The Virtuous Coach Podcast

Cody Smith

The Virtuous Coach Podcast is a weekly show focusing on topics around Fitness, Nutrition, Grappling, Personal Development, Business, and so much more! Hosted by Cody and Megan Smith Founders of Virtuous Fitness and Virtuous Grappling, it is our Mission to give you all the information and tools you need to optimize your life through our Create Yourself Mindset.Follow us on Social:Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmithGym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswaGym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling

  1. 11/21/2025

    Why Our Gym Trains Differently: Level Up Your Group Workouts

    In this episode, I break down the core principles that separate real training from the typical “group class” model found in CrossFit and group fitness gyms. I explains why my gym doesn’t run classes it runs sessions. Why the coaching model is built on personalization, not scaling. And why progression and regression systems create a training environment where every athlete feels seen, challenged, and supported. If you’re a coach, gym owner, or trainer who wants to elevate your standards and deliver a more professional, intentional training experience, this episode will challenge the way you think about programming, coaching, and session structure. What we discuss: 1. Sessions Over Classes How language shapes expectations, standards, and the overall training experience. Why “class” lowers the bar and why “session” elevates it. 2. We Personalize We Don’t Scale The key difference between scaling (reactive, generic, often diminishing) and personalization (intentional, targeted, stimulus-preserving). How personalization builds trust, unity, and higher quality coaching. 3. The Power of Progressions & Regressions Why coaching isn’t improvisation. How progression/regression systems create structure, consistency, and individualized development inside a group environment. 4. What a Professional Training Environment Actually Looks Like How clarity, systems, and intentional language turn group training into a unified, purposeful session instead of chaos management. TAKEAWAYS FOR COACHES & GYM OWNERS: Language can elevate or erode your perceived professionalism. Scaling is not the hallmark of good coaching; personalization is. Systems create consistency, consistency creates trust, and trust creates retention. Progression and regression frameworks allow coaches to deliver individualized training at scale. A session should feel like everyone is doing the right version of the workout not the “easy” or “scaled” version.   If you haven’t yet be sure to Subscribe!!! Follow us on Social: Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmith YouTube: The Channel Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswa Gym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnessboise

    24 min
  2. 11/13/2025

    Coach Development: How we are Upgrading our Group Fitness Sessions and Lowering our Churn Rate

    In this episode, Cody breaks down what it really means to be a great coach. It is not just about running workouts or following programming. It is about hosting an experience. Cody shares how the best gyms in the world create energy, belonging, and connection. You will learn how to shift from being an Coach to being a true leader who builds a culture that feels good to be part of and hard to leave. Key Topics Covered: 1. The Host Mindset Every session is a hosted experience. A great coach sets the tone, builds anticipation, and creates an environment that feels alive. The job is not just to lead training but to welcome people into a culture. 2. Setting the Environment Coaches control the energy of the room. From the music to the greeting to the transitions between movements, every detail matters. People move and perform better in an intentional environment. 3. Connection is the Currency The best coaches connect with every client during every session. A name, a fist bump, or a personal cue tells someone they are seen and valued. Connection drives retention far more than programming alone. 4. Building Micro Communities Every gym naturally forms smaller groups. Instead of ignoring them, great coaches lean into these communities. Celebrating teams, creating small rituals, and building camaraderie deepens the culture and keeps people coming back. 5. Coaching Energy and Leadership Energy is leadership. Great coaches do not have to be loud, but they do need to be intentional. They create momentum, keep energy high, and lead with presence. 6. The Virtuous Coaching Framework Host. Experience. Connection. This simple structure helps coaches deliver a world class session every time. Greet with purpose, lead with energy, and finish by connecting personally. Takeaway: Coaching is more than teaching movement. It is about creating moments people never forget. When you coach like a host, your workouts become experiences, your gym becomes a community, and your clients become family. Listen to this episode if you want to: Build stronger connections with clients Improve class energy and engagement Create a culture people love being part of Develop leadership beyond sets and reps   Call to Action: If this episode hit home, share it with another coach who needs to hear it. Then go out and host the best workout experience your people have ever had.   If you haven’t yet be sure to Subscribe!!! Follow us on Social: Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmith YouTube: The Channel Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswa Gym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnessboise

    25 min
  3. 10/30/2025

    How to Start Running…And Stick with it.

    In this episode, I break down how to start running the right way. Whether you’ve never run before or you’re trying to get back into it, this conversation focuses on simplicity, longevity, and building a rhythm you can sustain. Most people overcomplicate running, chase miles too soon, or burn out fast. This EpisodeI share how to build consistency, enjoy the process, and create a foundation that lasts. You’ll learn the seven steps every great running coach in the world agrees on for starting smart: Get fitted for proper running shoes and keep your gear simple. Run for time, not distance. Start with 20 minutes and add five minutes each week. Run two to three times per week to build the habit without overtraining. Keep your pace conversational. If you can talk while running, you’re in the right zone. Progress gradually and take recovery seriously. Fuel and hydrate before your runs to feel better and perform better. Learn basic running form and follow a simple plan that keeps you moving forward.   I explains why Zone 2 running is essential for longevity, how to avoid the most common beginner mistakes, and why patience and consistency always outperform intensity and speed. This episode is for anyone who wants to start running with purpose and build a habit that actually lasts.   If you haven’t yet be sure to Subscribe!!! Follow us on Social: Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmith YouTube: The Channel Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswa Gym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnessboise

    25 min
  4. 10/23/2025

    The Future of Fitness: Why Hybrid Training is the New Normal

    In this episode I break down what it really means to be a hybrid athlete and why this approach represents the future of fitness. For years, people have trained in boxes as bodybuilders chasing aesthetics, endurance athletes chasing miles, and CrossFitters chasing intensity. But a new kind of athlete is forming. The hybrid athlete blends strength, endurance, and conditioning to build a body that not only looks good but performs exceptionally well in every environment. Today I jump into my theories around that and how fitness has evolved, why the hybrid model is so effective, and how this training style leads to strength, capability, and longevity. If you want to look awesome, move well, and feel unstoppable, this episode will give you a clear vision of what the next era of training looks like. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How I believe fitness evolved from bodybuilding and CrossFit into the rise of the hybrid athlete What hybrid training really means and how to structure it effectively Why hybrid athletes are the most well-rounded and capable humans on the planet The three pillars of hybrid performance: strength, endurance, and intensity Why this training style builds sustainable results and long-term health How Virtuous embodies the hybrid philosophy inside its programs and culture Key Takeaways: “Hybrid training isn’t about being the best at one thingit’s about being dangerous at everything.” “The future of fitness isn’t bodybuilding or CrossFit…it’s both.” “Looking good is great. Performing well is better. Doing both for life…that’s hybrid.” If you haven’t yet be sure to Subscribe!!! Follow us on Social: Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmith YouTube: The Channel Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswa Gym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnessboise

    25 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The Virtuous Coach Podcast is a weekly show focusing on topics around Fitness, Nutrition, Grappling, Personal Development, Business, and so much more! Hosted by Cody and Megan Smith Founders of Virtuous Fitness and Virtuous Grappling, it is our Mission to give you all the information and tools you need to optimize your life through our Create Yourself Mindset.Follow us on Social:Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmithGym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswaGym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling

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