In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey tackles a common but often confusing challenge for new trainers: how to design a workout plan from start to finish. Rick walks listeners through the foundational steps of preparing effective, client-centric workout programs. Starting with the importance of assessments (both subjective and objective), he explains how gathering information on client goals, physical measurements, and movement patterns sets the stage for targeted programming.

Rick breaks down the process, mapping it onto the OPT (Optimum Performance Training) model, covering stability, strength, and power phases. He shares practical tips, like planning macrocycles (big-picture programming for several months), using linear and undulating periodization, and visually sharing plans with clients to boost motivation and retention.

Listeners learn the nuts and bolts of structuring a session: from customized warm-ups (including foam rolling and stretching) to movement prep, activation, balance, plyometrics, and resistance training. Rick emphasizes tailoring exercises to client preferences and avoiding disliked movements, which helps foster a positive experience and adherence. He also shares ideas on integrating cardio intervals with client choice for variety and enjoyment 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!

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 explores an essential question for fitness professionals and clients alike: “How ready are you—or your clients—to exercise on your own?” Rick introduces the readiness ruler, a motivational interviewing tool designed to assess both the importance and confidence behind fitness goals. He breaks down why non-exercise activity throughout the day often burns more calories than traditional gym sessions, highlighting the value of everyday movement for both weight management and overall health.

Rick shares actionable SMART goals around movement, from aiming for 7,500 steps a day to picking up the pace for at least 3,000 of those steps. He emphasizes the holistic benefits of physical activity, including substantial reductions in the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes—independent of weight loss.

Learn how to use the readiness ruler with clients: find out what’s truly important to them and assess how confident they feel about reaching those goals. Rick offers practical tips for personal trainers to support clients both in and out of the gym, helping them adjust goals to fit their lifestyles. Tune in for evidence-based advice and strategies that empower individuals on their fitness journey—one step 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!

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 episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes a deep dive into the critical role of sleep in overall health, wellness, and fitness performance. Inspired by his recent study of the Certified Wellness Coach certification and a lively text exchange with his family, Rick uncovers why sleep might be the most underrated element in reaching fitness goals. He debunks the myth that functioning on little sleep is a badge of honor and shares National Sleep Foundation guidelines for optimal sleep across age groups.

Rick explores how sleep impacts vital processes such as brain cleaning through the glymphatic system, memory consolidation (both declarative and procedural), weight management, and muscle growth. Backed by research, he details how lack of sleep can lead to weight gain by disrupting hormones like leptin and ghrelin, increase hunger, reduce insulin sensitivity, and even hinder muscle recovery due to lower testosterone, growth hormone, and IGF-1 levels.

Listeners will also get practical sleep hygiene strategies—from limiting caffeine and minimizing nighttime light exposure to implementing effective bedtime routines. Rick even explores the power of napping and when it can boost memory or aid in recovery after a rough night’s sleep.

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!

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 behind the scenes of what it really takes to open a gym—no sugarcoating, just real numbers and honest advice. Building upon his recent conversation with fitness industry mogul Mark Mastrov, Rick brings his own hard-earned experience to the mic, offering practical insights for aspiring gym owners.

Rick breaks down the nitty gritty: how much money you truly need (it’s more than you think), the difference between capital and operational expenses, and the often-overlooked costs of things like HVAC units, rubber flooring, repairs, mirrors, lighting, laundry, and even towel logos. He stresses the importance of planning for both the build-out and the ongoing costs that keep your doors open, sharing stories from his own path to gym ownership—including why having six months of operating capital is non-negotiable.

From negotiating leases and dealing with banks, to understanding freight costs for equipment and the reality of a slow start once you open, Rick’s candid perspective prepares listeners for the rollercoaster of gym ownership. He explains why some might be better off starting with a franchise, and why the coolest part of owning a gym can sometimes be the hardest to maintain.

If you’re considering opening your own facility or just want a raw look at entrepreneurship in fitness, this episode is a must-listen. Rick doesn’t aim to discourage—just to arm you with the truth, so you’re ready to succeed.

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!

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 episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey sits down with legendary fitness entrepreneur, Mark Mastrov, the visionary behind brands like 24 Hour Fitness, Crunch, and UFC Gym. Rick, himself a successful gym owner, seeks inspiration and real-world insights into the challenges and rewards of gym ownership. Mark shares his journey from humble beginnings as a part-time trainer to building global fitness empires, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and building effective teams.

Listeners are treated to practical advice on entering the fitness business, weighing capital investment options, choosing between franchises and independent concepts, and key considerations for ensuring success—like legal advice, marketing skills, and understanding P&Ls. Mark underscores the immense value of education for trainers, highlighting NASM's role in raising professional standards, and shares data proving that educated trainers drive member retention and business growth.

The conversation delves into the crucial synergy of nutrition and fitness in client results, and Mark recounts how partnerships with pioneers like Neal Spruce and programs like DotFit helped integrate nutrition education into his clubs. Aspiring gym owners and fitness professionals will appreciate Marc’s candid take on the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of scalability, and the need to truly understand your market.

This episode serves as both a motivational roadmap and a grounded reality check for anyone dreaming of making a bigger impact in the 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!

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

When the mailbag has questions, we have answers.

On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, discusses how important tier systems are within personal training services at a gym.

Dr. Richey explains why gyms prioritize three main things: education, time with the company/time as trainer, and your ability to produce clients.

He also deep dives into the three tiers of trainers, why trainers have different prices, why they get different specializations in their continuing education 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!

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 build some lean muscle.

On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, is joined by featured guest, fellow NASM CPT and muscle hypertrophy specialist, Chris Parnell, who deep dive into the most effective ways to add strength.

Parnell will share his career path in fitness, overcoming a major health scare, learning under hypertrophy specialist, Brad Shoenfeld, and how he strives to help others achieve their fitness goals.

The two also explore training techniques to add muscle, Chris’s main rules to hypertrophy training (specificity, progressive overload, program design), as well as variables that help optimize muscle building.

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!

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

We all have our favorites, right?

On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, digs into the mailbag to talk all things assessments.

Dr. Richey takes you through a series of his favorites (like the overhead squat assessment), as well as explains their validity and why every workout is a form of an assessment.

Plus, a few helpful training tips and stories from his time as an award-winning personal trainer.

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!

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

We here at the NASM Podcast Network hope our shows inspire you to reach new heights in personal training.

Tevin Cherry is the epitome of inspiration in the industry.

In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” Cherry joins host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, to share his incredible fitness journey.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at nine months old, the now-33-year-old NASM-CPT & CNC, now strives to create adaptive exercise routines for clients with physical disabilities.

Cherry shares the obstacles he’s overcome through incredible perseverance, what first inspired him to become a CPT, his five fitness pillars, and well as a preview of his soon-to-be-released book, “Empowered Fitness: Physical and Mental Health for all Abilities.”

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!

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 back to our roots.

On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, hits rewind on the NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT) Model.

Rick discusses the history of the model, the three levels, as well as the five phases.

Plus, why having a systematic progression in place is so important in helping your clients reach their fitness goals, as well as examples of stabilization exercises for functionals strength, and much more.

Enjoy this refresher course from 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!

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