The Fit Pro Journey - Business Coaching for Fitness & Health Coaches

Ria Zervos - Business Coaching for Fitness & Health Coaches
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The Fitness Pro Journey is the go-to weekly podcast for personal trainers, health coaches, and fitness professionals ready to start or grow a profitable online coaching business—without the fluff, burnout, or bro-marketing tactics. Hosted by Ria, a former Fit Pro turned business mentor with over 22 years in the fitness industry—from club program manager to trade show organizer—this show is packed with no-BS advice, industry insight, and real talk from someone who’s done it all. Since launching her coaching business in 2018 (and going full-time in 2020), she’s helped hundreds of Fit Pros build sustainable, client-attracting businesses online. Each episode delivers raw, actionable strategies to help you launch your first offer, attract your dream clients, show up confidently online, and build a business that actually fits your life—with a little humor and tough love along the way. Whether you’re brand new to online coaching or ready to scale your existing fitness business, The Fitness Pro Journey will help you ditch self-doubt and unlock your full potential. Tune in every week and take the next step in building the coaching business you’ve been dreaming of. Connect ＞ IG @_ria_z Connect ＞ TikTok ＞ @riazfitbizcoach Connect ＞ admin@riazervos.com

  1. 2d ago

    #185 September Is Closer Than You Think: What to Have Ready Before It Gets Here

    September is one of the biggest opportunity windows in the fitness industry — but the coaches who have momentum going into it started weeks earlier, not on September 1st. In this episode, Ria breaks down the five things she'd want in place before September hits: a clear offer, a clear picture of who she wants to work with, real conversations already in motion, a simple next step for interested leads, and an actual follow-up plan. Plus, why "not right now" from a past conversation might be closer to a "yes" than you think. You'll Learn: Why September acts like a "second January" for client interest The one question every fit pro should be able to answer about their offer Why waiting until September to start conversations is too late A simple framework for moving someone from interested to client Why follow-up is the most overlooked way to sign clients this fall Connect with Ria on Instagram: @_ria_z Design Your Signature Program: Start Here The Offline Client Blueprint:→ Find Clients Offline Start your day with medical grade Collagen

  2. Aug 10

    #184 Is Your Fitness Job Safe? Why Every Instructor & Coach Needs a Backup Plan

    Is Your Fitness Job Safe? Why Every Instructor & Coach Needs a Backup Plan You've built your career. You've put in the years, the certifications, the hours on the floor. But have you ever stopped to ask: what happens if it all disappears tomorrow? In this episode, Ria gets real about job security in the fitness industry — an industry built on studios that close, gyms that get bought out, contracts that don't get renewed, and management that changes overnight. It's not about fear-mongering. It's about facing a truth most fit pros avoid until they're forced to: your income shouldn't live or die by one employer's decisions. Whether you're an instructor, trainer, or coach working for someone else, this episode is about protecting your career the same way you'd protect any business — with a plan B that's already in motion before you need it. In this episode, Ria covers: Why "safe" fitness jobs aren't as safe as they used to be Real signs the industry has shifted under instructors' feet in recent years The mindset shift from employee to owner of your own career How to start building income streams outside your primary job — without burning out or quitting your day job What it actually looks like to future-proof your fitness career Who this episode is for: Instructors, trainers, and coaches who've never questioned their job security — until now. If your entire income depends on one studio, one gym, or one boss, this episode is for you.   Connect with Ria on Instagram: @_ria_z Design Your Signature Program: Start Here Grab my free guide:→ Find Clients Offline Start your day with medical grade Collagen

  3. Aug 3

    #183 Is Your Instagram Safe? What Every Fit Pro Needs to Know Before It's Too Late

    Is Your Instagram Safe? What Every Fit Pro Needs to Know Before It's Too Late It's the nightmare scenario nobody thinks will happen to them — until it does. Lately, Ria has been hearing more and more stories from fit pros who've logged in one morning to find their Instagram account disabled, restricted, or gone completely. No warning. No clear reason. Some have managed to get their accounts back. Others have lost over a decade of content, client relationships, and business history in an instant. If your business runs through Instagram — your DMs, your community, your visibility, your leads — this episode is your wake-up call. Ria talks through what's actually happening, why this is becoming more common, and most importantly, what you need to do right now to make sure your business doesn't live or die by an algorithm you don't control.   Who this episode is for: Any fit pro or health coach whose business relies heavily on Instagram — which is most of us. If the thought of losing your account overnight makes your stomach drop a little, this episode is required listening.   Connect with Ria on Instagram: @_ria_z Design Your Signature Program: Start Here Pinterest Master Class:→ Start Here Start your day with medical grade Collagen

  4. Jul 27

    #182 What the World Cup & Tour de France Can Teach You About Running a Fitness Business

    What does it take to compete at the highest level in sport — and what does that have to do with your fitness business? In this episode, Ria breaks down the mindset principles behind the World Cup and Tour de France, and how those same principles separate fit pros who thrive from those who stay stuck   If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag @_ria_z — I'd love to know what part hit home for you. Design Your Signature Program: Start Here Grab my free guide:→ Find Clients Offline Start your day with medical grade Collagen

  5. Jul 20

    #181 The $0 Month: What Slow Months in Your Fitness Business Actually Mean

    Had a $0 month in your coaching business? You're not alone — and it doesn't mean you're failing. Here's what slow months actually mean and what to do next.   If you've ever stared at your Stripe account during a slow month and wondered what's wrong with you... this episode is for you. In this episode of The Fit Pro Journey, Ria breaks down the $0 month nobody talks about online — the slow stretches every coach experiences but almost no one posts about. She shares the first time it happened to her, the story our brains tell us during a slow season, and why revenue is often a lagging indicator of work you did weeks or months ago. You'll learn: Why a slow month doesn't mean your business is failing The difference between a "building season" and a real problem Why revenue often lags behind the work that's actually creating it The questions to ask yourself instead of panicking during a slow stretch Why social media makes slow months feel worse than they are What to keep doing (even when it feels like nothing is working) so momentum doesn't stall out completely If you're in a slow season right now, this episode is your reminder: you're probably closer than you think.   Instagram: @_ria_z If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag @_ria_z — I'd love to know what part hit home for you.   Design Your Signature Program: Start Here Grab my free guide:→ Find Clients Offline Start your day with medical grade Collagen

  6. Jul 13

    #180 The Real Reason Most Fitness Coaches Stay Stuck for Years

    Why do so many fitness coaches stay stuck for years, even after investing in certifications, courses, and endless business education? In this episode of The Fit Pro Journey, I'm breaking down the real reasons health and fitness coaches struggle to grow their online coaching businesses. We discuss the trap of constant learning without implementation, how perfectionism keeps coaches from taking action, and why waiting for confidence is often the biggest mistake of all. You'll also hear real client stories from Ryan and Maria, who stopped overthinking, started taking action, and began creating momentum in their businesses. If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're doing all the things without seeing results, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why more certifications won't solve your business problems The difference between learning and implementing How perfectionism slows down business growth Why confidence comes from action, not before it The stories of Ryan and Maria and how they started gaining momentum Simple steps you can take today to move your business forward Resources: Download my free guide: How to Find Your Next Client Offline Learn more about coaching and mentorship opportunities Liquid Collagen that changed how I feel in the morning

  7. Jul 6

    #179 Nobody Is Coming to Save Your Fitness Business

    If you've been waiting for the algorithm, AI, another certification, or more followers to finally make your fitness business work — this episode is for you. Ria gets real about the four things fit pros are relying on that aren't actually building their business, and what to focus on instead. In This Episode: Why chasing the algorithm is keeping you stuck (and what it was actually designed to do) The truth about AI and why more content isn't your answer The real reason you keep signing up for certifications — and what it's costing you Why follower count is a vanity metric, not a business metric The three things that actually build a sustainable fitness coaching business: Clarity, Conversations, and Consistency   Connect with Ria: Instagram: @_ria_z Resources: 9 Steps to Designing Your Signature Program Find Your Next Client Offline Best Liquid Collagen

  8. Jun 29

    #178 Why Great Fitness Coaches Leave the Industry (And How to Stay)

    Are you a fitness professional wondering why some coaches build lasting careers while others burn out and walk away? In this episode, business coach Ria Zervos breaks down the real difference between coaches who stay in the fitness industry long-term and those who don't — and it has nothing to do with certifications or social media followers. Ria shares what she's observed over 22 years in fitness, including the four key habits that keep coaches thriving: adapting to industry changes, building genuine relationships, developing business skills, and ditching the shortcut mentality. If you're a personal trainer, health coach, or fitness professional feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or close to giving up — this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn: Why being a great coach isn't enough to build a sustainable business The #1 reason most fitness coaches leave the industry 4 things long-term coaches do differently How to stop chasing strategies and start building something real 🎙️ Listen now and if you're ready for more structure and support in your fitness business, DM Ria on Instagram with the word STAY.   Designing Your Signature Program, to get clear on your offer and start attracting clients with confidence. Pinterest Masterclass: Start Here Connect with me on Instagram: @_ria_z Favorite Liquid Collagen: Click Here

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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

The Fitness Pro Journey is the go-to weekly podcast for personal trainers, health coaches, and fitness professionals ready to start or grow a profitable online coaching business—without the fluff, burnout, or bro-marketing tactics. Hosted by Ria, a former Fit Pro turned business mentor with over 22 years in the fitness industry—from club program manager to trade show organizer—this show is packed with no-BS advice, industry insight, and real talk from someone who’s done it all. Since launching her coaching business in 2018 (and going full-time in 2020), she’s helped hundreds of Fit Pros build sustainable, client-attracting businesses online. Each episode delivers raw, actionable strategies to help you launch your first offer, attract your dream clients, show up confidently online, and build a business that actually fits your life—with a little humor and tough love along the way. Whether you’re brand new to online coaching or ready to scale your existing fitness business, The Fitness Pro Journey will help you ditch self-doubt and unlock your full potential. Tune in every week and take the next step in building the coaching business you’ve been dreaming of. Connect ＞ IG @_ria_z Connect ＞ TikTok ＞ @riazfitbizcoach Connect ＞ admin@riazervos.com

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