The KIPS Podcast with Tyler Valencia

KIPS Fitness

The KIPS Podcast aims to provide practical insights for personal trainers, group exercise instructors, strength coaches, and fitness professionals. Our podcast is focused on helping fitness professionals grow in their careers by offering a platform for shared knowledge. Through interviews with industry experts, listeners learn about emerging trends, training techniques, and business strategies that can elevate their practices. Episodes explore specialized topics, allowing fitness professionals to expand their expertise in areas like marketing, communication, and programming.

  1. Ruben P. Thickstun | Leveraging Social Media to Build Your Fitness Career

    5D AGO

    Ruben P. Thickstun | Leveraging Social Media to Build Your Fitness Career

    Join us for an enlightening episode of the KIPS Podcast featuring Ruben P. Thickstun, where we dive deep into the transformative power of social media for fitness professionals in 2026! Learn how to effectively market your fitness business and grow your online presence with practical strategies and innovative content ideas. Ruben shares his wealth of experience as a senior fitness specialist and the 2024 IDEA Trailblazer of the Year, offering insights into the latest social media trends that can help you attract more clients and engage your audience. Discover the best platforms for fitness engagement, avoid common social media mistakes, and learn how to create compelling content that resonates with your target market. Plus, we’ll cover the importance of community interaction and the benefits of collaboration with other fitness influencers. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your fitness career through social media! Ruben's IG - ⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠ Join our email list - ⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠ KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Chapters (00:00) - KIPS Podcast Welcome (01:18) - Leveraging Social Media (03:00) - Who is Ruben P. Thickstun (06:05) - Where to start with social media? (07:09) - Changes in Social Media (17:41) - Common Mistakes (21:04) - What’s still relevant? (25:42) - Social Media Collaborations (33:44) - Brand Accounts (35:52) - How often to post?

    38 min
  2. Janice Jaicks | Effectively Adding Pool Workouts to Your Personal Training Business

    JAN 19

    Janice Jaicks | Effectively Adding Pool Workouts to Your Personal Training Business

    Training clients in the pool is one of the most underrated strategies for attracting personal training clients. This unique environment offers a refreshing alternative to traditional land-based workouts, tapping into the therapeutic and invigorating properties of water. With its natural resistance and low-impact benefits, aquatic exercise caters to a diverse range of clients, including those with injuries or mobility limitations. By incorporating pool sessions, trainers not only enhance their service offerings but also create a fun, engaging atmosphere that appeals to both novice and experienced clients. Embracing aquatic training can set personal trainers apart in a competitive market. Returning guest Janice Jaicks shares her over three decades of experience training clients in the pool. Janice is the owner of the Phoenix-based fitness conference, FitnessFest, but is also an aquatics professional. She owns an aquatic-based training business in the Phoenix metropolitan area and sells aquatic-based education for fitness instructors. Safety Precautions for Pool Workouts When training clients in the pool, safety is paramount to prevent accidents and injuries. One key precaution is ensuring clients wear appropriate water shoes. Water shoes provide grip and protect feet from rough pool surfaces or hidden debris, greatly reducing the risk of slips and falls. Slippery surfaces are common around and inside pools, so it's crucial to keep the pool deck clean and dry whenever possible, and to remind clients to walk carefully when entering or exiting the water. As a personal trainer, always try out exercises in the pool before introducing them to clients. This allows you to assess the difficulty, identify potential risks, and understand the movement mechanics in a water environment. Testing exercises first ensures they are suitable for your clients’ abilities and enables you to demonstrate them with confidence, further promoting safe practices and building trust during aquatic training sessions. Benefits of Pool Workouts Training clients in the pool offers numerous health benefits due to the water's unique properties. Aquatic exercise provides natural resistance, which helps improve muscular strength and endurance without the need for heavy weights (Chodzko-Zajko et al., 2009). Water's buoyancy reduces joint impact, making it an ideal environment for clients with arthritis, injuries, or mobility limitations (Nagle & Sanders, 2010). Additionally, water-based workouts enhance cardiovascular fitness because moving through water increases heart rate and circulation (Takeshima et al., 2002). Pool training also supports flexibility and balance, as the water's resistance and support allow for a greater range of motion and stability during exercise. Furthermore, exercising in water can boost mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Overall, aquatic training is a versatile and effective approach to improving physical health and wellness for a diverse range of clients. FitnessFest Website - CLICK HERE. Fitness on Instagram - CLICK HERE. Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CLICK HERE. ⁠ Podcast Chapters (00:00) - KIPS Podcast Welcome (01:47) - Render More Personal Training Sessions (03:26) - Who is Janice Jaicks? (06:26) - Aqua Fitness Basics for Trainers (13:00) - Pool Safety Precautions (21:22) - Stages of Learning in the Pool (25:07) - Overhead Presses in the Pool (29:41) - Aqua Fitness Education

    38 min
  3. Jessica Maurer | Top Client Retention Strategies Every Personal Trainer Should Know

    12/04/2025

    Jessica Maurer | Top Client Retention Strategies Every Personal Trainer Should Know

    Enhancing client retention as a personal trainer is crucial, as it can determine whether your monthly income grows or if you risk exiting the fitness industry. Maintaining consistent clients provides a steady income, easing the challenge of constantly finding new clients. This stability helps with financial planning and growth opportunities. Additionally, building long-term relationships builds trust, allowing you to design personalized training plans that suit individual goals and preferences. This customization leads to better results, increased client satisfaction, and loyalty. Happy clients are also more likely to refer friends and family, helping you grow your business through word-of-mouth. Finally, fostering a strong client community boosts engagement and motivation, creating a positive, supportive training environment for everyone. Focusing on retention ensures long-term success and professional fulfillment. Jessica Maurer, a business consultant and fitness presenter, discusses key strategies for client retention and highlights the significance of personal touches in training. With more than 20 years of experience, she has conducted workshops, delivered keynote speeches, and offered consulting services across various industries and international platforms. Jessica is also a prolific author whose work impacts how fitness and wellness experts approach physical and mental health. What is client retention? Client retention for personal trainers refers to the ability to keep clients engaged and committed to their fitness journey over a sustained period. It involves creating strong relationships, providing consistent support, and delivering personalized training experiences that meet clients' individual needs and goals. Effective retention strategies may include regular communication, feedback, and motivation, as well as adapting programs based on clients' progress. Ultimately, high client retention signifies a successful trainer-client partnership, leading to improved client outcomes and a stable, thriving business for trainers. It highlights the importance of client satisfaction and loyalty in the competitive fitness industry. Follow Jessica on IG - CLICK HERE. More about Jessica - CLICK HERE. Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CLICK HERE. ⁠ Podcast Chapters (00:00) - KIPS Podcast Welcome (01:07) - Personal Trainer Soft Skills (02:24) - Jessica Maurer’s Career Background (07:36) - Client Retention Strategies (10:33) - Identifying Your Client Avatar (13:01) - Client’s Outside Your Scope of Practice (14:56) - Building Client Relationships (28:17) - Incentives & Word-of-Mouth (32:29) - Technology for Client Retention (34:51) - Community is Key!

    38 min
  4. Garrett Conn | Effective Programming Strategies for Personal Trainers

    11/24/2025

    Garrett Conn | Effective Programming Strategies for Personal Trainers

    Creating effective training programs is vital for personal trainers to optimize client success and satisfaction. A well-structured program addresses individual goals like weight loss, muscle gain, or athletic improvement, while considering clients' needs, limitations, and preferences (Smith & Jones, 2021). This is especially important in niche markets, such as training older adults or athletes, where understanding specific physiological and psychological factors ensures safe and effective programming (Johnson, 2020). In an era of information overload and diverse training trends, trainers must develop evidence-based programs combining strength, conditioning, and recovery to boost motivation, reduce injury risk, and encourage long-term adherence. Continuous education and adapting to new research further cement the trainer's role as a knowledgeable guide (Brown, 2021). Guest Garrett Conn joins the KIPS Podcast to share his insights on program design and how new trainers can improve this essential skill. Garrett Conn owns Conn Human Performance, with over 12 years of experience in human performance and strength & conditioning. He guides clients in athletics, injury recovery, or fitness through support, education, and enjoyment. What is program design? Program design for personal trainers refers to the structured approach to creating personalized fitness regimens tailored to clients' individual needs, goals, and capabilities. It involves assessing each client’s current fitness level, understanding their specific objectives—such as weight loss, muscle gain, or improved athletic performance—and incorporating various training modalities to enhance overall effectiveness (Smith, 2020). A well-designed program also considers factors such as exercise selection, progression, frequency, and recovery, ensuring that clients remain engaged while achieving their goals. Essential elements of program design include the principles of progressive overload, specificity, and individualization, allowing trainers to adapt programs as clients progress and their needs evolve (Johnson & Lee, 2021). Ultimately, effective program design fosters a supportive environment that not only enhances client satisfaction but also promotes long-term adherence to fitness routines (Thompson, 2019). Learn about Garrett - CLICK HERE. Follow Garrett - CLICK HERE. Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠ Podcast Chapters (00:00) - KIPS Podcast Welcome (00:49) - Reality of Trainer Programming (01:37) - Garrett Conn’s Career Background (04:34) - Overlooked Program Aspects (12:19) - Knowing Your Gym’s Equipment (16:05) - Understand Your Programming (20:10) - Balance, Endurance, and Flexibility (22:39) - What about nutrition? (26:00) - Variability vs Progressive Overload

    35 min
  5. Dennis Dunphy | Inside the Development of Stick Mobility & Trainer Evolution

    11/10/2025

    Dennis Dunphy | Inside the Development of Stick Mobility & Trainer Evolution

    Becoming a successful personal trainer goes beyond just knowledge of fitness; it requires a multifaceted approach that includes responsible business practices, authenticity, and a commitment to continuous education. As a trainer, understanding the nuances of running your own business is crucial for long-term success and client retention. Authenticity fosters trust and rapport with clients, enabling more meaningful connections and more effective training outcomes. Additionally, valuing education ensures you stay up to date on the latest techniques and trends, allowing you to provide the best possible services. Together, these elements create a solid foundation for a thriving career in the fitness industry. Dennis Dunphy is joining the KIPS Podcast to share insights into how he co-founded Stick Mobility, the evolution of his career as an established personal trainer, and tips for managing the administrative duties of running a trainer business. Dennis Dunphy and Neal Valera co-founded Stick Mobility out of their passion for creating a system that combines stretching, mobility, and strength using the Stick Mobility Training Stick. Designed for athletes, injury recoverers, or those looking to maintain flexibility and strength with age, it promotes long-term mobility and well-being. What is Stick Mobility? Stick Mobility is a comprehensive training system that integrates stretching, mobility, and strength using a specialized Training Stick. Created by fitness pioneers Neal Valera and Dennis Dunphy, this innovative approach enhances movement patterns and promotes long-term mobility, making it an invaluable tool for personal trainers (Stick Mobility, n.d.). Incorporating Stick Mobility into training regimens provides numerous benefits, including improved flexibility, strength, and joint stability (Stick Mobility, n.d.). By using the Training Stick, trainers can facilitate greater kinesthetic awareness and help clients track their mobility progress over time. Moreover, Stick Mobility can be effectively integrated into various training programs, complementing strength and conditioning to reduce injury risk and boost athletic performance. This system empowers trainers to offer clients a holistic approach to fitness, ensuring they can achieve greater freedom of movement both now and in the future. Stick Mobility IG - CLICK HERE. Stick Mobility Facebook - CLICK HERE. Stick Mobility YouTube - CLICK HERE. Stick Mobility Website - CLICK HERE. Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠ Podcast Chapters (00:00) - KIPS Podcast Welcome (01:18) - Business of a Personal Trainer (01:54) - Find a Mentor (02:57) - Dennis Dunphy’s Career Background (07:24) - Trainer Business Tips (13:28) - Trainer Evolution (16:14) - Trainer-Client Relationship  (19:17) - Discussing Mobility Training (21:41) - Education vs Experience (33:13) - Mobility Myths

    38 min
  6. Michelle Blakely | Sales Without the Sleaze

    10/27/2025

    Michelle Blakely | Sales Without the Sleaze

    Sales skills are essential for personal trainers, as they directly impact the capacity to attract and retain clients. In a competitive fitness industry, the ability to effectively communicate the value of services can set a trainer apart from the rest. Proficiency in sales not only helps trainers articulate their offerings and drive home the benefits of their programs but also fosters trust and rapport with potential clients. Michelle Blakely, a former personal trainer turned business consultant, shares her insights on making sales feel genuine and integrated into your routine as a personal trainer. Michelle has spent over 12 years developing solutions at her training company, Blakely FIT, earning a top trainer reputation and being named the city’s best twice by the Chicago Reader. As a nationally recognized expert, she writes for trade publications like PFP and Club Industry, speaks at events such as the NSCA, and is consulted by media including Prevention, Good Housekeeping, and Oprah.com. Why isn’t sales a key component of a CPT program? Since sales are a key part of a personal trainer's role, why isn’t it emphasized more in fitness industry training? First, it’s hard to evaluate sales skills through a standardized test. People can’t easily show their personalities and soft skills, which are essential to sales. Second, sales skills are better learned through hands-on practice with real clients who can give useful feedback. Understanding and overcoming client objections can improve the chances of closing sales, while personalized pitches based on a client's background make services more relevant and appealing. Also, strong sales skills help trainers follow up effectively, keeping potential clients interested without seeming pushy. In the end, a trainer's ability to sell their expertise leads to steady business growth, so they can focus on what they love—helping clients reach their fitness goals. Five Tips to Improve Your Personal Trainer Sales Skills Improving sales skills is crucial for personal trainers looking to grow their business and better serve their clients. Here are several tips to enhance those skills: 1. Understand Your Audience: Take the time to know your potential clients. Assess their fitness goals, backgrounds, and concerns. Tailoring your pitch to meet their specific needs will make your services more appealing. 2. Build Rapport: Establishing a personal connection is vital. Use active listening and show genuine interest in your clients’ stories and challenges. The stronger the relationship, the more likely they are to trust you and invest in your services. 3. Highlight Value: Focus on communicating the benefits of your training programs rather than just the features. Explain how your services can help clients achieve their goals, improve their health, or enhance their quality of life. 4. Handle Objections Gracefully: Anticipate common objections and prepare thoughtful responses. Addressing concerns about pricing, time commitments, or past failures can ease potential clients’ apprehensions and facilitate a smoother decision-making process. 5. Follow Up: After initial consultations, don’t hesitate to follow up with potential clients. A personalized message can keep you top-of-mind and demonstrate your commitment and investment in their success. By honing these skills, personal trainers can significantly boost their client acquisition and retention rates. Schedule a Call with Michelle - CLICK HERE. Michelle's Website - CLICK HERE. Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠

    37 min
  7. Lisa Dougherty | Understanding the Value of Medical Fitness

    10/06/2025

    Lisa Dougherty | Understanding the Value of Medical Fitness

    Medical fitness is a specialized niche that focuses on integrating exercise and rehabilitation within clinical care, targeting individuals with chronic conditions or those recovering from injuries. Personal trainers can significantly advance their careers by gaining expertise in medical fitness, enabling them to design tailored exercise programs that meet the unique needs of their clients. This knowledge not only enhances their credibility but also facilitates collaboration with healthcare professionals, improving communication around client fitness requirements. As the demand for personalized fitness solutions grows, trainers with medical fitness qualifications can attract a broader clientele, positioning themselves for career growth and advancement in a competitive market. Lisa Dougherty, founder of the MedFit Network, discusses the importance of medical fitness for personal trainers on the KIPS Podcast. A former securities professional, she launched MFN in 2013, serving as a membership group and online directory for fitness and healthcare providers focused on prevention and rehabilitation for those with chronic conditions. What is medical fitness? Medical fitness refers to a specialized branch of fitness that emphasizes the integration of exercise, health, and rehabilitation in the context of medical and clinical care. It is designed to help individuals manage chronic conditions, recover from injuries, and enhance their overall well-being through personalized exercise programs. For personal trainers, understanding medical fitness is crucial, as it allows them to collaborate more effectively with healthcare professionals, such as physicians and physical therapists, to create safe and effective fitness plans for clients with specific health needs (Woods et al., 2020). By focusing on medical fitness, trainers can differentiate themselves in a competitive industry, broaden their skill sets, and address the diverse needs of clients, ultimately leading to enhanced client outcomes and satisfaction. Embracing this field not only fulfills a moral obligation to protect client health but also opens new opportunities for career advancement within niche markets (American Council on Exercise, 2021). MedFit Global Virtual Conference MedFit Education Foundation has collaborated with the Fitness Business Association (FBA) to host a virtual, worldwide medical fitness conference scheduled for October 22-26, 2025. The event will feature three main tracks: Education/Latest Updates, Exercise Programming, and Business. Use Code KIPS for a 40% discount - CLICK HERE. Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠

    41 min
  8. Sorta Healthy Jeff | Unlocking Gym Opportunities: How Personal Trainers Can Get Hired

    09/19/2025

    Sorta Healthy Jeff | Unlocking Gym Opportunities: How Personal Trainers Can Get Hired

    For many, becoming a certified personal trainer is a tough reality to handle, and it can be a harsh awakening. One of the main reasons we see so many new trainers leaving the fitness industry before their first year is that they don't fully understand what the job entails. As a personal trainer, you need to possess strong customer service skills to deliver a professional and personalized experience. So, what does it take for a new trainer to succeed in this career? Returning guest Sorta Healthy Jeff, owner of a gym in Plantsville, CT, and creator of the YouTube channel Sorta Healthy Trainer Education, shares his top tips for personal trainers during the hiring process and tips for implementing semi-private training. His channel has over 90,000 subscribers. Semi-Private Training & Its Benefits Semi-private training is a fitness model that combines elements of personal training with the benefits of group sessions, typically involving two to four clients training simultaneously under the guidance of a personal trainer. This format enables trainers to deliver personalized instruction while creating a motivating environment for participants (Mackenzie, 2021). One of the primary benefits of semi-private training is the cost-effectiveness for clients. By sharing the trainer’s time with a small group, clients can experience individualized programming at a lower rate than traditional one-on-one sessions (Smith, 2022). This affordability can attract a wider clientele and enhance retention rates, as clients are often more motivated when training alongside peers. Additionally, semi-private sessions foster social interaction, accountability, and camaraderie among participants, which can lead to increased motivation and a greater commitment to fitness goals (Jones & Taylor, 2020). The trainer’s ability to deliver tailored feedback remains intact, allowing for adjustments to routines based on individual needs while maintaining a supportive group dynamic. This model not only enhances the training experience for clients but also allows personal trainers to maximize their earnings potential by working with multiple clients simultaneously. What Personal Trainers Do Two essential professional skills for personal trainers are customer service and effective communication. As a personal trainer, you're representing a brand that promotes a healthy lifestyle, and you need to act professionally in public (or online) to build trust. This means communicating clearly to teach new exercises, explain their benefits, and schedule future sessions. While certification courses cover the basics, these skills often take experience to master. Recognizing that you’re in a service industry and need to excel in these areas can help new personal trainers develop the outward appearance that draws in new clients. Follow ⁠@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation⁠ Jeff’s Instagram - ⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠ Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠

    39 min
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5
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About

The KIPS Podcast aims to provide practical insights for personal trainers, group exercise instructors, strength coaches, and fitness professionals. Our podcast is focused on helping fitness professionals grow in their careers by offering a platform for shared knowledge. Through interviews with industry experts, listeners learn about emerging trends, training techniques, and business strategies that can elevate their practices. Episodes explore specialized topics, allowing fitness professionals to expand their expertise in areas like marketing, communication, and programming.

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