully-equipped garage gym in Buffalo, Jake applies the conjugate training system to clients ranging from competitive athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. His approach combines functional strength with mobility and flexibility—skills he needed as a punter who "was literally pretty much doing a split in the air." Even Buffalo's notorious winters don't stop his dedicated clients from showing up.As a father, Jake has redefined the "dad bod" standard, maintaining his impressive physique while balancing family responsibilities. His practical advice for aspiring trainers emphasizes consistency, authenticity, and proactive client development: "You have to put in the work. You can't just wait for people to come to you."Follow Jake on Instagram @jake_schum or visit gridirongatewaytraining.com to learn more about his training philosophy and programs. Whether you're an athlete looking to improve performance or a fitness professional seeking to build a sustainable career, Jake's journey offers valuable lessons in perseverance and purpose.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
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Aug 5, 2025 • 8min

INDIA - From Engineer to Teacher of Personal Trainers

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Show Up Fitness is launching our NEW podcast with IG D_fit_man director of India operations & education, Devang. Anytime you see INDIA, these podcasts will be specific to the 28 States in India.Still a great podcast for EVERYONE, but focused on the 1.4 billion friends in India. What does it take to leave a conventional path and build something meaningful in the fitness industry? In this revealing debut episode of the Show of Fitness India podcast, host Devang Borda strips away the filters to share his remarkable journey from engineering graduate to fitness educator.Devang breaks down the pivotal moments that shaped his career – from those first humbling months with no clients to the gutsy decision to walk away from a coveted position at a prestigious fitness studio. His story challenges the standard metrics of success in today's fitness world, making a compelling case that true impact comes not from follower counts or transformation photos, but from developing unshakeable competence and confidence."Followers will fade, hype will fade, but skills will stay," Devang explains, cutting through industry noise with refreshing clarity. He details how his work with Show of Fitness deepened his understanding of assessment systems, corrective strategies, and coaching frameworks – replacing guesswork with structured expertise. For trainers feeling undervalued or professionals trapped in unfulfilling careers, his message resonates: "You're not stuck, you're just early."This podcast promises no fluff, no generic motivation – just practical insights for navigating India's evolving fitness landscape. Whether you're a new trainer or five years into your career, Devang invites you to join the real fitness revolution happening in India – one based on respect, science, and genuine client care. Ready to transform your approach to fitness coaching? Subscribe now and discover how to build both the confidence and competence that will define your future 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
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Aug 2, 2025 • 33min

NASM EXAM CHEAT SHEET | TUTOR SESSION W/ SUF 5,200 SUCCESSFULLY PASSED NASM CPT

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Email info@showupfitness.com with your five-star review to get the NASM cheat sheet.Chapter 12 in How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer vol. 2 will help you pass. Leave a 5 star review for $200 worth of FREe nasm resources to pass in less than 30 days if you cannot get a refund. Ready to crack the code on passing your NASM exam? This episode delivers the blueprint that's helped over 5,200 people achieve certification success with a 100% pass rate for those who receive the coveted "thumbs up" during tutoring.Forget spending months drowning in a 700-page textbook. The secret lies in mastering core concepts that consistently appear on the exam: planes of motion, muscle functions, the OPT model, and assessment protocols. Through a real-time tutoring session, you'll witness exactly what you need to know about sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, identifying agonist and synergist muscles, and understanding exercise programming through all five phases of the OPT model.The episode breaks down complex concepts into digestible chunks – from recognizing overactive muscles during movement assessments to understanding basic nutrition requirements and client goal-setting. You'll learn why the upper trapezius tends to be overactive when arms elevate during pulling exercises, why the 4-2-1-1 tempo belongs in Phase 1 stabilization training, and how to identify when a client's blood pressure indicates hypertension.Most importantly, you'll discover why racing to certification matters. With 80-97% of personal trainers quitting within their first year, passing your exam quickly allows you to gain the hands-on experience that truly builds competence and confidence. Stop letting textbook overwhelm delay your career – this episode provides the focused strategy you need to pass NASM and move forward with real-world training mastery.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
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Aug 1, 2025 • 38min

RP Diet App w/ CEO Nick Shaw | Renaissance Periodization (RP Strength)

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Renaissance Periodization, CEO Nick Shaw.What happens when you combine a PhD in exercise science with practical bodybuilding experience and build it into a multi-million dollar fitness empire? Nick Shaw, co-founder of RP Strength, reveals the fascinating journey from basement workouts with sand weights to creating apps that help millions of people transform their physiques. We explore the revolutionary RP Diet Coach app that shifts nutrition coaching from reactive food logging to proactive meal planning, making it easier for busy professionals to achieve their goals. Shaw shares insights on building a successful fitness business, the importance of evidence-based approaches over social media hype, and why most people get distracted by minor details instead of mastering the fundamentals. From entrepreneurship lessons learned through accidental partnerships to navigating the overwhelming world of fitness misinformation, this conversation provides practical wisdom for both fitness professionals and anyone serious about achieving lasting results. Whether you're a personal trainer looking to enhance your client services or someone frustrated with conflicting nutrition advice, Shaw's level-headed approach cuts through the noise to focus on what actually works. Don't miss his perspective on why consistency trumps perfection and how to identify credible sources in an industry flooded with questionable advice. Subscribe for more evidence-based fitness insights that bridge the gap between science and real-world application.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
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Jul 29, 2025 • 30min

How to Launch an Online Fitness Business

Unlock the secrets to launching a successful online fitness business. Discover essential steps like securing a domain name and managing finances. Learn how to create personalized client experiences that stand out in a crowded market. Embrace a content strategy that prioritizes consistency over perfection to boost visibility. Plus, explore effective pricing structures and the significance of teamwork in delivering top-notch service. This guide empowers aspiring trainers to navigate challenges and thrive in the digital fitness landscape.
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Jul 22, 2025 • 51min

Ep. 240 Bio-Energetics w/ Dr. Jacob Goodin | CSCS Accelerator

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Dr. Jacob Goodin - https://www.drjacobgoodin.com/cscs-acceleratorEver feel overwhelmed by energy systems, wondering why your clients need to know about ATP or glycolysis? Dr. Jacob Goodin cuts through the complexity to reveal how bioenergetics knowledge transforms your coaching from guesswork to precision-guided results.The conversation begins with a clear breakdown of our three energy systems: the phosphagen system (lightning-fast but brief), glycolytic system (moderate speed and capacity), and oxidative system (slow but virtually unlimited). Dr. Goodin explains how these systems work in concert—not isolation—to fuel everything from explosive jumps to marathon runs. What makes this discussion particularly valuable is how he translates complex physiology into practical coaching insights.Perhaps most eye-opening is the myth-busting around the "fat burning zone." While lower-intensity exercise does use a higher percentage of fat for fuel, Goodin clarifies why this approach isn't optimal for fat loss: "The most time efficient way to lose fat is to build muscle and do higher intensity exercise." This single insight could transform how you approach conditioning for weight management clients.The podcast delivers golden nuggets about programming structure, explaining why putting cardio at the beginning of a workout compromises force production and hypertrophy gains. We learn why power and skill work should come first, strength second, accessory movements third, and conditioning last—a sequence backed by physiology rather than tradition.What separates this conversation from typical fitness content is its balance between science and application. Goodin doesn't just explain what happens in the Krebs cycle; he shows how understanding these processes helps you design better work-to-rest ratios, choose appropriate modalities for different clients, and create training sessions that satisfy clients while delivering results.Ready to level up your training knowledge and design programs that deliver precise physiological adaptations? This episode provides the foundation you need. Subscribe to the Show Up Fitness Podcast for more expert insights that will transform your approach to personal training and client 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

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