NASM Podcast Network

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Channel • 8 Shows

Fitness

Fitness

Updated Weekly
Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Updated 02/10/2021
Fitness

Fitness

Updated Weekly
Fitness

Fitness

Updated Weekly
Fitness

Fitness

Updated Weekly
Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Updated Weekly
Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Updated Weekly

5d ago

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
4d ago

How to Train Your Core for Better Spinal Health and Injury Prevention

The main question this episode answers is: How do you build and maintain a healthy, functional spine through proper core training and spinal hygiene? A healthy spine depends on more than just visible abs, and NASM emphasizes foundational core stability to prevent pain and injury. In this “Random Fit,” NASM educators, co-hosts Wendy Batts and Ken Miller, break down the real essentials of spinal hygiene, going beyond social media workouts focused on six-pack abs. Listeners will discover why spinal health is about training the deep, local stabilizer muscles as well as the larger, global muscles, and why prioritizing proper alignment, core assessments, and fundamental exercises like planks and dead bugs matters more than high-repetition crunches. The episode also explains common compensation patterns from sitting, how tight hip flexors or weak glutes can harm spinal alignment, and how to correct these imbalances before adding more advanced movements. After listening, fitness professionals and enthusiasts alike will understand how to create a personalized, step-by-step approach to core and spinal training for long-term health, using NASM’s science-based techniques. Chapters: [00:00] What is spinal hygiene and why does it matter for your core? [02:13] How do experts define the core and its relationship to spinal health? [04:55] Why is having visible abs not the same as having a healthy spine? [08:12] Which muscles make up the core, and why are the local stabilizers so important? [12:36] How does NASM recommend building a strong, stable foundation before dynamic core exercises? [15:17] What are the risks of skipping foundational core work and jumping to advanced exercises? [19:25] How do sitting and daily habits create compensation patterns that affect spinal health? [23:21] Why do you need to address muscle imbalances and compensations before strengthening the spine? [25:36] How can you coach perfect plank form to target the right core muscles? [28:43] What cues and progressions make exercises like planks and bird dogs truly effective? [30:15] How should you approach crunches and rotational exercises after building a stable core? [32:32] What are the practical next steps for maintaining spinal hygiene in everyday life? Show References: Cholewicki, J., & McGill, S. M. (1996). Mechanical stability of the in vivo lumbar spine: Implications for injury and chronic low back pain. Clinical Biomechanics, 11(1), 1-15. doi: 10.1016/0268-0033(95)00035-6. McGill, S. M. (2015). Low back disorders: Evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation (3rd ed.). Human Kinetics. McGill, S. M., Childs, A., & Liebenson, C. (1999). Endurance times for low back stabilization exercises: clinical targets for testing and training from a normal database. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 22(5), 293-301. doi: 10.1016/s0003-9993(99)90087-4 National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). (2022). NASM essentials of personal fitness training (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. (Chapter 14: Core Training Concepts). 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
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
5d ago

How strong foot mechanics impact performance and injury risk

Your foot is not just a support structure but a critical foundation for athletic performance and everyday movement. This episode of the NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable” answers the common question: "Why should I rethink training the foot and ankle for better movement and injury prevention?" Hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller break down the importance of treating the foot as an integrated performance system, not just a passive base. Listeners will learn how foot function impacts the entire kinetic chain, influencing everything from strength and power generation to common overuse injuries. The conversation explores how the foot's sensory, mechanical, and elastic properties affect stability, knee and hip health, balance, and injury risk. You will gain actionable strategies for assessing and improving foot mechanics, integrating corrective exercise, and progressing from foundational movements to more advanced power training. Additionally, the hosts clarify common misconceptions about footwear, pronation, and programming. After listening, fitness professionals and enthusiasts will understand why foot and ankle training is vital, how to spot dysfunction, and which evidence-based NASM techniques can help clients move better from the ground up. Chapters: [00:00] What makes the foot and ankle so important for performance and movement? [00:02:13] How does the foot anchor the kinetic chain and impact force transfer? [00:03:08] What roles do the sensory, mechanical, and elastic systems of the foot play? [00:04:32] Why do lower limb injuries and dysfunction often start at the foot? [00:06:05] How does footwear influence foot mechanics and movement quality? [00:07:05] What happens in the body when foot mechanics break down? [00:08:33] Is pronation bad for the foot, or is it essential? [00:10:28] How does foot stiffness affect shock absorption and energy return? [00:12:09] What is the stretch-shortening cycle and why does ground contact time matter? [00:15:05] What does research say about minimalist shoes vs traditional running shoes? [00:17:19] Should you switch to minimalist footwear, and how do you do it safely? [00:19:30] How can trainers use NASM’s OPT model to improve foot function? [00:21:49] What are the most effective exercises for strengthening the foot and ankle? [00:22:20] Why is big toe extension crucial for movement and performance? [00:24:27] What are the key takeaways for coaches and clients about foot training? Show References: Holowka, N. B., Wallace, I. J., & Lieberman, D. E. (2018). Foot strength and stiffness are related to footwear use in a comparison of minimally- vs. conventionally-shod populations. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 3679. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-21916-7. Lieberman, D. E., Venkadesan, M., Werbel, W. A., et al. (2010). Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners. Nature, 463, 531–535. doi: 10.1038/nature08723 Lieberman, D. E. (2012). What we can learn about running from barefoot running: An evolutionary medical perspective. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 40(2), 63–72. doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e31824ab210 .McKeon, P. O., Hertel, J., Bramble, D., & Davis, I. (2014). The foot core system: A new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(5), 290. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092690. McKeon, P. O., & Fourchet, F. (2015). Freeing the foot: Integrating the foot core system into rehabilitation for lower extremity injuries. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 34(2), 347–361. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2014.12.002 Soysa, A., Hiller, C., Refshauge, K., & Burns, J. (2012). Importance and challenges of measuring intrinsic foot muscle strength. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 5(1), 29. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-5-29 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
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
Sep 2

How top bikini pros stay motivated and handle competition setbacks

Achieving success at the highest level of bodybuilding comes down to daily discipline, purposeful coaching relationships, and learning how to manage pressure, setbacks, and criticism—this “Peak Physique Podcast” episode explains how elite athletes stay motivated and consistently improve, drawing from Aimee Delgado's real experiences in the IFBB bikini division. In this conversation, host Andre Adams talks with reigning Arnold Classic bikini champion Aimee Delgado about the concrete strategies and mindset shifts that have taken her from a challenging childhood to competing on the Olympia stage. Listeners will understand how early athletic experiences, environmental changes, the right coaching fit, and support systems outside the gym all contribute to long-term growth and resilience. The discussion details why outcome-based goals, while exciting, are fleeting, and why process habits, intrinsic motivation, and learning from adversity create lasting performance. Whether you are a trainer, athlete, or enthusiast, this episode offers real-world insight into managing progress, handling online criticism, making pivotal career decisions, and building a sustainable bodybuilding lifestyle. After listening, you will be able to apply strategies for staying focused, overcoming mental hurdles, and preparing holistically for elite-level competition. Chapters: 00:25 What is Amy Delgado’s background and how did she start her athletic journey? 02:54 How did Amy’s early athletic experiences affect her bodybuilding discipline? 07:05 What challenges did Amy face transitioning from cheerleading to bodybuilding? 12:33 What did Amy learn from her rookie pro season and how did she find the right coach? 16:47 How do elite athletes handle the pressure to keep improving and enjoy their wins? 18:19 How does Amy deal with criticism and negative feedback on social media? 24:39 In what ways has bodybuilding changed Amy’s life beyond the stage? 30:57 What mindset helps overcome fear and achieve growth in bodybuilding? 32:18 How did Amy and her coach approach major competitions like the Arnold and Pittsburgh Pro? 36:57 What impact do details like tan or posing have in high-level shows? 41:45 How does Amy continue to refine posing and stage presence? 49:43 What does recovery look like for top bikini athletes, and how do they manage training load? 55:35 What glute exercises and nutrition strategies does Amy use in and out of prep? 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. CTA: 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
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
02/10/2021

Ch. 5 – The Nervous, Muscular, and Skeletal Systems

Hey, everybody. Welcome to your Chapter five review. In this episode, it’s time to start tackling the different systems of the body. Today, we’ll cover the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. Just like a mechanic needs to learn the individual systems of a car, so too must fitness professionals learn about the systems within the human body. It is important to understand how exercise impacts and influences changes to health and fitness levels. We’ll cover these topics today, as well as the key learning objectives of the chapter. Don't wait. Become one of the World's best trainers with NASM. It's quick, easy, and affordable. Find out more: http://nasm.co/388LlMO
06/24/2021

NASM-CPT 7 Study Guide - Part I

If you’re studying for the NASM-CPT exam or looking to refresh your skills, this podcast series is for you. Let host and NASM Master Instructor Rick Richey walk you through part one of this seven-part series as he covers Basic and Applied Sciences and Nutritional Concepts. He touches on the human movement system, nervous system, skeletal system, bones, joints and much, much more. 𝙉𝘼𝙎𝙈 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜. 𝘿𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮! https://nasm.co/2SJESUl
02/10/2021

Ch. 3 – The Psychology of Exercise

Hey, everybody. Welcome to your Chapter three review. In this episode we’ll discuss the relationship between our mind and fitness and, as always, we’ll cover key learning points from the chapter. Don't wait. Become one of the World's best trainers with NASM. It's quick, easy, and affordable. Find out more: http://nasm.co/3qiUDMm

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