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Most new trainers don’t fail because they’re lazy—they fail because they were set up to memorize, not to coach. We sit down with Cori, a dedicated runner navigating NASM overwhelm, and turn tangled chapters into clear, usable coaching. You’ll hear how to translate planes of motion into exercises you can demo immediately, how to spot agonists and antagonists without guessing, and how to use synergists and stabilizers to make your cues land.

We walk through the OPT model the way hiring managers want to hear it: Phase 1 builds control and competency, Phase 2 pairs stable with less stable for smarter supersets, Phase 3 drives muscle, Phase 4 loads heavy for strength, and Phase 5 blends power and strength with purpose. You’ll get a no-fluff take on energy systems and fiber types—anchored to duration and intensity—so exam questions become quick wins. Then we make assessments useful: identify what “arms fall” and “knees cave” really mean, apply the red-versus-green muscle lists, and choose fixes that actually change movement. Foam roll and stretch what’s tight, strengthen what’s sleepy, and cue breathing and bracing so reps look and feel better.

Safety and screening matter, so we hit the essentials: PAR-Q, hypertension basics, the SA node, and knowing when to refer out. More importantly, we show how hands-on learning, live feedback, and mentorship build confidence faster than any textbook—because clients won’t ask about amortization, they’ll ask for results. If you’ve been grinding through chapters and still feel stuck, this conversation gives you a study map, coaching language, and a training method you can use tomorrow.

If this helped you see the path more clearly, follow the show, share it with a trainer friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more future coaches find their footing.

Want to ask us a question? Email email [email protected] with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!

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Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com/collections/nasm