The NASM-CPT Podcast With Rick Richey

NASM Podcast Network
  • 4.7 (409)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Semiweekly

Are you studying to become a personal trainer or just started your training career? NASM Master Instructor Rick Richey takes listeners on an informative and engaging journey to help establish a solid foundation in your fitness path.

  1. 1d ago

    How personal trainers can create their own career opportunities

    The best way to handle professional opportunities in fitness is to stay open-minded, say yes to potential meetings, and view every opportunity as a chance to learn or connect. In this “NASM CPT Podcast,” listeners will learn practical strategies to recognize, create, and seize opportunities in their careers, whether those chances are offered by others or need to be sought out proactively. Host Rick Richey shares insights drawn from his personal experience with unexpected outreach from a reputable fitness company and discusses universal lessons relevant to the entire NASM community. By the end of the episode, listeners will understand ten actionable ways to approach new opportunities, how to network within the fitness industry, and why it is important to see yourself as someone who great things can happen to. Whether you are just starting in the industry or looking to grow into new roles, you will discover how to use tools like networking, continuous learning, and proactive outreach to advance your career and help more clients with NASM. Chapters: 00:00 What is the main lesson about handling and creating professional opportunities? 01:00 How can saying yes to meetings lead to greater reach and impact?03:21 Why do people talk themselves out of new opportunities in fitness?06:27 Are opportunities always given, or can they be created—and how?08:14 What does it mean to "swing for the fences" with big opportunities?09:47 How can viewing interviews as practice improve your skills? 11:07 How can fitness professionals create their own opportunities? 12:53 What does it take to grow into your desired role or status? 15:01 Why is bringing others with you important for professional growth?16:04 How do successes and failures combine on the path to professional growth? 17:48 How do you handle overwhelming versus slow seasons in your career?19:06 Why does staying in touch with industry friends matter for future opportunities? 20:36 How and why should you reach out to people or causes that interest you? 22:13 Why is it important to see yourself as someone who can achieve great things? 23:05 What are the ten key takeaways on leveraging opportunities in fitness? 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

  2. Sep 29

    Evidence-based exercise strategies for losing visceral fat

    The most effective way to reduce visceral fat is a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training, though regular moderate-intensity cardio or aerobic exercise also helps, according to current research.In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey unpacks the scientific evidence on exercise strategies for reducing visceral fat, addressing frequent confusion over whether HIIT or continuous moderate-intensity exercise is better. Citing several systematic reviews and meta-analyses, Rick explains that while some studies show no clear advantage between HIIT and steady-state cardio, many find that interval training, especially when extended beyond 12 weeks, provides superior reductions in visceral fat, particularly for individuals with overweight or obesity. He also highlights that progressive, combined training—mixing vigorous-intensity cardio with moderate or low-intensity resistance training—can further support visceral fat loss, which is particularly beneficial for at-risk groups such as older adults and postmenopausal women. Listeners will learn how to apply these research-backed exercise protocols for themselves or their clients, how to track progress, and why gradual progression is key, especially for those new to higher intensity workouts. This presentation also offers practical coaching insights on how to encourage clients to embrace challenging new routines. Chapters: 00:00 What is the most effective way to reduce visceral fat? 01:10 What is visceral fat and why does it matter for health? 02:26 How did a client respond to advice about losing visceral fat? 03:20 What exercise strategies can help reduce visceral fat? 05:22 Does high-intensity interval training work better than continuous cardio for visceral fat? 06:52 What does the research say about HIIT versus moderate-intensity exercise? 08:29 Are long-duration HIIT sessions more effective for fat loss? 09:18 Does exercise help reduce visceral fat in teens and young adults? 10:26 How does exercise dose relate to visceral fat loss? 12:29 Does combining resistance and aerobic training give better results for visceral fat? 13:56 How can trainers help hesitant clients start higher intensity workouts? 15:54 What extra benefits come with high-intensity training compared to moderate exercise? 16:41 Should you choose HIIT, resistance training, or regular cardio to help most people reduce visceral fat? Show References:Kramer, A. M., Martins, J. B., de Oliveira, P. C., Lehnen, A. M., & Waclawovsky, G. (2023). High-intensity interval training is not superior to continuous aerobic training in reducing body fat: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of exercise science and fitness, 21(4), 385–394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2023.09.002  Poon, E. T., Li, H. Y., Little, J. P., Wong, S. H., & Ho, R. S. (2024). Efficacy of Interval Training in Improving Body Composition and Adiposity in Apparently Healthy Adults: An Umbrella Review with Meta-Analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 54(11), 2817–2840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02070-9 Wang, R., Zhang, X., Ren, H., Zhou, H., Yuan, Y., Chai, Y., & Hou, X. (2022). Effects of different exercise types on visceral fat in young individuals with obesity aged 6-24 years old: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in physiology, 13, 987804. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.987804  Chang, Y., Wang, L., Wang, H., & Zhan, E. (2026). Unveiling the perfect workout: exercise modalities and dosages to combat visceral adipose tissue in individuals with overweight and obesity - a systematic review with pairwise, network, and dose-response meta-analyses. Nutrition & metabolism, 23(1), 75. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-026-01129-w  Lin, X., Li, G., Xie, J., & Wang, S. (2026). Effects of concurrent training on fat mass and its distribution in individuals with overweight or obesity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and exploratory regression analysis. BMC public health, 26(1), 1403. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-26869-5 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

  3. Sep 22

    How much do personal training clients really spend in time and money

    Clients spend much more time and money on personal training than just the actual session fees, once you factor in taxes and the extra time around workouts. In this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey explores what it truly costs clients to train with a personal trainer, revealing that for every $100 spent on training, a client may need to earn far more due to taxes and related expenses. He also explains how the time investment is greater than the scheduled session, since clients often dedicate up to twice as long factoring in travel and preparation. By breaking down these hidden costs, Rick challenges NASM trainers to consider whether their perceived value and quality of service are meeting the real investment clients are making. After listening, you will better understand your clients’ perspective on both time and money and learn strategies to improve the value you provide in every session. Chapters: [00:00] What are clients really spending on personal training, besides session fees? [01:02] Why does it cost clients more than expected to train with you? [02:13] How do taxes and income impact a client’s training costs? [04:31] How do local and state taxes affect what clients need to earn for training? [06:39] How do post-tax expenses raise the real price of fitness and education? [07:27] Am I delivering enough value to match clients’ total investment? [08:22] Is the real time commitment for personal training sessions more than just the hour? [10:11] How does getting to and from the gym increase clients’ time spent? [11:46] Should I treat my clients’ time with more reverence based on their investment? [13:39] How can trainers provide greater value for the higher true cost clients pay? [14:10] Why is it important to recognize what clients give to get training? 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

  4. Sep 15

    How personal trainers protect themselves from burnout and financial risk

    Personal trainers can protect their careers and well-being by taking specific steps to avoid self-sabotage, such as managing their workload, prioritizing self-care, planning financially, investing in continuing education, and preparing for business growth. In this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey break down the ten most important ways trainers need to protect themselves from making common mistakes that limit success or lead to burnout. Dr. Richey shares practical advice drawn from real-world experience on topics like working the right amount, practicing what you preach, handling finances wisely, maintaining good boundaries, and putting supportive habits in place for both your current lifestyle and future ambitions. Listeners will finish the episode with concrete strategies to avoid professional pitfalls, improve their work-life balance, and set themselves up for long-term stability in the fitness industry. Whether you are new to training or have years of experience, this episode delivers actionable insights on protecting your time, income, reputation, and health so you can thrive as a trainer. Chapters: 00:00:21 What does it mean to protect yourself from yourself as a trainer?00:02:34 Why do some trainers need to work more to succeed? 00:06:44 Why do some trainers need to work less to avoid burnout?00:09:45 Why is it important for trainers to practice what they preach?00:13:24 How can trainers prepare for a long day's work? 00:15:20 Why should trainers put money aside for the future? 00:19:48 Why is it essential for trainers to take vacations and real time off?00:20:45 When should trainers charge more for their services? 00:22:38 How can investing in yourself help your training business? 00:23:53 Why do trainers need insurance and how does it protect them?00:25:14 How should trainers plan for their business to grow or "blow up"?00:26:46 What are the 10 steps every trainer should take to protect themselves? 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

  5. Sep 8

    How learning theories improve personal training results

    Personal trainers can improve client outcomes by understanding and applying different learning theories such as pedagogy, andragogy, and heutagogy. This “NASM CPT Podcast” explains how trainers are not just coaches but educators who need to tailor their approach based on whether a client learns best through directive instruction (pedagogy), adult facilitation (andragogy), or self-directed learning (heutagogy). In this presentation, host Dr. Rick Richey discusses how recognizing client readiness, motivation, past experience, and individual learning preferences leads to better results and a more respectful trainer-client relationship. Listeners will learn how to identify whether a client needs a structured program, collaborative goal setting, or simply support in their self-chosen pursuits. After the episode, trainers will be able to evaluate their own teaching style, adjust communication, and better align exercise programming with client goals, as supported by NASM best practices. Dr. Richey also highlights when it is important to refer clients to others if their own expertise does not meet client needs. Chapters: [00:00:00] What are the main learning theories trainers can use with clients? [00:03:13] What is pedagogy and how does it apply to personal training?[00:06:48] What is andragogy and what are its six assumptions for adult learners? [00:15:36] What is heutagogy and how does client self-direction impact the trainer’s role? [00:20:23] How should trainers choose which teaching approach to use with each client? [00:22:17] Why should trainers consider referring clients out or adjusting their style? 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

  6. Sep 1

    How to Train and Recover for High-Demand Combat Sports

    To succeed when training elite MMA fighters and athletes in high-demand, high-risk sports, coaches must balance sport-specific preparation with intelligent recovery and individualized strategies that prevent overtraining and support safe weight management. In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey talks with guest Brandon Harris, a UFC performance coach and founder of Premier Fitness Systems, about how trainers working with NASM can apply these principles to help both elite and everyday clients thrive. Listeners will learn why "addition by subtraction"—removing unnecessary or excessive training instead of adding more—is often key for athletic success, especially in fighters who already have demanding training schedules. The conversation explores practical approaches to energy system development, wheat cutting, recovery techniques (including breathwork and nervous system regulation), and the role of curiosity and education in a successful coaching career. After listening, you will understand how to evaluate training volume, when to pull back or push intensity, how to address weight cut challenges, and how to foster resilience for long-term performance and health. Chapters: [00:00] What is addition by subtraction in elite athlete training, and why does it matter? [06:18] Why did Brandon Harris move from commercial gyms to starting his own business? [09:21] How did certifications like NASM and curiosity influence Brandon Harris’s career path? [14:18] How do you prepare fighters’ bodies and minds for the demands and risks of MMA and combat sports? [17:03] How do you train both explosive power and endurance for MMA athletes? [18:11] What does addition by subtraction look like in real training sessions? [20:21] Why do coaches sometimes reduce training rather than add more, and what are real-world examples? [24:39] How does weight cutting work in fight sports, and what are the risks? [33:08] How did networking and volunteering lead to Brandon Harris working with UFC fighter Sean O'Malley? [36:53] What recovery methods matter most for fighters and high-performance athletes? [40:43] How do you teach efficient breathing and energy management during high-stress sports scenarios? [43:35] What is the bigger-picture impact that trainers and coaches can have on clients’ lives? [45:41] How can listeners connect with Brandon Harris and learn more about his methods? 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

  7. Aug 25

    How professional trainers stand out from amateurs in fitness

    The main difference between professional and amateur personal trainers is that professionals consistently follow up with clients, maintain organized and effective communication, and focus on purposeful, client-centered training practices. In this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey breaks down ten key habits and strategies that separate dedicated career trainers from less experienced or casual counterparts. Listeners will learn actionable scheduling and communication tips, the importance of tracking every assessment and personal record, and why referring clients out when necessary is a sign of professionalism, not weakness. The presentation emphasizes being "brilliant at the basics," integrating fun and purpose into every session, maintaining clean and organized gym spaces, and delivering balanced, individualized programs that adjust as clients progress. After listening, trainers will understand how to structure their client interactions and business practices to build trust, deliver results, and grow their training career within the structured guidance of NASM’s teachings. Chapters: 00:00:30 What actually sets professional trainers apart from amateur trainers? 00:03:30 How important is following up with potential clients, and how should you manage it? 00:06:28 What are the keys to professional scheduling and communication in personal training? 00:08:17 Why do all scheduling changes need to be traceable and not just verbal? 00:10:17 How can trainers make sessions fun while still keeping them purposeful? 00:12:21 Why does cleaning up after yourself matter for trainers’ success and reputation? 00:16:21 When should personal trainers refer clients to other professionals or trainers? 00:19:45 Why is being brilliant at the basics better than advanced tricks or trends? 00:21:58 How do you provide a balanced and integrated training program for every client? 00:25:06 Why should trainers regularly reassess their clients and how should they track progress? 00:26:36 Why do you need to track everything, and how does this make your training more effective?  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

  8. Aug 18

    Realistic Exercise and Nutrition Advice for Lasting Weight Loss Results

    You cannot choose where your body loses fat, because spot reduction is a myth. In this “NASM CPT Podcast” episode, host Rick Richey answers the real questions behind common client concerns about fitness and weight loss. Drawing on trusted research and practical experience, Rick explains why you lose fat according to your unique body patterns, not by targeting certain areas with specific exercises. He also discusses the most effective ways to lose weight (hint: nutrition is key), how much and how often you should exercise for noticeable results, the expected timelines to see fitness and strength improvements, and whether weightlifting will really make you bulky. After listening, you will clearly understand what drives fat loss, how to set realistic workout routines, why progress looks different for everyone, and how to answer frequent client questions with confidence.This episode is essential for trainers and fitness enthusiasts looking for honest answers based on science and experience, all with practical NASM guidance. Chapters: 00:01 What is spot reduction, and can I lose fat from a specific area? 05:45 What is the best way to lose weight? 10:08 How long and how often should I exercise to see benefits? 15:25 How long does it take to see results from working out?19:11 Will weightlifting make me bulky?  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

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Are you studying to become a personal trainer or just started your training career? NASM Master Instructor Rick Richey takes listeners on an informative and engaging journey to help establish a solid foundation in your fitness path.

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