The NASM-CPT Podcast With Rick Richey

Are you studying to become a personal trainer or just started your training career? NASM Master Instructor Rick Richey takes listeners on an informative and engaging journey to help establish a solid foundation in your fitness path.

  1. 4d ago

    Top Challenges of Running a Fitness Business in 2024

    Welcome to a special crossover episode! Join renowned fitness expert and “NASM CPT Podcast” host Rick Richey, as he sits down with long-time NASM colleagues, and close friends, Wendy Batts and Ken Miller on the award-winning "Random Fit" podcast. 🎧 What You'll Discover in This Episode: ·      Behind the Mic: Dive into the challenges and creative process behind the NASM CPT Podcast, from content creation to audience engagement. ·      Success as a Fitness Professional: Learn how Rick balances running multiple businesses—gyms, recovery studios—and his personal training clients while remaining a top educator in the fitness space. ·      Industry Evolution: Hear Rick’s take on the biggest shifts in fitness, like the rise of virtual training and recovery science, plus the renaissance of kettlebells. ·      Secrets to Trainer Excellence: Discover what separates a good trainer from a great one in today’s evolving wellness industry—and why connection, basics, and lifelong learning matter most. ·      Entrepreneur Insights: Rick opens up about the realities of gym ownership, including the often-overlooked pitfalls and practical advice for personal trainers hoping to start their own facility. ·      The Future of Recovery: Explore breakthrough recovery techniques beyond stretching and foam rolling—think infrared saunas, pneumatic compression, and sleep optimization. ·      Personal Stories & Honest Advice: Rick and his longtime NASM colleagues swap lessons learned from decades in the industry, including what Rick wishes he knew at the start of his career.  🌟 Whether you're a personal trainer, fitness entrepreneur, NASM student, or just passionate about health, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories you can’t miss! 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

    55 min
  2. Jun 9

    Joint Actions Explained: Flexion, Extension, Rotation & More

    Welcome to the “NASM CPT Podcast” with Rick Richey! In this value-packed episode, Rick breaks down the essential joint actions of the human body—a must-listen for anyone studying for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam, fitness professionals, or anyone eager to master functional anatomy and human movement science. 👉 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ·      What are joint actions and why do they matter for movement and exercise? ·      The three key planes of motion: sagittal, frontal, and transverse ·      Definitions and practical examples of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, circumduction, protraction, retraction, elevation, depression, and more ·      Specialty movements specific to the scapula, foot, and ankle (inversion, eversion, pronation, supination, dorsiflexion, plantar flexion) ·      Real-world tips to understand, cue, and identify joint actions for better client results ·      How to avoid common misconceptions in exercise scienceWhether you’re reviewing for your CPT, diving into corrective exercise, or refreshing your anatomy knowledge, this episode will help you understand the language of human movement in a clear, applicable way. 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

    33 min
  3. Jun 2

    Why Don’t Clients Trust Trainers to Count Reps?

    Are you tired of the classic gym question, "What rep am I on?" In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” award-winning personal trainer Dr. Rick Richey tackles the timeless debate between trainers and clients: why is counting reps so tricky? Discover proven strategies to master counting, build client trust, and elevate your personal training game. 🏋️♂️ Topics Covered: ·      Why clients distrust trainers’ counting skills ·      The real reasons both trainers and clients miscount reps ·      Practical tips: counting out loud, finger counting, clickers, tally marks & timers ·      How miscounting impacts professionalism and client perception ·      Pro tips for managing group sessions and high-rep sets ·      When rep counting really matters—and when it doesn’t If you’re a fitness coach, personal trainer, or industry professional, this episode delivers must-know insights for client relationships and session success. Whether you're just starting out or looking for strategies to improve your service, tune in to level up your sessions and keep your clients coming back for more. 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

    19 min
  4. May 26

    Encore Presentation: Resistance Training Variables to Develop Muscles

    Ready to pack on muscle and transform your physique? In this special encore episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” Rick Richey breaks down proven resistance training variables YOU need to know for optimal muscle growth! 💪Discover: ·      ESSENTIAL resistance training variables: sets, reps, tempo, rest periods, and more ·      The truth about muscle soreness & why it’s NOT a reliable indicator of growth ·      Ideal set & rep ranges for muscle development (3-6 sets, 6-12 reps) ·      How many reps in reserve you should leave for max gains ·      Effective rest intervals: 60 seconds to 2 minutes for recovery and muscle building ·      Importance of full, pain-free range of motion for growth and injury prevention ·      Expert tips on tempo & why lowering weights slowly can accelerate results…and so much more!No supplements. No gimmicks. Just science-backed TRAINING strategies to get BIGGER, STRONGER, and more defined muscles—FAST. Who is this for? ✔️ Personal trainers ✔️ Fitness enthusiasts ✔️ Anyone serious about building muscle ✔️ NASM CPT candidates and certified pros 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

    18 min
  5. May 19

    Why You Shouldn’t Chase Soreness in Your Workouts

    Are you obsessed with post-workout soreness? Wondering if being sore means you’re making true fitness gains? On this episode of the NASM CPT Podcast, award-winning personal trainer Rick Richey exposes the myths around muscle soreness, progress, and recovery in strength training. What you’ll learn in this episode: ·      Why muscle soreness (DOMS) is NOT a true indicator of progress or muscle growth ·      The science behind inflammation, microtears, and pain after workouts ·      Recovery strategies for overcoming soreness and maximizing results ·      How overtraining and poor rest reduce your gains (plus warning signs) ·      Tips for personal trainers to keep clients motivated and coming back ·      Real stories and proven methods for training smarter, not harderWhether you’re a fitness enthusiast, personal trainer, or just getting started, this episode will help you rethink your workout strategy and avoid common mistakes that lead to burnout, injury, and client dropout. 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

    23 min
  6. May 12

    Pro Boxer Amelia Moore on Weight Cut, Nutrition & Training

    Welcome to the “NASM CPT Podcast!” In this power-packed episode, host Rick Richey sits down with Team USA Olympic boxer and NABF Lightweight Champion Amelia Moore to uncover the REAL strategies behind elite boxing success. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Amelia’s journey from childhood martial arts to becoming a pro boxing champion How she leverages the NASM OPT model for strength, conditioning, and performance The science-backed methods for weight cutting and nutrition for fighters True stories from inside the ring, including injuries, comeback mindset, and resilience How Amelia Moore is using her personal experience and NASM certifications to guide the next generation of athletes The resurgence of women’s boxing and what makes it so exciting right now 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

    55 min
  7. May 5

    Do You Plan Workouts—or Just Wing Them?

    Unlock the secrets to building effective long-term fitness programs! In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” Rick Richey, award-winning personal trainer and industry leader, breaks down the essentials of exercise programming to help both new and experienced trainers elevate their coaching game. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: ·      How to get started with structured programming for clients ·      The difference between macro, meso, and micro cycles ·      Step-by-step review of the NASM OPT Model ·      Practical tips to apply linear vs. undulating periodization ·      Real-world insights for helping clients reach their fitness goals Whether you’re a personal trainer looking to move beyond random workouts or you need guidance on goal-driven programming, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Discover how to create a clear path for client success—no matter if you’re working with new or current clients! ⏰ Key Topics Covered: ·      Why “random” sessions hold your clients back — and what to do instead ·      Using the macro cycle as your long-term blueprint ·      How to break down client goals into manageable mesocycles and micro cycles ·      Applying the NASM OPT Model: phases from stabilization to power ·      When to use linear or undulating periodization for maximum results 💥 For Fitness Pros and Enthusiasts: Perfect for NASM students, CPTs, coaches, and anyone committed to fitness excellence! Understand how science-backed programming keeps you and your clients motivated, progressing, and thriving. 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

    21 min
  8. Apr 28

    Is the Client Always Right in Personal Training?

    Are your clients always right—or is there more to successful personal training relationships? 🧐 In this episode of the award-winning “NASM CPT Podcast,” Dr. Rick Richey dives into the real-life communications that make or break the trainer-client dynamic.Discover how a simple miscommunication between a client and trainer almost derailed progress and learn Rick's expert tips for ensuring both honesty and progress in every session. From dealing with long-term injuries and pushing limits to actionable strategies for open communication, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and practical advice for personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts alike! 🔑 Episode Highlights & Keywords: ·      Is the client always right? Debunking the myth ·      Must-know communication strategies for personal trainers ·      Real client-trainer email case study ·      Preventing and managing miscommunications in fitness ·      Building safe, supportive, and motivating workout environments ·      How to push clients without crossing the line ·      The real reason clients quit personal training (hint: It's not money!) ·      Creating fitness surveys & debriefs that get honest feedback 🎧 Who Should Watch? ·      Personal trainers & coaches ·      Fitness professionals ·      Gym owners & managers ·      Anyone looking to level up their trainer-client relationship  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

    24 min
4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Are you studying to become a personal trainer or just started your training career? NASM Master Instructor Rick Richey takes listeners on an informative and engaging journey to help establish a solid foundation in your fitness path.

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