SMTF Trainer Spotlight Series

Why would a personal trainer walk away from a steady big box gym job? Aliya, one of the newest trainers at Self Made Training Facility, breaks down what held her back at a corporate gym and why she made the jump to building her own training business.

We get into the real side of going independent: the freedom, the 16-hour days, and learning sales and business instead of just showing up for clients. Aliya also shares how childhood injuries led her into fitness, why corrective exercise is her specialty, and how growing up Middle Eastern and Mexican shaped her mission to help people navigate cultural eating without giving up the foods and traditions they love.

If you're a trainer on the fence about leaving the big box gym, or someone looking for a coach who trains for life outside the gym, this one's for you.

Chapters
0:00 Meet Aliya0:43 What held her back at a big box gym1:30 Mentorship and the Big Brother program at Self Made2:11 The hardest part of going private3:22 Why she became a trainer4:11 Corrective exercise and rehab5:15 From cat-cows to powerlifting5:48 Cultural eating and food as fuel8:31 Advice for trainers thinking about going independent9:43 What sets her apart for clients

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Jordan Simpson to discuss his mission of helping busy moms and dads break free from the cycle of disordered eating and build a healthier relationship with food. Jordan opens up about his own journey, sharing how he once struggled with what felt like an addiction to food and the lessons he learned to find balance without giving up the foods he enjoys.

We dive into his coaching philosophy, why restriction often backfires, and how building sustainable habits, rather than chasing perfection, leads to long-term success. Jordan explains how discipline doesn’t have to mean deprivation, and how everyday parents can create a lifestyle that supports both their health goals and their family life.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how Coach Jordan is helping people end the guilt, break unhealthy eating patterns, and discover that lasting fitness comes from balance, consistency, and a healthier mindset around food.

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Schu, along with coaches Brian and Brandy, to dive into how they’ve built a powerful coaching environment for youth athletes, not just as trainers, but as a family. Alongside their daughter Bella, they share how their family dynamic creates a space that is welcoming, supportive, and structured for young athletes to grow.

We talk about their philosophy on developing youth athletes the right way, focusing on confidence, discipline, and long-term development over shortcuts or burnout. They break down how creating a safe, positive, and focused environment allows kids to thrive not just in sports, but in life.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how this family-led approach is shaping the next generation — building stronger athletes, better mindsets, and a true sense of community.

TeamCoachSchu — Youth Athlete Sports Performance Specialists helping middle school, high school, and college athletes build speed, strength, power, and confidence. Located in Murrieta, CA.

Book with Team Coach Schu HERE:

https://TEAMCOACHSCHU.as.me/

In this episode, we sit down with Jacki Hansen, an IFBB Pro and longtime member of the Self Made family, to talk about her journey back home. Jacki was part of Self Made Training Facility before Miguel’s tragic passing, and when the new facility opened, she was more than ready to return to a gym community rooted in love, support, and genuine connection.

While continuing to compete at the highest level as an IFBB Pro, Jacki also plays a key role behind the scenes, assisting with posing for bikini and fit model athletes, and helping elevate the competitive side of our community. At the same time, her true passion is serving middle-aged women, especially those navigating pre-, peri-, and post-menopause. She shares how the principles she’s learned from coaching high-level competitors, discipline, structure, recovery, and mindset -can be translated into sustainable, realistic strategies for the everyday woman.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark, one of our valued VIP Members at Self Made Training Facility, to highlight a life rooted in service above self. From serving in the military, to his time as a sheriff, and now helping individuals and agencies navigate and expedite the CCW process, Mark shares how the common thread throughout his life has always been a calling to protect, guide, and serve others.

We dive into his philosophy on leadership, responsibility, and community impact, and discuss how SMTF’s mission and vision strongly align with his own values of service, integrity, and giving back.

Due to unexpected technical difficulties, part of this episode was unfortunately not recorded properly. This conversation was too important not to revisit, so stay tuned as we bring Mark back for a follow-up episode to finish telling his story the way it deserves to be told.

A powerful reminder that true strength is measured by how much you serve those around you.

In this episode, we sit down with Tarzan, owner of Conscious Body Recovery and one of our valued sub-lease partners at Self Made. He specializes in creating private, personalized recovery experiences through infrared saunas, cold plunges, and fully equipped private rooms with showers — offering a sanctuary where clients can reset, recharge, and heal.

We explore how these recovery modalities support both mental well-being and physical performance, from reducing inflammation and improving circulation to enhancing mood, clarity, and resilience. Tarazan shares his philosophy behind creating a space where people can disconnect from stress, reconnect with their bodies, and walk out feeling renewed.

In this episode, we sit down with Chad and Denise Rous, a couple whose story is built on perseverance, faith, and unshakeable commitment — not just to each other, but to helping others thrive. Chad opens up about the strength it took to support Denise through her battle with a brain tumor, and Denise shares the extraordinary resilience she showed before, during, and after surgery. Their journey is one of courage, determination, and love put into action.

We explore how their experience reshaped their approach to health, fitness, and coaching, and how they now use their story to empower others. Together, Chad and Denise bring unmatched compassion, perspective, and accountability to their clients — reminding everyone that no matter the obstacle, progress is possible. Their mission goes beyond sets and reps; it’s about helping people reclaim their strength, rebuild their confidence, and believe in what they can overcome.

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Zeke, a trainer whose story and heart set him apart in a powerful way. Coming from a troubled home and learning perseverance from a young age, Zeke brings a level of empathy, understanding, and maturity far beyond his years. He specializes in working with clients who are brand new to exercise and fitness, guiding them with patience, compassion, and a step-by-step approach that makes the gym feel safe and achievable.

We dive into how his personal journey shaped the coach he is today, how he connects with people who feel intimidated or unsure of where to start, and how Self Made Training Facility gives him the platform to change lives through encouragement, education, and unwavering support.

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Derek Johnson, a longtime friend and one of the key influences behind my decision to bring my clientele to Self Made Training Facility. Derek shares his passion for Olympic Lifting and how he uses it as a foundation to help clients of all backgrounds, from dedicated athletes to everyday lifestyle clients build true, functional strength. We talk about his approach to movement, mindset, and longevity, and how strength training can completely transform the way people look, feel, and live.

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Chandler to learn more about his journey and what drives his passion for helping everyday people take control of their health. From busy parents juggling work and family to individuals just trying to feel better, move better, and look better, Chandler shares his philosophy on creating sustainable fitness habits that fit real life. We talk about how he helps clients build strength, confidence, and balance, and how Self Made Training Facilityprovides the tools, support, and community that allow him to impact more lives in and beyond the gym.