

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

Mar 25, 2025 • 23min
Top 10 GOAT exercises
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ever wonder what exercises truly deserve "greatest of all time" status? This episode dives deep into the exercise variations that deliver maximum results with the best return on investment for both trainers and clients.Starting with a fascinating breakdown of fundamental movement patterns, we examine how terminology and categorization affect programming decisions. While most fitness professionals agree on basic patterns like push, pull, hinge, squat, and unilateral movements, the specific exercise selections within these categories spark passionate debate.We meticulously analyze Doc Russin's top 10 exercises, agreeing with stellar choices like the trap bar deadlift, Romanian deadlift, and reverse lunge, while offering thoughtful alternatives for others. The trap bar deadlift emerges as a standout choice for teaching hinging mechanics without the extensive coaching time conventional deadlifts require. For unilateral work, reverse lunges prove incredibly versatile – simply adjust torso angle to shift emphasis between hip and knee dominance based on client needs.The most compelling section explores overlooked exercises that deserve more attention: bar dips instead of pushups for superior upper body development, pike pushups progressing to handstand work for shoulder strength, landmine presses for shoulder-friendly pressing, and the lost arts of rotational training and sprinting. These movements challenge fitness professionals to expand beyond comfort zones and conventional programming.Ready to elevate your training approach? Join us at upcoming seminars in Austin, San Francisco, and Sacramento this April. Our certification is now officially accepted at 286 Equinox and Lifetime premium locations nationwide!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: ...

Mar 21, 2025 • 23min
Ep. 205 Best globally recognized Personal Training Certifications 2025 | March Madness Top 16 Fitness Certifications
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!What are the best personal training certifications? How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer Vol 2. Breaks down the top globally recognized personal training certifications.NASM, ISSA, ACE, NSCA, ACSM, NCSF, FFT LEVEL 3 (UK), Canada Fit Pro (Can Fit Pro), SUF CPT, NPTI, Fitness Mentors, Brent Brookbush Institute, NPTA, what’s the best personal training certifications for you to become a personal trainer?Navigating the maze of personal training certifications just got easier with our comprehensive "March Madness" style breakdown of the top 16 globally recognized credentials. We pull back the curtain on what makes each certification unique, revealing critical insights that go beyond the marketing hype.The "big four" certifications—NASM, ACE, NSCA-CPT, and ISSA—dominate the industry landscape, but does their recognition truly reflect their quality? We examine how investment firms with deep pockets have positioned certain certifications as the "gold standard" through aggressive marketing rather than superior educational content. A simple Reddit search for "NASM personal trainer hell" might tell you more than their polished website ever will.Most aspiring trainers face a shocking reality: 90% quit within their first year. This isn't primarily due to lack of knowledge about exercise science, but rather gaps in practical skills—assessment capabilities, programming expertise, business acumen, and client management abilities. The certification you choose should prepare you for these real-world challenges, not just help you pass a multiple-choice exam.What truly matters in selecting a certification is alignment with your career goals. Before committing to any program, research where you want to work and what certifications those establishments recognize. The most valuable approach is interviewing trainers at your target gyms rather than relying on opinions from anonymous internet users.The fitness industry isn't saWant 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: ...

Mar 19, 2025 • 23min
Creatine: Everything you need to know | Science | Who should take it | How much to take
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Do you want to become a qualified personal trainer? Show Up Fitness CPT is the fastest growing certification in the world. In 2024 SUF-CPT become the top 10 best personal training certifications. Read the book, How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer Vol 2 on amazon TODAY!Pubmed Creatine article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7871530/Dive deep into the fascinating world of creatine – perhaps the most scientifically validated supplement in fitness history – as we separate fact from fiction in this evidence-packed episode. Discovered in 1832 and composed of three amino acids (glycine, arginine, and methionine), creatine has evolved from a scientific curiosity to a cornerstone supplement for performance enhancement.We explore how creatine actually works within your body's energy systems, particularly during high-intensity exercise. By facilitating ATP regeneration during those crucial first 30 seconds of intense effort, creatine literally allows you to perform more work – turning those 8 reps into 12 or 15. This isn't just theory; it's backed by decades of research and countless position stands from leading sports nutrition organizations.The episode systematically dismantles persistent myths surrounding creatine: no, it doesn't damage your kidneys (unless you have pre-existing kidney disease); no, it doesn't cause hair loss; and no, loading phases aren't necessary. We discuss proper dosing (3-5 grams daily depending on body size), timing considerations (they're minimal), and why expensive proprietary blends offer no advantages over simple, affordable creatine monohydrate.Most fascinating are the emerging applications beyond the weight room. Research now points to cognitive benefits and neuroplasticity support, expanding creatine's potential value for everyone from young athletes to aging adults concerned with brain health. Whether you're a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or fitness professional guiding clieWant 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: ...

Mar 17, 2025 • 30min
Programming for beginning clients | Become a personal trainer SUF-CPT
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: ...

Mar 13, 2025 • 33min
The TDEE Blueprint: Master Energy Expenditure & Grow Your Nutrition Coaching Income
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Discover the untapped potential of nutrition coaching as we decode the Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) equation – your key to unlocking at least $30,000 in additional annual revenue while dramatically improving client outcomes.Most trainers make a critical mistake by bundling nutrition guidance with their training packages, effectively leaving thousands of dollars on the table each year. By understanding the science behind TDEE – from Basal Metabolic Rate to the surprisingly significant impact of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis – you'll gain the confidence to position yourself as a nutrition expert worthy of premium rates.The podcast reveals why most calorie calculators fail your clients and how to create realistic, personalized recommendations that account for both physiological needs and psychological realities. You'll learn why protein has nearly six times the thermic effect of fat, how to calculate appropriate caloric deficits that clients can actually sustain, and why partnering with a Registered Dietitian can elevate your practice to extraordinary levels.Beyond the science, we dive deep into the business strategies that separate struggling trainers from those earning six figures. From structuring separate nutrition assessments to setting appropriate pricing ($300 is suggested), you'll discover how to communicate your value and create a nutrition coaching service that clients gladly pay for. We even discuss creative ways to have your clients sponsor your nutrition certification, turning education expenses into marketing opportunities.Whether you're looking to add nutrition coaching to your existing practice or take your current nutrition services to new heights, this episode provides the blueprint for creating sustainable results for your clients while adding a substantial second income stream to your business. The future of fitness is integrated, specialized expertise – and this episode shows you exactly how to pWant 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: ...

Mar 8, 2025 • 47min
From Crunch to $10K/ month | 23 yr old Poojan’s Personal Training Journey Towards Success
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Shah Athletics IG - Lancaster PA go support our very own SUF-CPT and leave a 5-star review on Google! What does it take to build a $10,000 per month personal training business in just 15 months? The answer isn't what most certification programs teach you.Meet Mr. Poojan, who transformed from a fitness enthusiast into a thriving independent trainer by rejecting cookie-cutter approaches and focusing on what actually delivers results. His journey reveals the hard truths about the fitness industry that few are willing to discuss openly."I'm not going to put my clients on a BOSU ball for a month of stability training," Poojan explains, describing the moment he realized traditional certification models wouldn't help him build a sustainable career. After just a few months at Crunch gaining initial experience, he made the strategic leap to independence at the perfect moment.Now commanding $50-75 per hour with a full client roster, Poojan shares his remarkably effective two-pronged approach to building his business: accumulating 65 five-star Google reviews that position him among the top trainers in his area, while cultivating relationships that generate a steady stream of qualified leads. His story demonstrates how technical knowledge must pair with business acumen and genuine people skills.The conversation delves into practical strategies for increasing your rates, adding revenue streams through nutrition coaching, and protecting yourself from industry uncertainties. Most importantly, it highlights the critical role of mentorship in accelerating your career trajectory—compressing years of trial and error into months of decisive action.Whether you're considering becoming a trainer or looking to level up your existing fitness business, this episode provides a clear blueprint for creating a practice that's both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Ready to transform your passion into sustainable success? This 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: ...

Mar 7, 2025 • 16min
Ep. 200 - How to make $500 in two hours as a Personal Trainer | Become A Sucessfull Personal Trainer Vol. 2
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer Vol. 2. NEW RELEASELearn how to make serious money as a personal trainer. It doesn't require working yourself to death. I'm sharing exactly how I make $500 in just two hours and how you can build multiple revenue streams to reach a six-figure income while maintaining work-life balance.Most trainers struggle because they're caught in a devastating mathematical trap: charging $50/session means you'd need 200 sessions monthly to earn $120,000 annually—physically impossible without burnout. After 20 years in the industry, I've learned that sustainability comes from premium pricing. By commanding $200-350 per session (which took time and strategic career development), I can generate $10,000 monthly from just two daily sessions with high-end clients who come through my carefully cultivated network of medical professionals.The secret isn't just charging more—it's creating multiple income streams. Separate your nutrition coaching from training packages ($250/month per client adds up fast). Develop referral partnerships with physical therapists and doctors. Create certification programs, write books, speak at events, and mentor other trainers. Each stream compounds your income while reducing physical training hours. Success requires mastering technical skills (anatomy, programming), people skills (communication, motivation), and business skills (sales, marketing)—all areas where textbook certifications fall drastically short.Ready to transform your training business? Get my book "How to Become a Successful Personal Trainer" to learn what took me decades to figure out. Stop limiting yourself with self-defeating thoughts about what you're worth, and start building the confidence to charge what creates a sustainable, rewarding career. The fitness industry needs qualified professionals who can thrive long-term—will you be one of them?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: ...

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 8min
How to do a Fitness Assessment w/ Life Time Fitness Trainer Luke 2025
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer Vol. 2: https://a.co/d/a8YbguROur guest Luke, a trainer at Lifetime, shares his unique insights into how comprehensive assessments can pave the way for client trust and success. We delve into essential components that form a holistic approach to personal training, including lifestyle evaluations, health history, and the critical role of nutrition in achieving fitness goals. The episode emphasizes the need for personal trainers to establish more than just workouts for their clients; it focuses on building meaningful connections that foster long-term relationships.Listeners will gain invaluable techniques to implement effective communication strategies that actively engage clients from the get-go. Also discussed is the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor and ensuring every session contributes to the overall development of clients' fitness journeys. Join us for an engaging conversation that empowers trainers to elevate their practices while ensuring their clients not just survive but thrive in their health and wellness aspirations. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and review, and remember, the key to becoming a successful trainer is to keep showing up and taking the necessary steps to improve every day!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: ...

Feb 25, 2025 • 33min
How to get Personal Training Clients | Networking with Physical Therapists
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer Vol. 2: https://a.co/d/gNvNpqUWant to take your personal training career to the next level? Discover the power of networking! In this episode, we dive deep into building meaningful relationships with physical therapists that can elevate your client base and professionalism. You’ll hear about practical strategies to reach out, demonstrate your value, and create genuine connections that foster referrals. Chris Hitchko, owner of SUF-CPT emphasizes the importance of professionalism and continuous education in forging these essential relationships. Not only do we explore the art of networking over coffee meetings, but we also discuss how to overcome common industry stereotypes that can hinder your growth. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you become the trainer of choice for therapists and clients alike. Are you ready to challenge the status quo and expand your professional network? Tune in and learn how to turn casual conversations into opportunities! Don’t miss out; subscribe, listen, and share your thoughts with us!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: ...

Feb 21, 2025 • 41min
How to Bench Press 315 | Stack.com & the road to bench pressing 315
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Stack.com article: https://www.stack.com/a/bench-press-315-pounds-with-this-training-plan/Tim Henriques T-Nation: https://t-nation.com/t/strength-standards-are-you-strong/284633Experience the journey of mastering the bench press and discover how achieving a 315-pound lift can be a life-changing milestone. As we share personal stories and discuss the impact of strong role models, you'll gain insight into the cultural importance of this impressive feat. Learn how variations like incline and decline bench presses engage different muscle fibers and present their own unique challenges, making the pursuit of strength a truly dynamic adventure.Explore the strategies that maximize bench press performance, from rest periods to muscle coordination. Discover how personalized approaches, such as varying rest times, can significantly influence force production and overall efficacy. We offer insights into the synergy of muscles like the pectoralis major, triceps, and anterior deltoid, and discuss techniques like the bench press arc and stability practices. Join us as we recount a client's inspiring journey to increase bench press weight, highlighting effective warm-up routines and proprioception exercises along the way. While doing so, we remind you that embracing the process and maintaining a sense of humor are key components of a successful fitness journey.Unravel the intricacies of periodization principles and training techniques to avoid the pitfalls of overtraining while striving for strength goals. Discover the benefits of structured periodization, such as undulating routines, and how balancing heavy lifts with speed work can enhance performance. We emphasize the importance of professional development for personal trainers, advocating for a comprehensive certification program that equips trainers with the necessary skills to thrive. With expert support and perseverance, we believe you can surpass your fitness expectations, and we’re here to mWant 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: ...