The Show Up Fitness Podcast

Chris Hitchko, CEO Show Up Fitness
  • 5.0 (253)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Chris Hitchko, author of 'How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer' VOL 2 and CEO of Show Up Fitness as he guides personal trainers towards success. 90% of personal trainers quit within 12-months in the USA, 18-months in the UK, Show Up Fitness is helping change those statistics. The Show Up Fitness CPT is one of the fastest growing PT certifications in the world with partnerships with over 500-gyms including Life Time Fitness, Equinox, Genesis, EoS, and numerous other elite partnerships.This podcast focuses on refining trade, business, and people skills to help trainers excel in the fitness industry. Discover effective client programming, revenue generation, medical professional networking, and elite assessment strategies. Learn how to become a successful Show Up Fitness CPT at www.showupfitness.com.  Send your questions to Chris on Instagram @showupfitness or via email at info@showupfitness.com."

  1. 11H AGO

    How to close better w/ Aaron Life Time Fitness Trainer

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why! Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/ Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

    14 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Real Coaches Summit w/ Coach Aram

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why! Aram ig: 4weeks2thebeach Tickets to April Seminar: https://realcoachessummit.com/tickets/p/presale-ticket?fbclid=PAVERFWAPYjK1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafjv2BNCBPnJJ3D9ceS2w-zGHPXsepZjXlelCytEsxnN-vw3piPbXSvFFCQdA_aem_S7fs_0X71OSfA7u01Joigg If you’ve ever felt torn between doing real coaching and chasing the next shiny promise, this conversation will feel like a deep breath. We unpack the journey from a high-paying finance gig to the gym floor and into building a no-fluff education event designed for the most neglected crowd in fitness: coaches with a few years of experience who want practical solutions, not sales scripts. Along the way, we get brutally honest about risk, debt, burnout, and the grind it takes to stick around long enough to get good at this work.    We break down the myths that keep clients stuck and trainers spinning. Fat loss isn’t driven by lifting alone; nutrition and intentional cardio move the needle while strength training protects muscle and confidence. Compliance is the science, so the plan has to fit the person’s bandwidth, not the other way around. You’ll hear simple, effective ways to teach intensity, set expectations, and offer clear choices that give clients autonomy—drop calories, add cardio, or both—while cutting out the jargon that loses people. We also get into sensitive, high-interest topics the right way: how to talk about GLP-1s and peptides within scope, coach women through menopause and PCOS, and program around pain without pretending to diagnose.    We also spotlight the Real Coaches Summit in Las Vegas, a two-and-a-half-day, CEU-eligible event built around applied talks you can use the next morning: hypertrophy programming, client compliance, deadlift mechanics, lab literacy, emotional eating strategies, and more. It’s education you can trust, plus the networking that only happens face to face—new peers, new podcasts, and the validation that you’re not doing this alone.    If you’re ready to trade optimization noise for outcomes, tap play, share this with a coach who needs it, and join us in Vegas. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the one skill you’re committed to simplifying for your clients this month. Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/ Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

    45 min

  3. JAN 14

    Becoming a Trainer in India: Inside the Mind of Coach Sanjay Duseja

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why! Coach Sanjay IG: yourfitnesscoach.in Tired of hearing “the gym keeps 70%, trainers get 30%” and wondering how to break the cycle? We sat down with Sanjay Duseja, who went from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to training 2,000+ clients across 40 countries, to map a smarter path through India’s fitness industry. His story shows you don’t need a big city to win—you need competence built on four pillars: education, experience, communication, and living what you teach. We dig into why low entry barriers and a lack of regulation depress pay and quality, and how owners and trainers often talk past each other. Sanjay explains how he funded early certifications while working in IT, moved online during lockdowns, and built trust with credentials, case studies, and simple, effective assessments. You’ll hear why a goal-first approach beats cookie-cutter routines: athletes can chase intensity and frequency because performance is their job, while general clients need sustainable programming that fits around work, family, and recovery. Assess movement, strength, and cardio, then tailor exercise selection, volume, and frequency to what the client actually wants—like playing with their grandchild for an hour without gasping. Sanjay’s “Year of Growth” experiment adds rare empathy. By deliberately gaining significant weight and then reversing course, he experienced breathlessness, back pain, poor sleep, and mental strain firsthand, and translated those lessons into coaching that meets clients where they are. We close with career design: escape the trap of 10–12 sessions a day by building rare skills, specializing intelligently, and capturing proof of outcomes so your hours go down and your income goes up. In a market with low barriers, top 1 percent competency stands out quickly—if you commit to learning and apply it with integrity. If this conversation sparked an idea, subscribe, share with a trainer friend, and leave a quick review. Tell us: which pillar are you doubling down on next—education, experience, communication, or walking the talk? Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/ Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

    43 min

  4. JAN 2

    Pass NASM in 2026 7th Edition 6,000 have passed NASM CPT w/ SUF

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why! SUF-CPT guarantees trainers to pass within 30-days and become a qualified CPT w/ SUF Stop drowning in 800 pages and start studying what gyms and the NASM exam actually test. We map the shortest path to a pass—then show how to turn that pass into a paying career with confident programming, clear communication, and real-world coaching skills. We start with the keystones: the OPT model’s five phases, the acute variables you must know cold, and how to spot supersets, tempos, and intensities at a glance. Then we make it practical. You’ll hear how to connect planes of motion to real exercises, identify agonists and stabilizers on the fly, and use a simple corrective flow for common patterns like knee valgus or heels lifting. We also clarify assessments and tests—from the overhead squat to Rockport, VT1/VT2, push-up endurance, and the LEFT—plus the must-know vital sign basics and what counts as subjective vs objective data. Nutrition stays simple and test-relevant: calories per gram, AMDR ranges, and hydration targets. More importantly, we critique fluffy warm-ups and long cooldowns and replace them with a plug-and-play full-body structure that sells: push, pull, accessory; repeat with intent; finish strong. If the bench is taken at 5 pm, you’ll know exactly how to pivot without losing flow or confidence. That’s what hiring managers want to see on a crowded floor. Along the way, we share a success story that moves from passing to getting hired, explain why textbook-only learning stalls new trainers, and outline a smarter route: study guides, live coaching, and hands-on practice with oversight. We also talk about building a professional team with a physical therapist and a registered dietitian so you can stay in scope, refer out wisely, and charge like a pro. Ready to pass NASM fast and coach with confidence? Follow the show, share this with a trainer friend who needs a win, and leave a review telling us the topic you want next. Your career can start in 30 days—let’s get you there. Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/ Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

    45 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    Cash Vs. Insurance PT Explained w/ Dr. Kurt Kessler

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why! Dr. Kurt IG: higherpowersportpt  What if getting “cleared” isn’t even close to ready? We sit down with sports physical therapist Dr. Kessler to break down the real differences between insurance-based clinics and cash-based care—and why that gap can decide whether you return to sport strong or stuck at 70 percent. Instead of chasing codes and cramming notes, we dig into longer one-on-one sessions, meaningful assessments, and exercise dosing that actually moves the needle. Dr. Kessler takes us behind the curtain of residency training, board exams, and the daily reality of high-volume clinics where documentation dictates decisions. We compare insurance goals—basic independence and ADLs—to athletic goals like sprinting, cutting, and lifting heavy. You’ll hear how test item clusters beat one-off special tests, why movement is medicine only when dosed right, and how to build capacity by targeting the real “why” behind pain. Hip pain in front? We talk posterior capsule, loading strategy, and the difference between protocols and problem-solving. We also get practical about collaboration. Trainers who speak anatomy and program progressive overload can carry clients from pain-free to peak performance, while PTs who respect performance training build stronger, safer handoffs. Together, that ecosystem prevents re-injury and measures what matters: side-to-side strength, rate of force development, and readiness to play. We close with honest talk on sales, marketing, and education gaps that hold both fields back—and the simple fixes that raise the bar for everyone. If you’re serious about better outcomes, stronger returns to sport, and a smarter PT–trainer alliance, this conversation will give you the playbook. Subscribe, share with a coach or clinician you trust, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/ Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

    44 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    From PT Clinic To Independent Trainer w/ Wendy in Tucson

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why! Want a real blueprint for going from overwhelmed rookie to confident, independent trainer? Wendy joins us with a candid look at what actually moved the needle: interning in a PT clinic, shadowing great coaches, training as a client to learn the buyer’s side, and choosing education that works in the real world. Her path across small-town Arizona gyms and a high-volume facility selling five-year packages reveals how marketing, culture, and leadership shape a trainer’s growth, pay, and staying power. We get specific about money and momentum. Wendy breaks down the grind of long days and 20 percent take-home pay, the decision to set her own rates, and how paid assessments filter price shoppers while signaling value. We share practical scripts for “it depends” pricing, when to state a range, and how to frame an assessment so clients feel invested from day one. If you’re stuck between charging more and losing leads, this conversation gives you tools to nudge rates up with confidence and clarity. Education becomes a competitive edge when it’s hands-on. We dig into seminars, Show Up Fitness programming, and why anatomy mastery silences imposter syndrome in elite rooms. Wendy talks about building systems—Stripe, clean paperwork, and consistent discovery calls—to keep a solo business sane. We also cover choosing the right independent gym: seek sharp peers, growth mindsets, and rooms where you’re proud to introduce your mom to most coaches. The takeaway is simple: stack real reps, join strong communities, and let outcomes justify your price. If this helped you rethink your next move, follow the show, share it with a trainer who needs a push, and leave a review so more coaches can find it. Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/ Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

    44 min

  7. 12/28/2025

    Ep. 300 Tennis Elbow & Elbow Pain Solved

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why! Elbow pain stealing your lifts and your grip? We dig into a clear, no-BS plan to calm lateral elbow pain and build tendons that can handle real training. Drawing on rehab science and practical coaching, we explain what’s actually going on at the wrist extensors, why sudden volume spikes overload tissue capacity, and how to fix the problem with targeted soft tissue work, mobility, and progressive loading that sticks. We start by simplifying the anatomy and the timelines you can realistically expect for tendons versus muscles and ligaments. From there, we tackle the myths: why cortisone and menthol creams feel good but miss the mark, when a brace helps short term, and how icing can delay healing. Then we map out the core routine—forearm soft tissue on the extensors, wrist mobility with prayer drills, and isometric holds followed by slow eccentrics and concentrics. You’ll hear how to scale sets, reps, and tempo, and how to test farmer’s carries without lighting up your symptoms. Because the elbow rarely acts alone, we zoom out to scapular mechanics and nerve considerations. Foam roller push-ups and a downward dog flow help restore scapular motion before pressing, while pec minor work reduces anterior tilt and nerve irritation. We share guardrails for load progressions, the Goldilocks approach to volume, and how to keep gains once pain fades so the tendon stays strong. If numbness or shooting pain shows up, we outline when to call in your physical therapist and how a team approach elevates your coaching and your results. Ready to get your grip back and keep training hard? Hit follow, share this with a friend who’s battling elbow pain, and leave a review telling us which drill made the biggest difference. Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/ Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

    21 min

  8. 12/27/2025

    Resume Hacks for Personal Trainers

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why! Do you want to get hired at Life Time Fitness, Equinox, Crunch, YMCA, LA Fitness, or One Life? How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer Vol. 2 has an entire chapter (Ch. 5) dedicated to helping you develop your resume, interview and get hired.  Want a recruiter to say “yes” before they finish their coffee? We walk through a practical blueprint for landing interviews at Equinox, Lifetime, and other top gyms—starting with a one-page resume that signals credibility in seconds. You’ll hear how to write a sharp objective, place certifications and CPR/AED where managers expect them, and use the right keywords so your resume survives ATS filters without pretending to hold credentials you don’t have. We dig into the real difference-makers: quantifying outcomes and showing breadth. Instead of vague claims, learn how to present 300+ coaching hours, retention rates, monthly sales figures, and program results that match tiered coaching models. We explain how to reference NSCA needs analysis, ACSM risk stratification, and FMS screening as proficiencies, not certifications, to demonstrate a wider toolkit. You’ll also hear a before-and-after resume example, complete with measurable achievements, client variety, and clear timelines that prove reliability. Then we shift from paper to performance. We share how to prep for the recruiter screen, avoid filler words, and research each company’s tiers and assessments so your answers land. If your dream gym feels out of reach, we offer a playbook: get interview reps elsewhere, build confidence, leverage seminars for warm referrals, and use mentorship to keep momentum steady. Rejections happen; smart trainers translate “not yet” into a stronger reapply. Ready to turn a cold resume into a warm introduction and a scheduled interview? Subscribe, share with a trainer friend, and leave a review to help more coaches get hired at elite gyms. Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/ Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqA NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com

    19 min
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5
out of 5
253 Ratings

About

Join Chris Hitchko, author of 'How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer' VOL 2 and CEO of Show Up Fitness as he guides personal trainers towards success. 90% of personal trainers quit within 12-months in the USA, 18-months in the UK, Show Up Fitness is helping change those statistics. The Show Up Fitness CPT is one of the fastest growing PT certifications in the world with partnerships with over 500-gyms including Life Time Fitness, Equinox, Genesis, EoS, and numerous other elite partnerships.This podcast focuses on refining trade, business, and people skills to help trainers excel in the fitness industry. Discover effective client programming, revenue generation, medical professional networking, and elite assessment strategies. Learn how to become a successful Show Up Fitness CPT at www.showupfitness.com.  Send your questions to Chris on Instagram @showupfitness or via email at info@showupfitness.com."

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Hitchko, CEO Show Up Fitness
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    306
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Show Up Fitness Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Show Up Fitness Podcast

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