NASM Master Instructor Roundtable: A Show for Personal Trainers

The key to building a successful and impactful fitness career is focusing on both the technical side of training and the deeper elements of mindset, community, and self-care. In this NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable,” co-hosts Marty Miller and Wendy Batts are joined by fitness industry veteran Todd Durkin to answer the central question: How do top fitness professionals build lasting success by blending training knowledge, psychological skills, business strategy, and authentic human connection?

Listeners will learn practical strategies for assessing and developing both physical and mental performance, discover why mindset and recovery have become essential in today’s fitness landscape, and get actionable advice for growing a meaningful fitness business in the age of AI and rapid industry change.

The episode covers how NASM’s educational approach helps trainers set foundational skills, the importance of adapting with science and technology without losing the value of human touch, and how both new and experienced trainers can avoid burnout by investing in their own well-being.After listening, trainers and coaches will have concrete insights to elevate their programs, foster stronger client relationships, and expand their opportunities in a changing field.

Chapters:

[00:00:25] What inspired Todd Durkin to join the fitness industry and how did his coaching journey begin?

[00:04:41] How do you assess and develop both the physical capacity and mindset of elite athletes?

[00:07:39] How can trainers practically start applying mindset-focused coaching with clients?

[00:11:32] What are the core non-negotiables for scaling a fitness business and building strong community culture?

[00:13:48] What should you look for in hiring trainers: credentials or coachability?

[00:17:18] How do you balance foundational movement quality with high-level power training in athletes?

[00:22:21] What old training methods has Todd Durkin changed his mind about and why?

[00:25:41] Why does recovery matter and how can fitness professionals effectively integrate and monetize it?

[00:28:53] How do busy trainers prioritize self-care and prevent burnout while maintaining high standards?

[00:33:27] Where is the fitness industry headed and what advice is there for new trainers to build a business?

[00:38:43] How can new trainers actually stand out and start building a business today?

[00:40:51] Where can listeners find more resources and connect with Todd Durkin? 

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

If you want to know how NASM-certified trainers can use networking and community resources to build a successful fitness career and get practical answers to real industry questions, this “Master Instructor Roundtable” provides clear strategies and expert advice.Hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller, Master Instructors, address the most common challenges NASM trainers face by pulling questions directly from the NASM private Facebook page, including how to get started with online coaching, how to price in-home sessions, and how to maximize your NASM membership benefits.

Listeners will come away understanding the value of active engagement in NASM communities, how to leverage the NASM-1 membership for certifications and continued learning, and tips for assessments, client retention, and effective business practices.

After listening, you will have actionable advice on structuring your business, accessing NASM resources and networks, and approaching your training career with confidence, whether you are a new or veteran professional.

Chapters:

00:01:08 What kinds of questions are NASM trainers and coaches really asking right now?

00:04:06 Why should I join the NASM Facebook group or NASM One community and how can I benefit?

00:05:09 How do trainers use social media for networking, learning, and professional growth?

00:08:06 What is the goal and process of joining the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) private Facebook page?

00:10:08 What rules does the NASM CPT Facebook group have about sales, safety, and community standards?

00:10:13 How does the online CPR/AED certification course work for NASM recertification?

00:12:18 How do I get started with online coaching as a new trainer and what platforms or tools should I use?

00:21:33 Is it fair for new and veteran trainers to earn the same pay at a small studio, and what can you do about it?

00:26:36 How should I price in-home training sessions compared to clients coming to my home gym?

00:29:46 How long does the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) course take and how challenging is it?

00:33:35 What exactly do I get with the NASM-1 membership and how do the benefits and costs work?

00:37:03 How should I approach client assessments and ongoing program design to ensure results?

00:38:54 What are the key resources and next steps for new and experienced NASM trainers? 

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Your foot is not just a support structure but a critical foundation for athletic performance and everyday movement. This episode of the NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable” answers the common question: "Why should I rethink training the foot and ankle for better movement and injury prevention?"

Hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller break down the importance of treating the foot as an integrated performance system, not just a passive base. Listeners will learn how foot function impacts the entire kinetic chain, influencing everything from strength and power generation to common overuse injuries. The conversation explores how the foot's sensory, mechanical, and elastic properties affect stability, knee and hip health, balance, and injury risk. You will gain actionable strategies for assessing and improving foot mechanics, integrating corrective exercise, and progressing from foundational movements to more advanced power training.

Additionally, the hosts clarify common misconceptions about footwear, pronation, and programming. After listening, fitness professionals and enthusiasts will understand why foot and ankle training is vital, how to spot dysfunction, and which evidence-based NASM techniques can help clients move better from the ground up.

Chapters:

[00:00] What makes the foot and ankle so important for performance and movement?

[00:02:13] How does the foot anchor the kinetic chain and impact force transfer?

[00:03:08] What roles do the sensory, mechanical, and elastic systems of the foot play?

[00:04:32] Why do lower limb injuries and dysfunction often start at the foot?

[00:06:05] How does footwear influence foot mechanics and movement quality?

[00:07:05] What happens in the body when foot mechanics break down?

[00:08:33] Is pronation bad for the foot, or is it essential?

[00:10:28] How does foot stiffness affect shock absorption and energy return?

[00:12:09] What is the stretch-shortening cycle and why does ground contact time matter?

[00:15:05] What does research say about minimalist shoes vs traditional running shoes?

[00:17:19] Should you switch to minimalist footwear, and how do you do it safely?

[00:19:30] How can trainers use NASM’s OPT model to improve foot function?

[00:21:49] What are the most effective exercises for strengthening the foot and ankle?

[00:22:20] Why is big toe extension crucial for movement and performance?

[00:24:27] What are the key takeaways for coaches and clients about foot training?

Show References:

Holowka, N. B., Wallace, I. J., & Lieberman, D. E. (2018). Foot strength and stiffness are related to footwear use in a comparison of minimally- vs. conventionally-shod populations. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 3679. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-21916-7. Lieberman, D. E., Venkadesan, M., Werbel, W. A., et al. (2010). Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners. Nature, 463, 531–535. doi: 10.1038/nature08723

Lieberman, D. E. (2012). What we can learn about running from barefoot running: An evolutionary medical perspective. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 40(2), 63–72. doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e31824ab210

.McKeon, P. O., Hertel, J., Bramble, D., & Davis, I. (2014). The foot core system: A new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(5), 290. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092690.

McKeon, P. O., & Fourchet, F. (2015). Freeing the foot: Integrating the foot core system into rehabilitation for lower extremity injuries. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 34(2), 347–361. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2014.12.002

Soysa, A., Hiller, C., Refshauge, K., & Burns, J. (2012). Importance and challenges of measuring intrinsic foot muscle strength. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 5(1), 29. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-5-29

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

The main question this episode answers is: What is the LESS (Landing Error Scoring System) test, and how can fitness professionals use its research-based assessment to reduce ACL injury risk in clients, especially when considering anticipated versus unanticipated movement? The LESS test is a movement assessment that helps identify lower extremity dysfunction and ACL injury risk by evaluating how clients land from a jump, whether they know what to expect (anticipated) or are reacting to new stimuli (unanticipated).

NASM experts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller break down recent, peer-reviewed NASM research from the open-access Journal of Fitness, Wellness, and Human Performance to demonstrate how to accurately use the LESS test with athletes and everyday clients. This “Master Instructor Roundtable” guides listeners through the test’s setup, scoring system, practical applications, and the science supporting both anticipated and unanticipated testing situations. Listeners will learn how to integrate this assessment safely, score it correctly using video, and interpret results to inform program design that decreases ACL and other lower limb injury risks.

By the end of the episode, fitness professionals will be equipped to decide when and how to use the LESS test and adapt their programs for better, safer movement performance.

Chapters:

00:00:05 What is the LESS test and why is it important for injury risk?00:01:43 How does the LESS assess lower extremity function for athletes and non-athletes?

00:03:12 Why is power training and assessment needed for all clients?00:05:18 How is the LESS test set up and what exactly does it measure?00:08:13 What are the preconditions for using the LESS safely and effectively?

00:09:05 Who developed and validated the LESS and what is its research foundation?

00:14:55 What is the difference between anticipated and unanticipated LESS testing?

00:16:30 How does the LESS test scoring system work and what do scores mean?

00:22:31 Why does unanticipated movement increase ACL injury risk according to the research?

00:26:38 How can trainers use LESS results to design better injury-prevention programs?

00:33:59 What practical strategies can I use to apply LESS research in my client sessions?

00:34:16 What types of unanticipated reactive training can reduce real-life injury risk?

Show References:

Hewett, T. E., Myer, G. D., Ford, K. R., Heidt, R. S., Jr, Colosimo, A. J., McLean, S. G., van den Bogert, A. J., Paterno, M. V., & Succop, P. (2005). Biomechanical measures of neuromuscular control and valgus loading of the knee predict anterior cruciate ligament injury risk in female athletes: a prospective study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(4), 492–501. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546504269591

Padua D.A, DiStefano L.J, Beutler A.I, de la Motte S.J, DiStefano M.J, Marshall S.W. (2015). The Landing error scoring system as a screening tool for an anterior cruciate ligament injury-prevention program in elite-youth soccer athletes. Journal of Athletic Training, 50(6), 589-595. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-50.1.10

Silvers-Granelli, H. J., Bizzini, M., Arundale, A., Mandelbaum, B. R., & Snyder-Mackler, L. (2017). Does the FIFA 11+ injury prevention program reduce the incidence of acl injury in male soccer players? Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 475(10), 2447-2455. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-017-5342-5

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Are you skipping the most important cardio zone without even knowing it? In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” NASM Master Instructors Marty Miller and Wendy Batts reveal why Zone 2 cardio is the real game-changer for anyone looking to boost fitness, brain health, and longevity—no matter your age or athletic level!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Whether you're a personal trainer, health enthusiast, or just want to stay active and independent as you age, this episode is packed with research-backed advice and actionable tools to help you get the most out of every workout!

Show References:Meixner,B., Filipas, L., Holmberg, H., Sperlich, B. (2025). Zone 2 intensity: A critical comparison of individual variability in different submaximal exercise intensity boundaries. Translational SportsMedicine, Article 2008291.

  https://doi.org/10.1155/tsm2/2008291Sutton, B. (2021). NASM essentials of personal fitness training (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Sorenson, E. (2021, August 25). Master instructor roundtable: Five stages of cardiorespiratory training [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uvq-8KSr3s

Sorenson, E. (2021, September 10). Master instructor roundtable: An in-depth look at cardio assessments [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JorphuGKU8g

Ramos-Jiménez, A., Rubio-Valles, M., Ramos-Hernández, J. A., González-Rodriguez, E., & Moreno-Brito, V. (2025). Adaptations in mitochondrial function induced by exercise: A therapeutic route for treatment-resistant depression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(17), Article 8697. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178697

Sitko, S., Artetxe, X., Bonnevie-Svendsen, M., Galán-Rioja, M. Á., Gallo, G., Grappe, F., Leo, P., Mateo, M., Mujika, I., Sanders, D., Seiler, S., Zabala, M., Valenzuela, P. L., & Viribay, A. (2025). What is zone 2 training?: Experts’ viewpoint on definition, training methods, and expected adaptations. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 20(11), 1614-1617. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2024-0303

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Are you new to the fitness world or looking to level up your personal training expertise?

In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosted by award-winning NASM Master Instructors Wendy Batts and Marty Miller—we dive deep into the top 10 mistakes beginners make at the gym and in training programs. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned trainer helping clients break through plateaus, this episode is packed with actionable tips and science-backed strategies you don’t want to miss!

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

Who is this episode for?

Show References:Fradkin, A. J., Zazryn, T. R., & Smoliga, J. M. (2010).

Effects of warming-up on physical performance: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(1), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c643a

Small, K., McNaughton, L., & Matthews, M. (2008). A systematic review into the efficacy of static stretching as part of a warm-up for the prevention of exercise-related injury. Research in Sports Medicine, 16(3), 213–231. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438620802310784

Warneke, K., Plöschberger, G., Lohmann, L. H., Lichtenstein, E., Jochum, D., Siegel, D. S., Zech, A., & Behm, D. G. (2024). Foam rolling and stretching do not provide superior acute flexibility and stiffness improvements compared to any other warm-up intervention: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 13(4), 509–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2024.01.006 

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Discover the future of recovery, wellness, and fitness performance in this powerhouse episode! Join NASM Master Instructors, hosts Wendy Batts, and Wendy Batts, as they sit down with Star Sage, VP of Business Development at Hyperice, to explore the groundbreaking innovations transforming recovery from a luxury perk for pro athletes to an essential pillar for everyone.

⏩ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

 🎯 Perfect for:

 Whether you're a personal trainer, allied health professional, or studio owner, this discussion (catch the entire conversation on the NASM ONE coaching app), will arm you with expert secrets to build lasting, profitable partnerships—and deliver top results for your clients.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Unlock the secrets to expanding your fitness business and elevating client success!

In this exclusive episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” NASM master instructors Wendy Batts and Marty Miller, along with leading industry experts Dr. Ed Davila (Internal Medicine Physician), Dr. Scott Cheatham (Sports & Orthopedic Physical Therapist), and Mike Fantigrassi (Head of Product, NASM) reveal actionable strategies for bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

Whether you're a personal trainer, allied health professional, or studio owner, this discussion (catch the entire conversation on the NASM ONE coaching app), will arm you with expert secrets to build lasting, profitable partnerships—and deliver top results for your clients.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Are you training older adults or clients with specific needs? Wondering if your programs are too "safe" — or not effective enough? In this powerful episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” Wendy Batts and Dr. Marty Miller break down the REAL differences between safe and effective training, and why you don't need to choose just one!

🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

💪 Who Is This Episode For?

🎯 Key Takeaways:

Show references:

American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand. Resistance training prescription for muscle function, hypertrophy, and physical performance in healthy adults: An overview of reviews. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12965823/#:~:text=Muscle%20strength%2C%20hypertrophy%2C%20power%2C,manipulating%20the%20RT%20variables%20highlighted.

High-velocity resistance training improves executive function in mobility-limited older adults. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167494323001590

Comparison of power training vs traditional strength training on physical function in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2792175#google_vignette

Frequent external-focus feedback enhances motor learning. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2010.00190/full?utm

Are changes in leg power responsible for clinically meaningful improvements in mobility in older adults? https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.03155.x

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Unlock the secrets of photobiomodulation and discover how red and near-infrared light therapy can supercharge your brain health, enhance athletic performance, and protect against cognitive decline! In this groundbreaking episode of the NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable,” Dr. Lew Lim—founder and CEO of Vielight and a pioneer in the field—joins hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, to break down the science, protocols, and real-world results athletes and active people are using now.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

🔥 Who Should Watch?

💡 Episode Highlights:

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm