The Show Up Fitness Podcast

Chris Hitchko, CEO Show Up Fitness
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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 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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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 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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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 place trainers in top positions at the world's most prestigious gyms.Ready to transform your fitness career? Visit showupfitness.com to learn about our personal training certification program that prepares you not just for certification, but for extraordinary career 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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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 save lives. The stakes are high—approximately 50% of people who break a hip don't survive beyond one year. Through proper strength training that includes both bilateral and unilateral movements, you can help clients build bone density while improving stability and reducing fall risk.Ready to become the kind of trainer who truly understands the science of exercise and can transform clients' health? Visit showupfitness.com to learn about our comprehensive personal training certification that goes far beyond textbook knowledge to develop real-world expertise.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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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 that 90% of textbook-certified trainers quit within their first year. We're changing that statistic one qualified trainer at a time. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to level up an existing career, the SWIFT framework offers the blueprint to create a career that's both financially and personally rewarding. Ready to skip worlds and join the top 1% of fitness professionals?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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Apr 29, 2025 • 23min

Ep. 215 Back Pain: Case Examples FLEXION / EXTENSION INTOLERANT

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!If you have a client who has low back pain, become a QUALIFIED Personal Trainer with the SUF-Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique Certification (SUF-STM)Show Up Fitness 2-day Seminars Denver Parker / Auora CO June 13/14 12-5Miami Florida Coral Gables June 27/28 12-5.5 NASM / ACE CEU'sBattling low back discomfort doesn't have to mean the end of your training career or active lifestyle. This eye-opening episode tackles the pervasive problem of back pain—affecting a staggering 80% of the population—and reveals why cookie-cutter approaches fail while qualified trainers succeed.Through compelling real-world case studies, you'll discover the crucial differences between merely certified trainers and truly qualified movement specialists. We break down the biopsychosocial model of pain assessment, showing how biological factors, psychological experiences, and social circumstances all influence recovery. You'll learn exactly how proper screening determines whether a client needs simple movement modifications or medical referral, and why positive language like "discomfort" instead of "pain" creates psychological shifts that facilitate healing.The episode features detailed explanations of flexion intolerance versus extension intolerance, how to modify exercises for zero-irritation movement patterns, and the importance of establishing appropriate tissue capacity baselines before progressive overload. Most importantly, you'll understand why qualified trainers never simply say "do planks and bridges" or "never squat again"—fear-based approaches that dominate the industry but fail to address individual needs.Whether you're a trainer looking to elevate your skills or someone suffering from persistent back issues, this episode offers hope, concrete strategies, and a methodical approach to recovery. We also highlight upcoming workshops in Denver (June 13-14) and Florida (June 27-28) for hands-on learning opportunities that can transform your approach to resolving back pain. Email info@showupfitness.com for our complete back pain program and assessment videos that demonstrate these principles in action.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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Apr 24, 2025 • 18min

NASM vs ACE vs ISSA: What’s The EASIEST Personal Training Certifications

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!The easy way, textbook certs: NASM/ACE/ISSA.The QUALIFIED WAY: NSCA, ACSM, SUF-CPT.Hands-on learning > specializations.Get a DPT & RD on your team.Master the fundamentals of movement, anatomy, sales, and assessments.Ever wonder why so many certified personal trainers struggle or quit within their first year? The answer lies in a startling disconnect between certification marketing and real-world preparation.Across the fitness landscape, aspiring trainers face a critical choice – pursue the "easiest" certification or invest in truly learning the craft. This episode exposes the uncomfortable truth that the most marketed certifications (NASM, ACE, ISSA) fail to prepare trainers for actual client work, while the certifications respected by physical therapists and movement experts (NSCA, ACSM) remain less popular despite better preparing professionals for success.Drawing from over 20 years of experience and thousands of trainer interactions, I unpack why memorizing textbooks and multiple-choice answers isn't the path to becoming a respected fitness professional. You'll discover why no client will ever ask you to identify an "agonist muscle" or follow NASM's formulaic approach, yet these are what commercial certifications test extensively. Instead, real success comes from mastering movement assessment, developing hands-on skills, and building relationships with other health professionals.For those serious about turning their passion into a sustainable career, this episode offers a reality check and a clear alternative path. The fitness industry doesn't need more certificate holders – it needs qualified, competent trainers who can deliver results and earn their place alongside other health professionals. Whether you're just starting out or feeling frustrated after certification, this frank discussion will help you understand what it really takes to thrive as a personal trainer.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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Apr 21, 2025 • 17min

Functional Neurological Disorder | How to design a fitness program

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Become a QUALIFIED Certified personal trainer with www.showupfitness.comQualifying yourself as a professional personal trainer means going beyond basic certifications when working with clients who have complex conditions like Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This episode breaks down exactly how to establish yourself as a trusted fitness professional within the medical community while designing effective programs for clients with neurological challenges.When working with clients who have medical conditions, your first move should always be reaching out directly to their healthcare providers. We walk you through exactly how to approach doctors and therapists, what to say, and how to present yourself as a qualified professional who stands apart from the Instagram fitness crowd. This simple step not only improves your programming but positions you for valuable referral relationships.For the long-distance runner with FND who experiences symptoms while descending stairs, we detail a comprehensive programming approach focusing on unilateral strength, frontal plane stability, and neurological control. You'll learn specific exercise selections—from explosive step-downs to airplane poses—that directly address the functional limitations while building overall performance. Most importantly, we explain why consistent progression of these movements creates better results than constantly changing exercises.The difference between average trainers and elite coaches isn't just exercise selection—it's creating comprehensive systems and networks. By learning to work collaboratively with medical professionals and focusing on evidence-based programming rather than entertainment, you'll not only help clients overcome conditions like FND, but you'll establish yourself as an indispensable part of their healthcare team. Ready to elevate your professional status and help clients who truly need your expertise?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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Apr 19, 2025 • 26min

4-Reasons Why 90% of Personal Trainers Quit Within a Year

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!The fitness industry harbors a shocking statistic - 90% of personal trainers quit within their first year. In this passionate, no-holds-barred episode, we dive deep into why this happens and how aspiring trainers can avoid this fate by taking a radically different approach to building their careers.We expose the fundamental flaws in the traditional path most trainers take: getting a textbook certification that requires minimal knowledge, seeking "experience" at low-tier gyms without proper mentorship, failing to master anatomy and movement fundamentals, and refusing to invest in quality continuing education. This approach virtually guarantees failure in an industry that should offer tremendous opportunity.The episode offers a blueprint for success that stands in stark contrast to conventional wisdom. True success comes from mastering anatomy (can you name all 17 muscles of the shoulder?), understanding movement patterns for efficient programming, building relationships with medical professionals, and consistently investing in yourself. When you develop genuine expertise rather than collecting certifications, you can command premium rates while working fewer hours.Our message is clear: stop following the struggling masses and start challenging yourself to reach a higher standard. The trainers who thrive aren't just passionate - they're professionally competent, continuously learning, and committed to excellence. Ready to fish in a blue ocean where the competition disappears? It starts with mastering the fundamentals that most trainers ignore.Ready to transform your training career and join the elite 10% who succeed? Listen now and discover exactly what separates those who quit from those who thrive in this rewarding profession.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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Apr 15, 2025 • 19min

Must-Read Books for Personal Trainers | Best Books to Read

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Discover the top books for personal trainers to read like Grit, How to win friends and influence people, How to Become A Successful Personal TRainer and many more.Reading might be the most underrated skill for personal trainers looking to elevate their careers above the 90% who quit within their first year. While most fitness professionals obsess over certification acronyms, the truly successful ones are quietly building their intellectual foundation through consistent, deliberate reading habits.The contrast is striking. Picture a potential client walking into a gym to meet two trainers: one scrolling social media, the other absorbed in a professional development book. Before a word is spoken, one has already established themselves as a dedicated professional. This single habit creates an immediate differentiation that clients intuitively recognize and respect.Starting a reading practice doesn't require massive time commitments. Begin with just 5-10 minutes of distraction-free reading daily, timing yourself to establish a baseline reading speed. Create the right environment by eliminating distractions – put your phone across the room, find a quiet space, and treat reading with the same discipline you bring to physical training. As with fitness, consistency produces remarkable results over time.The reading curriculum for elite trainers spans multiple disciplines. For mindset development, explore works like "Grit" by Angela Duckworth or "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins. Business acumen grows through texts like "Go For No" by Richard Fenton, which teaches the counterintuitive approach of pursuing rejection to calibrate value. Technical mastery comes through studying "Starting Strength," "Fat Loss Forever," and "The Science and Practice of Strength Training." For comprehensive development, aim to read 50+ books annually – a simple habit that places you among the intellectual elite in fitness.Transform your reading habit into additional revenue streams by incorporating book clubs into premium service packages, partnering with allied health professionals, and positioning yourself as a complete wellness coach rather than merely a physical trainer. When you genuinely elevate clients both physically and mentally, premium rates become not just justifiable but expected. Challenge yourself to start this reading revolution today – your career, your clients, and your intellectual life will thank you.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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