NASM Master Instructor Roundtable: A Show for Personal Trainers

NASM Podcast Network
NASM Master Instructor Roundtable: A Show for Personal Trainers

Are you looking at taking your training career to the next level? NASM master instructors Marty Miller and Wendy Batts each week explore and engage in a variety of topics, training techniques and tidbits for fitness professionals and enthusiasts.

  1. JUN 30

    How Functional Training Has Evolved: From Physical Therapy to Fitness Trends

    On this “Master Instructor Roundtable," co-hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, take a deep dive into the ever-evolving concept of functional training, a term often tossed around but rarely fully understood. Drawing from over two decades of industry experience, Wendy and Marty unravel the origins of functional training, tracing its roots back to physical therapy in the 1970s and ’80s. They highlight how its true intent was to restore efficient, multi-joint movement patterns essential for everyday life—well beyond gym floor trends and Instagram-worthy workouts. The hosts discuss how functional training has been redefined and sometimes misused as fitness fads have come and gone. They emphasize the importance of quality movement, stability, and assessment-backed programming rather than simply chasing novelty with flashy tools and exercises. Both also break down the NASM OPT model, explaining how evidence-based assessments and targeted corrective strategies create purposeful, individualized progressions for every client—from elite athletes to older adults managing daily activities.Listeners will gain actionable advice on how to distinguish true function from mere fancy, why quality always trumps quantity, and how to align training with clients’ personal goals and real-world needs. Whether you're a new trainer or a seasoned coach, this episode will help you clarify your understanding of functional training, reinforce the fundamentals of assessment-driven programming, and ultimately, train smarter for real-world results.  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

    30 min
  2. JUN 23

    Can You Really ‘Fix’ A Client’s Movement?

    In this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, explore the real role of corrective exercise and challenge the common misconception that trainers are supposed to "fix" movement.  They discuss the difference between optimizing movement patterns and chasing perfection. We’ll also dive into the scope of practice for NASM professionals and how to reframe success with your clients through the lens of function, not flaw.  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
  3. JUN 16

    Red Flags: When to Refer Out & Build a Pro Network

    As fitness professionals, we strive to help our clients achieve their goals, but what happens when a session reveals something outside our scope?   In this “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, dive into the critical topic of recognizing red flags and understanding when it’s time to refer out.  We’ll explore the physical and mental warning signs no personal trainer should ignore, from unexplained pain to signs of disordered eating or mental health struggles. You'll learn how to build a trusted referral network, how to have those tough conversations with clients, and why referring out is a sign of strength—not weakness.  Whether you're a new CPT or a seasoned pro, this episode will sharpen your awareness, protect your certification, and help you better serve your clients.  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

    41 min
  4. JUN 9

    PGA Tour Pro Scott Stallings on Fitness, Golf, & the Power of Tech

    In this special episode of the NASM “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts, and Marty Miller, sit down with featured guest, PGA Tour pro Scott Stallings, to explore his inspiring fitness journey and how it’s transformed both his life and his performance on the course.  Scott opens up about the pivotal moment that led him to prioritize health, the role fitness plays in his competitive edge, and how technology is reshaping the future of both golf and athletic training.  From data-driven insights to the discipline behind lasting change, this conversation blends elite sport with real-world strategies that any coach, trainer, or athlete can learn from.  Tune in for a candid, motivating, and tech-savvy look at what it takes to evolve — in body, mind, and performance.  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

    43 min
  5. MAY 19

    Mastering Rotational Sports: The Power of Functional Assessments

    On this episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller dive into the essential strategies for training athletes in rotational sports—a timely topic as more people head outdoors for tennis, golf, pickleball, baseball, and even pre-camp basketball training. Wendy and Marty break down why it's crucial not to assume elite athletes are always ready for power-focused programming just because of their sport; instead, they emphasize a foundational, assessment-driven approach for all levels and ages. The conversation starts by highlighting the importance of movement assessments, like the overhead squat and single-leg squat, to identify imbalances, compensations, and side-to-side differences—vital for rotational athletes who often favor a dominant side. They detail how using NASM’s OPT model and corrective exercise protocols ensures programs are tailored to individual needs and not just sport-specific demands. Wendy explains how both mobility and stability—especially in the thoracic spine, hips, and shoulders—are key to safe and powerful movement. The hosts discuss practical examples, such as the importance of hip internal rotation for baseball players and golfers and offer tips on restoring optimal movement patterns using foam rolling, stretching, and muscle activation techniques. Listeners will also hear about the importance of collaboration with sport coaches, building strength before adding power, and how stabilization phases can be surprisingly challenging. The episode is packed with actionable advice—like using targeted activation, integrating core and contralateral exercises, and progressing from controlled movement to loaded and high-speed drills. 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! 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

    27 min
  6. MAY 12

    Movement Dysfunction with MoveU’s Dr. Mike Wasilisin

    On this “Master Instructor Roundtable,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Marty Miller, will take a deep dive into the world of movement dysfunction with featured guest, Dr. Mike Wasilisin, from MoveU, a leading voice in functional movement, injury prevention, and body awareness.  They will explore movement dysfunction, how it impacts performance and everyday life, and the steps fitness professionals and clients alike can take to restore optimal movement patterns.  Dr. Mike brings his signature energy and evidence-based insights to the table, sharing real-world strategies to assess, correct, and coach through dysfunction with clarity and purpose. Whether you're a trainer, coach, therapist, or just passionate about moving better—this is an episode you don’t want to 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

    42 min
4.4
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Are you looking at taking your training career to the next level? NASM master instructors Marty Miller and Wendy Batts each week explore and engage in a variety of topics, training techniques and tidbits for fitness professionals and enthusiasts.

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