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The most honest look you’ll hear at what separates a textbook-certified trainer from a trusted professional. We sit down with Derek, a rising manager at Lifetime, to unpack how he evaluates candidates, coaches a veteran team, and keeps standards high in a premium training environment where members expect safety, clarity, and results. From real-time prospecting on a busy gym floor to programming under pressure, Derek explains why 80% of applicants fail the practical and what the top performers do differently.

We walk through his three-stage hiring process, the exact screening questions he wants to hear before a single rep, and the coaching behaviors that build instant credibility: precise cues, smart regressions, and simple anatomy language. Then we dig into pricing and value—why $120–$150 per hour makes sense for general population clients, how to handle “that’s expensive” without flinching, and the mindset shift that happens when you invest in your own development through mentors, seminars, and bodywork. If you’ve ever wondered how to charge more while training fewer sessions, this conversation gives you the playbook.

Derek also shares what it’s like to lead as a younger manager among seasoned trainers, including fostering a culture of accountability without ego. We talk mentorship as the shortcut to competence, retention as the true metric, and why soft tissue work and recovery sessions drive client loyalty. You’ll leave with practical steps to pass a tough practical, communicate your value, and build a six-figure path at a high-standard gym or as a smart freelancer.

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Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA
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