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Ever wondered how to properly design a fitness program for someone with metabolic syndrome? Meet "Metabolic Mary," our 44-year-old avatar client who presents with multiple risk factors including hypertension, elevated resting heart rate, and poor overall fitness. This episode dives deep into the thoughtful approach required to help clients like Mary succeed when standard training methods might do more harm than good.

The journey begins with understanding what metabolic syndrome actually is—having at least three of five specific health markers that significantly increase risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We explore each marker in detail, from waist circumference thresholds to blood pressure parameters, giving you the knowledge to recognize these conditions in your own clients.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the stark contrast drawn between typical trainer approaches and the more sophisticated method taught at Show Up Fitness. Rather than annihilating a deconditioned client with high-intensity circuits on day one (virtually guaranteeing they won't return), we demonstrate the "Goldilocks approach"—programming that's not too hard, not too easy, but just right for the client's current abilities.

The conversation extends beyond exercise selection to cover crucial professional skills: how to approach physicians for medical clearance, positioning yourself as distinct from "CrossFit weirdos," and addressing client fears (like Mary's concern about "bulking up") with empathy rather than dismissal. You'll learn specific progression models using CA (compound-accessory), CC (compound-compound), and CCA (compound-compound-accessory) formats that can be modified based on client response.

Whether you're a new trainer struggling with program design or an experienced professional looking to refine your approach to special populations, this episode provides both the science and art of effective training for metabolic syndr

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Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
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Ready to transform your chest training and finally see real growth? This episode dives deep into the science and practical application of optimizing chest development for both beginners and experienced lifters.

Starting with a case study of an online client who successfully grew his social media following to 250,000+ followers, we analyze his current chest training program and identify the key opportunities for improvement. You'll learn exactly how a professional trainer thinks when designing programs that drive results—from understanding chest anatomy (the three regions of the pectoral major) to calculating optimal training volume for hypertrophy.

What makes this episode uniquely valuable is our no-nonsense approach to program design. We break down why most people aren't seeing chest gains (hint: it's not just about pressing heavy), and provide specific protocols you can implement immediately. You'll discover why weighted dips with eccentric focus, strategic drop sets, and forced overload fly variations might be your missing ingredients for growth. We also explain why training to true fatigue matters, how to incorporate pushups effectively, and when deload weeks become necessary for continued progress.

For personal trainers, we share how elevating your knowledge of exercise science can directly translate to charging higher rates and providing superior client results. Whether you're looking to develop an impressive chest or you're a fitness professional wanting to upgrade your programming skills, this episode delivers actionable insights that will change how you approach training forever. Ready to stop leaving gains on the table?

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...

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Want to get hired at Equinox? Show Up Fitness CPT has helped get more trainers hired at Equinox than any fitness company. Learn how to ace the interview and get hired at the BEST gym for personal trainers.

Breaking into the elite world of personal training isn't just about looking the part or having a textbook certification—it's about strategy, confidence, and genuine expertise. Megan Gilbert joins us to reveal how she transformed from a Show Up Fitness intern to Equinox's top trainer in just three months, eventually charging $200+ per hour while others struggled for years to reach full-time status.

Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes at luxury fitness clubs? Megan pulls back the curtain on what it takes to succeed in high-end gym environments, sharing candid insights about everything from the initial interview process to managing difficult conversations about pricing with affluent clients. Her story demolishes the common belief that trainers must "pay their dues" at budget gyms for years before moving upmarket.

What's particularly fascinating is Megan's revelation that despite being relatively new, she quickly became the go-to resource for veteran trainers who lacked practical knowledge about training clients with injuries or discomfort. This speaks volumes about the gap between certification and real-world competence in the industry. She also addresses the unexpected challenges of burnout, unsupportive management, and the mental barriers many trainers face when valuing their services.

Now channeling her experience into a new book, "How to Get Hired at Equinox," Megan shares actionable strategies for accelerating your personal training career—from negotiating with clients and creating different pricing tiers based on referrals to avoiding the toxic mindsets that hold many trainers back. Whether you're just starting your fitness career or looking to level up your training business, this episode delivers a masterclass in b

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...

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DeVang explores what it's like to become a trainer in Delhi India w/ IG: Thebongbeast 

What does it really take to succeed as a personal trainer in today's competitive fitness industry? Forget the Instagram highlight reels - this raw, honest conversation with 12-year veteran trainer Suman Gupta reveals the challenging yet rewarding path to building a sustainable career in fitness.

Suman shares his journey from starting without formal education to becoming a specialized coach working with senior citizens and clients with medical conditions. He candidly discusses the struggles most trainers face but rarely talk about: the financial rollercoaster of seasonal client fluctuations, the pressure from family who don't understand the profession, and the ethical dilemmas of managing unrealistic client expectations.

"I haven't found another job more tough than a trainer's job," Suman admits, highlighting the need for both physical and mental toughness. Yet he offers practical wisdom for navigating these challenges - developing multiple revenue streams across in-person training, online coaching, and specialized programs rather than relying solely on gym-based income.

The conversation delves into the critical importance of education and anatomy knowledge, especially when working with knowledgeable clients who expect expertise beyond basic exercise instruction. Suman emphasizes how proper certification and continuous learning serve as your "license" to train people effectively and command premium rates.

Whether you're considering a career in fitness or looking to elevate your existing training business, this episode provides the reality check and strategic guidance you need. The fitness industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, with increasing opportunities for trainers willing to invest in their education and build genuine expertise. Are you ready to show up and create a sustainable career beyond just counting reps?

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...

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What does it take to build a thriving personal training business that generates over $13,000 in just 20 days? Cody Maynard returns to the Show Up Fitness Podcast to reveal exactly how he's projecting a $150,000 annual income after only eight months as an independent trainer.

The secret isn't complicated marketing schemes or sales tactics. Instead, Cody shares how continuous education has transformed his career, describing how he immediately implemented knowledge from recent seminars into his training sessions. "You get that 'whoa' from the client and you're like, yeah, all right, paid off there," he explains, highlighting how investing thousands in education creates immediate returns through improved client retention and referrals.

Unlike many trainers who spend hours creating complex workout programs, Cody focuses on fundamentals. His assessment process combines careful listening with movement analysis and a mini-session that showcases his expertise. This comprehensive approach eliminates sales pressure because clients immediately recognize his value. His programming philosophy emphasizes progressive overload rather than constant novelty: "If it's not broke, don't fix it," he says, noting how clients appreciate consistency when they're seeing results.

Perhaps most revealing is Cody's ability to adapt his communication style to each client's preferences, from the early morning client who barely wants conversation to the high-energy afternoon sessions. This authentic, personalized approach explains why he rarely encounters price objections despite charging premium rates.

Whether you're an established trainer looking to increase your income or just starting your fitness career, this episode provides a masterclass in building a sustainable training business through education, competence, and genuine client connection. Subscribe now to transform your approach to personal training.

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...

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Ever wondered why so many personal trainers struggle despite having "gold standard" certifications? This eye-opening exploration pulls back the curtain on the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - the fitness industry's equivalent of McDonald's.

Founded in 1987 by Dr. Robert Goldman and developed by respected professionals like Dr. Michael Clark, NASM once represented cutting-edge fitness education. Today, after multiple corporate acquisitions (Ascend Learning in 2009, then Blackstone in 2017), it's become a marketing powerhouse with 1.5 million certified trainers worldwide. But quantity doesn't always equal quality.

We dive deep into NASM's transformation from respected education provider to corporate giant, examining both its strengths (global recognition, gym employment opportunities) and critical limitations. The certification offers minimal business training, relies on outdated biomechanical concepts like upper cross syndrome (largely debunked by physical therapists), and features questionable programming recommendations.

Most troublingly, newly certified trainers face a harsh reality: $9-12 per half-hour pay at big box gyms while clients are charged $50+, demanding split shifts, and pressure to sell supplements they may not believe in. It's no wonder 90% of trainers quit within their first year.

True success in fitness requires more than passing a multiple-choice test. Elite trainers need mentorship, hands-on experience, business acumen, and professional networks – elements textbook certifications rarely provide. Whether you're considering becoming a trainer or looking to level up your career, understanding the limitations of standard certifications is crucial to avoiding the common pitfalls of the fitness industry.

Ready to move beyond basic certifications? Discover what it really takes to build a sustainable, six-figure training career. Subscribe for more industry insights that separate fitness facts from mar

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

The hidden truth behind successful personal training isn't just exercise knowledge—it's mastering the art of sales. After surveying countless fitness professionals about why trainers quit the industry, one answer stood out: the inability to sell their services effectively.

Most trainers make critical mistakes during the sales process. They talk excessively when they should be listening, make conversations self-centered rather than client-focused, and struggle to convey their true value. The result? Potential clients walking away with "I'll think about it" instead of signing up for transformative training packages.

The core issue is a confidence problem rooted in competence gaps. Trainers who struggle with sales often lack depth in their professional knowledge and network. They can't fluently discuss anatomy, haven't attended hands-on continuing education, and don't have relationships with allied health professionals like physical therapists and registered dietitians. These deficiencies create subtle insecurity that clients can sense during consultations.

Through real-world examples—including the story of an executive client who paid $8,400 for a month of training and brought a $400 whiskey bottle as a thank-you gift—this episode reveals the psychology behind successful fitness sales. You'll learn practical techniques for assessment processes that convert, setting clear expectations, handling objections confidently, and building genuine relationships with clients.

The most transformative action you can take today? Record yourself delivering a sales presentation, analyze your performance objectively, and challenge yourself to approach potential clients with confidence-building exercises. Sales isn't something you can avoid as a trainer—it's a fundamental skill that, when mastered, allows you to help more people transform their lives while building the career you deserve.

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...

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Falls among the elderly cost our healthcare system over $50 billion annually—a staggering figure made even more heartbreaking when you realize many are preventable through proper strength training. Yet the fitness industry continues pushing ineffective "gentle" approaches that fail to provide adequate stimulus for meaningful adaptation.

This episode dismantles outdated training myths for older adults and presents a comprehensive framework for designing strength programs that truly address the physiological changes of aging: sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and dynopenia (loss of power). Using a 70-year-old retired professor as our case study, we walk through exactly how to assess, design, and progressively overload a training program that builds functional strength where it matters most.

You'll discover why motor unit recruitment through appropriate loading strategies is essential for bone remodeling—specifically, resistance training with weights that challenge clients in the 8-10 repetition range. We explain why popular balance training methods using unstable surfaces fail to produce optimal results compared to properly designed unilateral strength exercises that challenge stability in the frontal plane.

The episode provides a detailed three-day-per-week program with specific exercises, sets, reps, and progressions that can be immediately implemented with older clients. You'll learn assessment strategies that evaluate relevant movements like sit-to-stand rather than irrelevant ones like overhead squat, and understand how to incorporate cognitive challenges that stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor for improved neuroplasticity.

Beyond program design, we address crucial considerations like increased protein needs for seniors and practical coaching strategies that build confidence while challenging clients appropriately. This evidence-based approach doesn't just improve fitness metrics—it preserves independence and quality of l

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...

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Jake's IG: Jake_Schum

Ever wonder what happens when a professional athlete's career ends? Jake Schum's remarkable journey from NFL punter to elite fitness coach offers a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

Jake takes us through his winding path to professional football—starting with soccer, transitioning to football, walking on at University at Buffalo, and eventually earning spots with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. The rarity of NFL punting positions (just 32 in the world) meant constant competition and uncertainty, but Jake's unwavering determination kept him pushing forward: "I'm going to make it one way or another. I'm just going to keep knocking at the door."

What truly sets Jake's story apart is how he transformed his athletic experience into coaching expertise. Unlike many trainers who start with certifications, Jake built his foundation through practical experience and mentorship, including training at the legendary Westside Barbell with Louie Simmons. Those experiences shaped his coaching philosophy: "I've seen plenty of people book smart that don't know what the heck they're doing in the gym." 

Now operating from a fully-equipped garage gym in Buffalo, Jake applies the conjugate training system to clients ranging from competitive athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. His approach combines functional strength with mobility and flexibility—skills he needed as a punter who "was literally pretty much doing a split in the air." Even Buffalo's notorious winters don't stop his dedicated clients from showing up.

As a father, Jake has redefined the "dad bod" standard, maintaining his impressive physique while balancing family responsibilities. His practical advice for aspiring trainers emphasizes consistency, authenticity, and proactive client development: "You have to put in the work. You can't just wait for people to come to you."

Follow Jake on Instagram @jake_schum or visit gridironga

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

Show Up Fitness is launching our NEW podcast with IG D_fit_man director of India operations & education, Devang. Anytime you see INDIA, these podcasts will be specific to the 28 States in India.

Still a great podcast for EVERYONE, but focused on the 1.4 billion friends in India. 

What does it take to leave a conventional path and build something meaningful in the fitness industry? In this revealing debut episode of the Show of Fitness India podcast, host Devang Borda strips away the filters to share his remarkable journey from engineering graduate to fitness educator.

Devang breaks down the pivotal moments that shaped his career – from those first humbling months with no clients to the gutsy decision to walk away from a coveted position at a prestigious fitness studio. His story challenges the standard metrics of success in today's fitness world, making a compelling case that true impact comes not from follower counts or transformation photos, but from developing unshakeable competence and confidence.

"Followers will fade, hype will fade, but skills will stay," Devang explains, cutting through industry noise with refreshing clarity. He details how his work with Show of Fitness deepened his understanding of assessment systems, corrective strategies, and coaching frameworks – replacing guesswork with structured expertise. For trainers feeling undervalued or professionals trapped in unfulfilling careers, his message resonates: "You're not stuck, you're just early."

This podcast promises no fluff, no generic motivation – just practical insights for navigating India's evolving fitness landscape. Whether you're a new trainer or five years into your career, Devang invites you to join the real fitness revolution happening in India – one based on respect, science, and genuine client care. Ready to transform your approach to fitness coaching? Subscribe now and discover how to build both the confidence and competence that will define your f

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!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
NASM study guide: ...