Elite Trainer Academy

Kyle Pullin

The Elite Trainer Podcast is hosted by Kyle Pullin, a coach mentored by Sal, Adam, and Justin from Mind Pump and now leading the growth of their personal training business. This show is for fitness coaches who want to sharpen their skills, grow a real business, and impact more lives. Whether you're new to training or looking to level up, you'll get proven strategies, honest insights, and the tools to stand out in a crowded industry.

  1. 4D AGO

    EP 30: Why “More” Is Ruining Your Clients’ Results

    Some clients need to be pushed harder.Others need to be pulled back.In this episode, Kyle and Corinne break down how to handle one of the toughest coaching situations — when a client is doing too much. From excessive training and rigid macro tracking to high-achiever burnout, they explain how to recognize early warning signs, reframe “hard work,” and guide clients toward the right dose of training and nutrition for long-term results.If you coach driven, grind-heavy clients who refuse to slow down — this episode is essential.If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started.00:00 The Two Types of Clients Who Need to Scale Back 01:54 Early Warning Signs of Burnout 03:40 Communication Is the Real Skill 05:10 Why You Don’t Say “We’re Scaling Back” 06:54 Using Strength as the New Focus 08:24 The Right Dose vs Doing More 10:34 Reframing Hard Work for High Achievers 13:53 Finding Movement They Enjoy 15:45 When Nutrition Becomes Control 19:27 Moving Toward Intuitive Eating 21:14 Building Awareness Around Food & EmotionsInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

    23 min
  2. FEB 2

    EP 28: Tough Talks: How Elite Coaches Handle Hard Client Conversations

    Corinne returns to the Elite Trainer Academy after overwhelming positive feedback. This episode dives deep into the conversations most coaches avoid — the hard, awkward, uncomfortable ones. Kyle and Corinne break down how to set expectations, deal with communication drop-off, reframe motivation, and sell without being salesy. Whether you’re brand new or managing a full client roster, this episode will give you the communication tools that separate average trainers from elite ones. If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started. 00:00 Why Corinne is back by popular demand 01:27 The #1 hardest conversation every trainer must have 02:33 Managing unrealistic client expectations04:04 Why crash diets keep clients stuck in a loop 06:12 Building sustainable results without white-knuckling08:43 Selling = effective communication 10:14 Convincing clients emotionally (not just logically) 12:00 What to do when communication starts to fade 13:13 How to prevent clients from ghosting you 15:40 The power of effort-based wins vs results-based rewards 20:51 Why asking better questions changes client behavior 24:41 Uncomfortable talks are 90% of your job Instagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefano Justin Andrews - @mindpumpjustin Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdoug Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube: Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

    28 min
  3. JAN 26

    EP 27: Certified But Clueless: Why You’re Still Not a Great Coach

    JOIN OUR SKOOL COMMUNITY !https://www.skool.com/the-elite-trainer-academy In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle is joined by Cole to unpack the hard truth about what really makes a coach elite. Spoiler: it's not your certifications. They explore the certification trap many new trainers fall into, and why real mastery only comes through repetition, pattern recognition, and applied communication. From building feedback loops to simplifying complex ideas for clients, Cole and Kyle break down the essential skills every trainer must develop to create lasting results—and become a true leader in their clients’ lives.If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started. 00:00 What Makes an Elite Coach 01:00 The Certification Trap for New Trainers 03:00 The Problem With Relying on Credentials 06:00 Why Real Coaching Happens Through Experience 08:00 Mastery Comes From Nuance, Not Theory 10:00 Education vs Application: What Actually Matters 13:00 Why Trainers Overcomplicate Language 15:00 Teaching vs Sounding Smart 17:00 Using Feedback Loops to Grow Fast 19:00 Pattern Recognition: Coaching at the Next Level 22:00 Communication Is the Most Underrated Skill 26:00 Behavior Change Is the Real Job3 0:00 Leadership: The Final Piece of Being Elite Instagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle Cole Steininger -  @mindpumpcole  Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefano Justin Andrews - @mindpumpjustin Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdoug Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube: Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

    40 min
  4. JAN 19

    EP 26: Why Clients Quit (And How to Prevent It) Master This and Keep Clients for Life

    In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle is joined by Corinne to dive into the real secret behind long-term client success: relationship-building. They discuss why consistency issues—not programming—are the biggest challenge for most clients, and how vulnerability, empathy, and communication are the true foundation of coaching. From letting your personality shine to showing up steady no matter what life throws at you, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom every coach needs to hear. If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started.00:00 Building Strong Client Relationships 02:00 Vulnerability and Emotional Barriers 04:00 Learning the Details of a Client’s Life 06:00 Letting Your Personality Show as a Coach 08:00 Being Vulnerable as a Coach Builds Trust 10:00 The Problem with Perfection and Influencer Coaching 12:00 What Breaks Client Trust 13:00 The Power of Reliability and Timely Feedback 15:00 Creating Emotional Safety for Clients 17:00 Maintaining Steady Energy No Matter What 18:30 Life Advice That Makes You a Better CoachInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle Corinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

    20 min
  5. JAN 12

    EP 25: Big Box Gym Survival Guide for New Trainers

    Mind Pump Personal Training: https://mindpumppersonaltraining.com/?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=etapepisode&el=14 In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle and Adam sit down with Brennan, a brand-new trainer just four months into his career. They dive into what it’s really like starting at a big box gym, how to build real relationships without being pushy, and how to reframe sales as service. Brennan opens up about the uncomfortable surprises, finding his voice, and the strategies that are helping him succeed fast—including mentorship from top-tier trainers. This episode is a must-listen for new coaches navigating their first year.If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started.00:00 Brennan joins the show: Early impressions of training 01:08 Why he became a personal trainer despite warnings 02:01 First big surprise: Big box gym challenges 03:02 Learning to find your own clients in the gym 04:00 Brennan’s scan-based strategy to break the ice 05:03 Adam’s story: Becoming the “mayor” of the gym 07:12 Relationship-building vs. direct sales 09:10 Lessons from the most successful trainer in the gym 10:00 Brennan’s approach to presenting PT packages 11:02 Mindset shift: Selling transformation, not sessions 12:22 Lessons from Marcelo’s sales calls 14:01 How to evaluate your own sales performance 15:02 Final takeaways and Brennan’s biggest growth momentsInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

    15 min
  6. JAN 5

    EP 24: How to Truly Change a Client’s Life , The Power of Community, Coaching, and Communication

    Mind Pump Personal Training: https://mindpumppersonaltraining.com/?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=etapepisode&el=14In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle and Adam sit down with Mary — a longtime Mind Pump fan who turned her passion into a powerful career in fitness. Mary shares how she went from an advertising job to becoming a trainer at LA Fitness, then transitioned to working at NASA focusing on corrective exercise and mobility. She discusses how community, clear communication, and small wins have shaped her coaching philosophy. The conversation highlights one of her most impactful success stories: helping a 12-year-old girl reverse prediabetes and transform her family’s lifestyle. A must-listen for any trainer looking to create real, lasting change in their clients’ lives.If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started.00:00 From Mind Pump Listener to Fitness Career02:00 Leaving Advertising and Starting at LA Fitness05:00 Developing Skills at NASA: Mobility & Pain-Free Training08:30 Building Confidence Through Education and Mentorship11:00 Why Corrective Exercise Improved Client Retention13:00 Leading Group Classes and Adapting to Different Populations15:00 Overcoming the Fear of Sales Conversations17:30 Coaching Women With Prediabetes20:00 How Mary Helped a 12-Year-Old Reverse Her Diagnosis23:00 Family Buy-In and Lifestyle Change25:00 Parenting Through Leadership and Example27:00 Building Trust, Emotional Impact, and Client TransformationInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

    15 min
  7. 12/29/2025

    EP 23: From No Clients to Full-Time Trainer | Elite Trainer Academy

    Mind Pump Personal Training: https://mindpumppersonaltraining.com/?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=etapepisode&el=14In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, we sit down with Scott, a coach who rebuilt their personal training business from the ground up after getting laid off during COVID—without relying on past clients. We dive into creative, boots-on-the-ground strategies like SEO, community flyers, intake forms that filter your dream clients, and the mindset it takes to build trust fast. Whether you're just getting started or want to level up your systems, this episode is a tactical blueprint for in-person and online client growth.If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started.00:00 Laid Off During COVID—Now a Full-Time Trainer01:17 Starting From Scratch Without Old Clients03:04 Building In-Person Leads Through SEO & Flyers06:20 Leveraging Visibility & Being Seen in Your Community08:30 Flyers That Actually Convert (And Why)10:00 Turning Flyers Into Sales Conversations12:24 Intake Forms That Qualify Clients14:15 Showing You’re a Pro—Even Early On15:45 Building Trust Without Being Pushy18:00 Scaling from In-Person to Online Without Losing QualityInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

    22 min
5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

The Elite Trainer Podcast is hosted by Kyle Pullin, a coach mentored by Sal, Adam, and Justin from Mind Pump and now leading the growth of their personal training business. This show is for fitness coaches who want to sharpen their skills, grow a real business, and impact more lives. Whether you're new to training or looking to level up, you'll get proven strategies, honest insights, and the tools to stand out in a crowded industry.

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