NASM Master Instructor Roundtable: A Show for Personal Trainers

Training Clients with Limitations: How to Modify Workouts for Pain, Fatigue & Injuries


Listen Later

In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” co-hosts, and NASM Master Trainers, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, dive deep into the art—and real-world challenge—of bridging the gap when your clients don’t fit the fitness textbook. Kicking off with classic wisdom from Bruce Lee and examples from pro athletes like Derek Jeter, Marty and Wendy remind us why mastering the fundamentals is truly non-negotiable.

Throughout their candid and experience-driven discussion, the duo explores what to do when the “perfect world” of the textbook doesn’t align with the messy reality of diverse clients: from young little leaguers and former college athletes to parents with jam-packed schedules. They break down the NASM OPT and CES models, comparing them to real-life navigation tools—a compass for some, Google Maps for others—emphasizing the need to adapt the blueprint to fit each individual’s unique journey.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for assessment, adaptation, and communication. This episode is packed with stories, case studies, and tactical advice on using assessment findings to guide programming, regressing and progressing exercises intentionally, addressing pain and limitations ethically, and focusing on movement quality over flashy routines.

Whether you’re a brand-new trainer overwhelmed by the textbook or a seasoned pro stuck in the weeds, this episode offers both reassurance and actionable solutions. Tune in for expert guidance on personalizing client programs, building trust, and ultimately, helping people move—and feel—their best in the real world.

Show Notes & References:

NASM CPT 7

Section 4, Chapter 11 (Health, Wellness, and Fitness Assessments). Lessons 1-6 

Section 4, Chapter 12 (Posture, Movement, and Perofrmance Assessments). Lessons 1-6 

NASM CES 3

Chapter 1, (Introduction to Corrective Exercise). Lessons 1-3 

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

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

NASM Master Instructor Roundtable: A Show for Personal TrainersBy NASM Podcast Network

  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4

4.4

18 ratings


More shows like NASM Master Instructor Roundtable: A Show for Personal Trainers

View all
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth by Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, Doug Egge

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

11,848 Listeners

Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik by Jim Kwik, Your Brain Coach, Founder www.KwikLearning.com

Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik

4,830 Listeners

The Jordan Syatt Podcast by Jordan Syatt

The Jordan Syatt Podcast

3,705 Listeners

The Genius Life by Max Lugavere

The Genius Life

4,831 Listeners

The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

The Dr. Hyman Show

9,289 Listeners

The Peter Attia Drive by Peter Attia, MD

The Peter Attia Drive

8,010 Listeners

Habits and Hustle by Jen Cohen and Habit Nest

Habits and Hustle

806 Listeners

The NASM-CPT Podcast With Rick Richey by NASM Podcast Network

The NASM-CPT Podcast With Rick Richey

393 Listeners

The Consistency Project by EC Synkowski

The Consistency Project

531 Listeners

Random Fit Powered by NASM by NASM Podcast Network

Random Fit Powered by NASM

23 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

28,531 Listeners

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

1,137 Listeners

The Macro Hour by Nikkiey Stott

The Macro Hour

551 Listeners

Build with Leila Hormozi by Leila Hormozi

Build with Leila Hormozi

887 Listeners

The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka by Gary Brecka

The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka

3,095 Listeners