FITLETE Radio | A Personal Training News and Fitness Industry Q&A Show

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Dylan Mayorquin

About Dylan Mayorquin

Dylan Mayorquin is the founder and head coach at Integra Fitness in Nashville, where he leads a tight-knit team of coaches specializing in one-on-one personal training. With three years at the helm of his gym, Dylan has evolved from an education-focused coach into a business-savvy owner, passionate about collaboration, evidence-based practice, and building authentic client relationships.

Quotes from Dylan

“Our job is to help this person find their trainable menu—the things that we can do right now that are going to still move them towards their goals without causing more harm.”

“What I think makes a coach a great coach... is the coaches who are great communicators. That means knowing how to listen, being empathetic, and working with your clients, not just telling them what to do.”

“I feel like if you're not using some sort of AI to support your business at this point, you're probably falling behind. Other businesses are going to be able to put out stuff so much faster than you.”

Key Takeaways

* Collaboration is Key: Dylan emphasizes working closely with clients to identify a “trainable menu”; focusing on what clients can do despite aches, injuries, or limitations. He promotes staying within a trainer’s scope and referring to specialists when necessary.

* Empathetic, Evidence-Based Coaching: He focuses on educating clients “gently”- never dismissively; and uses social media and email to bust fitness myths in accessible ways.

* Goal Assessment: Dylan helps clients prioritize and balance multiple goals, being realistic about what can be achieved simultaneously, and values clients who arrive with specific motivations.

* Soft Skills Matter: For Dylan, communication and empathy outweigh certifications alone; he would hire someone with strong people skills over a purely credentialed candidate lacking personality.

* Smart Tech Use: While still taking an “old school” approach to programming (pen and paper!), Dylan leverages AI tools (like ChatGPT) for content editing, and billing/scheduling platforms to streamline business operations.

Connect with Dylan & Integra Fitness

* Website: https://integrafitnessnashville.com/

* Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/integranashville

* Location: Integra Fitness, Nashville

Discover more about Dylan’s approach and contact details at FITLETE.com, or search Integra Fitness Nashville on Instagram and LinkedIn for the most current info!

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Cat Zazon

Cat Zazon is a vibrant, experienced yoga, movement, and breathwork guide whose coaching style fuses strength training, dance, and holistic wellness to create real change. Her passion for helping people move, heal, and live purpose-driven lives is palpable throughout her FITLETE Radio Trainer Spotlight Q&A.

About Cat Zazon

Cat brings over 15 years of expertise spanning coaching, yoga, business development, and wellness communication. Her new brand, Zazz Body, launches this fall, aiming to blend physical transformation with deep inner work and intuitive living. She leads with curiosity, listens deeply, and encourages everyone to reconnect with both body and inner wisdom; a rare mix in the fitness world.

Key Takeaways

* Holistic, Intuitive Coaching: Cat tailors her methods to meet clients where they are, combining movement, breathwork, and energy practices for complete body-mind transformation.

* Rooted in Simplicity: She champions foundational tools: restful recovery, good sleep, nourishing food, and listening to intuition over hype or excessive metrics.

* Healing and Longevity: Cat is driven to help people heal, feel strong, and enjoy long, happy lives—not just reach performance metrics.

* Balanced Tech Use: She uses tools like TrueCoach, Google Meet, and WhatsApp, but always pairs them with a strong focus on intentional, non-technological self-awareness.

* Community and Vulnerability: Cat believes the best coaches are honest, vulnerable, and always walking the walk; sharing their own ups and downs to foster trust.

Quotes from Cat

“I combine strength training, yoga, breathwork, dance, and energy work to empower clients to move better, feel better, and in the yoga world, connect vibrationally and live with purpose.”

“I get curious. I want to hear them. I help people really try and reconnect with their body, their nervous system, their breath... connecting to your inner wisdom.”

“Get back to the basics; eating to nourish, lifting heavy, recovering smart. Science is beautiful, but I also think listening to your intuition is the best thing.”

Connect and Discover More

* Website: catzazon.com

* Instagram: @catzazon

* YouTube: Guided meditations and yoga classes (link available via Instagram bio)

* Zazz Body: New brand launch and waitlist; details at Cat’s website.

Cat invites everyone to join her on a journey to freedom, self-discovery, and true wellbeing—embracing both movement and mindfulness for a life lived fully.

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Dan Stephenson

About Dan Stephenson

Dan Stephenson is a veteran coach with 20 years in the fitness industry, founder of Ideal Strength in Washington State, and a mentor to coaches and weekend warriors alike. Backed by a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and multiple certifications, Dan blends science with an approachable, down-to-earth coaching style. He specializes in strength and conditioning, movement assessment, and navigating the real-life challenges people face—like injuries, busy schedules, and coming back after long breaks.

Key Takeaways

* Individualized Coaching: Dan puts listening first—"My first priority is actually to listen so that I can understand the whole picture... Sometimes it's going to be mental more than it is physical".

* Smart Progressions: Clients with injuries or limitations get a tailored approach. "We adjust the plan, not the goal".

* Collaboration: Dan sees goal-setting and even myth-busting as a two-way street: “I try to explore the belief with them, and then together we can uncover what's helpful, coming to a common ground”.

* Tech-Enhanced, Human-First: Dan leverages tech—apps, scheduling, reminders—to streamline processes, but insists “technology should be an enhancement, not a replacement for human connection”.

* Mentorship: He urges all coaches to seek real experience, technical expertise, and genuine care for clients, crediting mentorship as a game-changer in his growth.

Highlights & Quotes

On facing challenges:“Sometimes the best growth happens when you're unprepared, but you show up anyway. That mindset stuck with me in training, coaching and business”.

On client misconceptions:“Rather than pushing back with facts, I try to explore the belief with them, and then together we can uncover what's helpful coming to a common ground”.

On making progress:“You can have it all, but it's often foolish to chase them all at once. I'd rather build consistent habits now and layer complexity later”.

Connect & Discover

* Ideal Strength: idealstrength.com

* Personal training with Dan: In-person and online coaching available.

* Instagram: @idealstrength

* Contact: Client application form via Ideal Strength website.

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Carmie Hawkins

Carmie Hawkins brings warmth, realness, and experience to the spotlight—guiding clients with compassion and a love for the basics, so everyone can thrive, make memories, and get in those family pictures with confidence.

Key Takeaways

* Empowering Women: Carmie helps women embrace a healthier lifestyle by rejecting diet culture and restrictive habits, making fitness joyful and sustainable.

* Personalized Coaching: She emphasizes meeting clients where they are—working within their limitations, setting realistic goals, and collaborating with professionals when necessary.

* Myth-Busting Approach: Carmie leverages her own experiences to demystify nutrition and exercise myths, guiding clients toward the basics and foundational habits necessary for long-term change.

* Tech-Savvy Simplicity: She utilizes straightforward tools like Google Forms, Strong app, and Chronometer for client programming and nutrition, adhering to the principle of keeping systems simple and effective.

Fun Facts & Personality

* Pet Lover: Carmie’s pets are “an extension of her family”—her orange tabby, Nixie, is a “stage five clinger” whose adventures occasionally cause household chaos.

* Community Connections: Met host George Pagan III at Real Coaches Summit, instantly showcasing her passion and drive for fitness coaching.

Quotes

“I decided that there has to be more—it has to be something else other than being miserable and restrictive all the time.”

“We have to set those expectations. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing… help to push them past those self-limiting beliefs and help them lower their barrier of entry.”

“I use my own story as an example… the boring basics and those foundational habits are the best way to go.”

Connect, Discover & Support

* Follow Carmie: Instagram

* Learn More: Visit here online for programs, coaching, and resources.

* Discover FITLETE: fitlete.com – learn about the show and get in touch to be featured.

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Benjamin Ludwig

Episode Summary:In this episode of FITLETE Radio, host George Pagan III sits down with Benjamin Ludwig, owner of Buff Body with Ben in Bangor, Maine. With a degree in exercise science and over a decade as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Ben has worked with everyone from youth athletes to MMA fighters, powerlifters, and everyday clients.

What You’ll Learn:

* Ben’s approach to helping clients with aches, pains, and injuries feel strong again

* How to cut through social media noise and navigate fitness myths with clients

* Why connecting emotionally is just as important as programming workouts

* Balancing big athletic goals with the reality of sacrifices and trade-offs

* Using technology to stay “in your client’s back pocket” for real-time support

Key Quotes from Ben:

“I want my clients to know they don’t have to live so cautiously—aches and pains don’t define them.”

“Question everything. There’s great info out there, but plenty of gimmicks too.”

“Being accessible is one of the biggest benefits technology gives us as coaches.”

Connect with Benjamin Ludwig:

* Instagram: @buffbodywithben

* Website: https://www.buffbodywithben.com/

🎙️ Want to be featured on FITLETE Radio?

If you’re a coach who wants to share your story and experience, reach out to us at fitlete.com and apply to be on the show.

📚 About the FITLETE Resource Nexus

The FITLETE Resource Nexus is a FREE growing hub built for personal trainers—offering tools, education, and a supportive network to help coaches sharpen their craft, expand their business, and thrive in the fitness industry.

FITLETE Radio — Coach’s Spotlight: Alex Luis

Episode Summary:In this episode of FITLETE Radio, host George Pagan III chats with Alex Luis, owner of Algol Performance. With over a decade of experience, Alex shares how he transitioned from a Gold’s Gym coach to running his own business helping high-achievers build confidence, navigate injuries, and thrive in and out of the gym.

What You’ll Learn:

* How Alex blends rehab, prehab, and performance to coach past limitations

* His approach to calling out fitness misconceptions—sometimes bluntly—to keep clients aligned

* A roadmap to setting priorities when clients come in with multiple goals

* The value of in-person coaching for human connection, adaptability, and real-world problem-solving

* How he leverages a free training app and AI tools to reach more people and streamline his business

Connect with Alex Luis:

* Website: Alghul Performance

* Social / Podcast / Booking Links:

* Instagram: @alghulperformance

Key Quotes from Alex:

“Clients aren't defined by their limitations; showing them they still can do things is a win.”“If something is completely outlandish, I’ll flat out say it’s b******t.”“All coaches should spend time coaching in person first to understand people, sales, and human behavior.”

Want to be featured on FITLETE Radio?

Visit fitlete.com to learn how to share your story.

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Dr. Becky Rucker

Episode Summary:In this illuminating episode of FITLETE Radio, host George Pagan III interviews Dr. Becky Rucker, a board‑certified orthopedic physical therapist and owner of Physio Performance in Tacoma, WA. Becky breaks down how she helps clients train safely around pain, correct common movement misconceptions, and build sustainable strength using clinical insight and personalized coaching.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

* How Becky modifies strength classes to accommodate clients with pain and injuries

* Why some muscle “tightness” is actually weakness—and what strength training can do

* How she prioritizes pain ≤6/10 and duration ≤48–72h to promote safe loading

* Strategies for goal-setting with clients who have multiple pain and functional targets

* Tech tools like iPhone video feedback to cue movement and educate clients visually

🔗 Connect with Dr. Becky Rucker:

* Website (Physio Performance, Tacoma WA): thephysioperformance.com

* Clinician listing & booking: physiomovementandperformance.janeapp.com

* Barbell Rehab: Dr. Becky Rucker, DPT, OCS, CSCS

* Becky’s Instagram: @drbecky.dpt

* Business Instagram: @thephysioperformance

🔑 Key Quotes from Dr. Becky:

“You can continue to strengthen regardless of pain. Choose different exercises or modify the movements to keep training.”

“That muscle might feel tight—but it’s tightening to protect the joint. So it needs strengthening, not stretching.”

“Video feedback on the iPhone is like a mirror—but better. It gives brain‑body awareness and speeds up progress.”

✅ Want to be featured on FITLETE Radio?

Head to fitlete.com to learn how to share your coaching story.

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Adam Badger

Episode Summary:In this episode of FITLETE Radio, host George Pagan III talks with Adam Badger, founder of Badger Strength, a seasoned trainer with over 11 years of experience in both in-person and online coaching. Adam shares how his background as a professional wrestler shaped his mindset and work ethic, and how he helps clients break through limiting beliefs with practical, human-focused coaching.

From debunking fitness myths to building trust with clients, Adam dives deep into goal-setting, balancing life with fitness, and why personal experience matters more than endless certifications.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

* How Adam uses a client’s own confidence and comfort level to build effective, pain-free training programs.

* His approach to addressing nutrition and exercise myths with honesty and empathy.

* Why long-term lifestyle goals are more powerful than short-term “quick fix” programs.

* The importance of life experience and in-person coaching for every trainer’s growth.

* Simple tech tools that enhance coaching without overcomplicating it.

Connect with Adam Badger:

* Website: https://www.badgerstrength.com

* Instagram: @coachadam_badger

* Podcast: The Badger Strength Podcast:

Key Quotes from Adam:

“Throw the rulebook out the window if you need to—clients are humans first, not textbook examples.”

“Life experience and in-person coaching will teach you more about clients than any certification ever could.”

🎙️ Want to learn more about FITLETE or to be featured on FITLETE Radio?Visit fitlete.com to learn more.

FITLETE Radio— Coach’s Spotlight: Ann Chisholm

In this episode of FITLETE Radio, host George Pagan III sits down with Ann Chisholm, co-owner of Tropos Fitness Club and founder of Fettle and Food in Victoria, BC. Ann shares her unique approach to coaching that blends outdoor adventure, smart goal-setting, and building trust through personalized, client-focused strategies. She dives into how she helps clients manage injuries, stay consistent, and achieve long-term results without falling for extreme fads.

If you're looking to learn how a seasoned coach balances nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle for sustainable success, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

* Why listening to clients is crucial for building trust and creating effective programs.

* How Ann handles common nutrition and fitness misconceptions.

* Her “roadmap” approach to help endurance athletes and body composition clients achieve multiple goals.

* Why experience, community, and relationships matter more than certifications alone.

* The tech tools Ann uses to streamline her coaching while keeping a human touch.

Connect with Ann Chisholm:

* Fettle and Food: https://www.fettleandfood.com

* Tropos Fitness Club: https://www.troposfitnessclub.com

* Instagram: @fettleandfood

Key Quotes from Ann:

“Certifications are the floor, not the ceiling. Real coaching is about experience, connection, and guiding clients from point A to point B.”

“I want clients to feel empowered to take ownership of their health, not just follow a plan I hand them.”

🎙️ Want to be featured on FITLETE Radio?Visit fitlete.com to learn more about what we do.

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Daniel Yores

Episode Summary:

In this Coach’s Spotlight episode of FITLETE Radio, host George Pagan III sits down with Toronto-based personal trainer and podcast host Daniel Yores. Daniel shares his fitness philosophy rooted in injury prevention, sustainable training, and client-focused solutions. From walking his neighborhood in a tactical weighted vest to breaking down common fitness myths using the Socratic method, Daniel delivers a mix of practical wisdom, humor, and honest reflection on what it takes to coach real people with real lives.

Whether you're a fitness professional or just starting your health journey, this episode is packed with thoughtful strategies on:

* Tackling pain and injury with a positive mindset

* Coaching around misinformation from social media

* Helping clients with multiple goals stay grounded and realistic

* Why experience trumps perfection in early coaching careers

* The right way to use tech tools like training apps and WhatsApp for client success

Connect with Daniel Yores:

* Website: danielyores.com

* Podcast: The Daniel Yores Podcast on Apple

* Instagram: @danielyores

Key Quotes from Daniel:

"There's always something you can do. Let's focus on that while we work on the things holding you back."

"Fitness is personal—people are weird, life is messy. Your training should reflect that."

"Get in front of as many people as possible. In-person coaching teaches you more than any textbook ever will."

Want to be featured on an upcoming episode of FITLETE Radio?Visit fitlete.com to learn more and book your own Coach’s Spotlight session.

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