Ready to land your first personal training job?In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey, winner of the Sharecare Emmy Award, breaks down everything you need to know to ace your gym interview—whether you’re a fitness newcomer or a seasoned pro. Rick shares his own story (including a memorable mug-selling challenge!), gives practical advice, and outlines six core steps to help you stand out.

Discover how to research the gym’s mission, vision, and values, and why aligning your answers to the company culture matters. Get actionable tips on building a compelling resume—even if you lack experience—preparing your social media presence, networking with current trainers, and dressing for the role. Rick emphasizes the importance of practicing answers to common interview questions and being ready to demonstrate your skills on the spot.

Learn what sets successful trainers apart, why first impressions count, and how to highlight your personal strengths—even if your only “client” so far is a friend or family member. Rick also details the keys to follow-up after your interview, including crafting the perfect thank-you note.

If you’re prepping for a gym interview or looking to hire trainers yourself, this episode is packed with must-have insights for making a lasting impression. Tune in, level up your interview skills, and start your fitness career with confidence!

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

In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes listeners on an engaging, in-depth exploration of the quads—the powerful muscles of the front thigh affectionately known as "thunder thighs" and “Quadzilla." Rick dives into the fascinating anatomy and function of the quadriceps muscle group, breaking down its four key components: the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis (including the notable vastus medialis obliquus or "VMO"), and rectus femoris.

Listeners will learn the meaning behind the "quad" name, discover the origins and attachment sites of each muscle, and understand why these muscles are considered a group yet remain distinct in structure and function. Rick masterfully explains joint actions such as knee extension and hip flexion, the unique role of the rectus femoris as a two-joint muscle, and how the design of the quadriceps provides mechanical advantages for movement.

Practical guidance also awaits, including tips on properly stretching the quads and understanding how and why certain stretches target different parts of the muscle group. Dr. Richey shares relatable analogies, memorable mnemonics, and everyday fitness advice, making complex biomechanics easy to understand and apply.

Whether you’re a fitness professional, athlete, or just curious about how your legs work, this episode delivers valuable insights with Rick’s trademark humor and clarity. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your feedback as you delve into the science—and fun—of the leg muscles that power us all!

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

On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes a deep dive into the surprising benefits—and occasional pitfalls—of running a mile a day. Recalling those dreaded school PE mandates to “run the mile,” Rick explores how this accessible and straightforward form of exercise can transform health for people of all fitness levels.

Drawing from current physical activity guidelines and peer-reviewed studies, Rick reveals that even just five to ten minutes a day of slow running can significantly lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks. But he’s quick to weigh both sides, outlining possible risks like joint pain, stress fractures, and the importance of listening to your body, especially if you have existing conditions or are just starting out.

Rick also shares practical strategies for beginners, emphasizing that you don’t need to start by running—walking is a perfectly valid entry point, and he discusses intermittent versus continuous walking for better fitness outcomes. He highlights the value of ramping up intensity gradually, tracking your progress, and allowing for proper recovery and nutrition. The monologue presentation touches on the Daily Mile initiative, which encourages everyone (regardless of age or fitness) to complete a mile a day at any pace, emphasizing inclusion and consistency.

Beyond the physical, Rick explores mental health benefits, urging listeners not to fear the mile and instead see it as a gateway to improved well-being. Tune in for actionable tips, research-backed encouragement, and inspiration to make the mile your own.

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

On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes a deep dive into one of the body’s most impressive and misunderstood muscle groups: the trapezius, a.k.a. the "Goldberg muscles." Inspired by the awe-inspiring traps seen on athletes like Bill Goldberg, Rick explores the anatomy, function, and training strategies for building strong and balanced traps. Whether you’re fascinated by the layered look of a jacked upper back or eager to optimize performance and prevent injury, this episode breaks down everything you need to know.

Rick meticulously guides you through the upper, mid, and lower segments of the trapezius, explaining their proximal and distal attachment points (origin and insertion), their unique fiber directions, and the intricate joint actions they control. Learn how each section contributes to essential movements like scapular elevation, retraction, depression, and upward rotation—plus tips for effective cueing to target these muscles in your training and with clients.

Rick also shares practical exercise applications and important considerations for safely stretching and strengthening the neck and traps, ensuring your workouts are safe and effective.Whether you’re a seasoned fitness pro or just starting out, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and actionable tips for training the traps. Keep inspiring others to pursue fitness—one muscle at a time.

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

On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, welcomes featured guest, Joe Drake, CEO and founder of Axiom Fitness Academy, for an essential deep dive into one of the biggest questions new personal trainers face: “How do I actually build a program for my first client?” Rick and Joe pull back the curtain on this universal struggle, sharing real experiences from their own journeys both in training and educating fitness professionals.

You’ll learn practical, confidence-building steps for taking your knowledge from NASM’s OPT model and applying it in the gym—without overcomplicating things or falling into the trap of trying to impress with flashy exercises. Instead, Rick and Joe stress the importance of mastering the basics, focusing on major movement patterns (squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, and hinging), and building repeatable templates tailored to each client’s frequency and needs.

The discussion is packed with actionable tips, including how to keep programming simple, when and how to individualize, and why tracking progress (like keeping a PR chart) matters more than constant variety. Rick and Joe also discuss finding the balance between what clients want and what they need and highlight resources inside NASM’s new Membership platform—NASM1—for trainers seeking further step-by-step programming guidance.

If you’re a new or aspiring trainer feeling stuck between theory and practice, this conversation is for you. Tune in and take the guesswork out of your programming journey—one authentic trainer story at a time.

Joe Drake, MS, NASM-CPT, CES, PES is a veteran personal trainer, educator, and the founder of Axiom Fitness Academy—a leading certification prep and mentorship platform for aspiring and certified fitness professionals. With nearly 20 years in the industry and over a decade training trainers, Joe helps coaches build confidence in programming, master client relationships, and turn their passion into a sustainable business.

He is also the author of The Complete Guide to Landmine Training and a trusted voice on strength training for longevity, continuing education, and bridging the gap between certification and real-world success.

Whether you’re a new trainer or scaling your career, Joe offers powerful frameworks that simplify programming, elevate your coaching, and help you stand out in a crowded fitness industry.

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

On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey welcomes featured guest, Dennis Dunphy, co-founder of Stick Mobility, for an insightful conversation about one of fitness’s biggest hot topics: mobility training.

Rick kicks off by sharing how Stick Mobility tools have become a staple in his gyms, not just for their versatility, but also the unique feedback and durability they offer, especially compared to traditional PVC or broomsticks.

Together, Rick and Dennis dive into the importance of developing mobility and strength beyond just the sagittal plane, highlighting commonly neglected areas like the frontal and transverse planes, rotational movements, and the elusive “spiral line” that, as Dennis says, “isn’t spiraling” for many people. Dennis shares the origin story of Stick Mobility, from early experiments with rattan sticks and isometrics to product innovation and global reach—plus how the Cincinnati Bengals gave their stamp of approval.

Listeners will learn why mobility has become more than just a buzzword in fitness, why it matters at every age, and how improving hip and spinal mobility can make everyday activities—like getting in and out of a car or reaching for a high shelf—easier and less painful as we age.

Tune in for practical tips, inspiration, and ideas to make mobility a priority in your fitness routine!

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

It’s time to further explore that large, popular muscle that sits on the top of the arm.

On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, deep dives into all things involving, and around, the bicep.

He’ll explore the origin of the word, “biceps,” explain the two proximal attachments, and discuss why that ice cream scoop bicep has more to do with your genetics than how much time you spend in the gym.

Get your bicep knowledge base flex on, courtesy of Dr. Richey.

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

Let’s get your week kicked off just right with a deep dive into Greek alphabet.

On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, explores the large, triangular shoulder muscle, named because its shape resembles the Greek letter, Delta.

Dr. Richey discusses the three distinct heads of the muscle (anterior, lateral, and posterior), as well as the actions of the deltoids with specific examples to help expand your personal training, and anatomy, expertise.

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

This episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast” focuses on how moving side to side can help move your fitness forward.

Host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, along with featured guests, Brrrn Co-Founders Johnny Adamic, and Jimmy T. Martin, explore all facets of lateral training, why slides boards have become so popular with all different fitness enthusiasts, building and developing their unique Brrrn brand, and much more in this special encore presentation!

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

Let’s talk about the need for understanding speed.

In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, is joined by featured guest, Bill Parisi, founder of Parisi Speed School and Fascia Training Academy.

The two deep dive into discussions like the power of mental resiliency and how adding in speed and athletic training can not only make you a better trainer but also build your business.

Plus, how Parisi’s accomplishments as a javelin thrower spear-headed his passion for a greater understanding of speed for high-level athletes, how his biggest setback led to his biggest comeback, and much more!

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