The Training Project | Fitness Podcast

What does the future of personal training look like?In this episode, Joe sits down with Brian Sutton, Senior Content Manager at NASM, to talk about how the fitness industry is evolving and what it means for today’s coaches. They dive into AI and the future of fitness education, longevity, GLP-1s, the changing role of the personal trainer, and why great coaching goes far beyond counting reps.Brian also shares his 20+ year journey with NASM, what actually goes into developing a personal training certification, and the skills he believes will separate successful trainers in the years ahead.Whether you're already coaching or considering a career in personal training, this episode offers a unique look at where the profession is headed.

Opening your own gym or going independent sounds like the ultimate goal for a personal trainer, but is it actually the right move for you? In this episode, I sit down with longtime fitness educator, entrepreneur, and NASM podcast host Rick Richey for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a successful career in personal training. We talk about the financial reality of opening a facility, why your network often matters more than your technical knowledge, how independent trainers are charging $175 to $300 per session, and whether online coaching really offers the freedom trainers think it does. Before you quit the gym, raise your rates, or sign a lease, listen to this conversation.

In this episode of the Training Project Podcast, Joe Drake sits down with Mike Fantigrassi, Head of Product at NASM, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of personal training, fitness education, and long-term career success.Mike shares his journey from trainer to industry leader and breaks down the biggest changes shaping the fitness world right now. From client acquisition and business skills to longevity, strength training, GLP-1s, and wellness, this episode explores what trainers need to know to stay relevant and build a career that lasts.You’ll learn:Why mentorship is critical for new trainersHow NASM is helping trainers succeed after certificationWhat the industry is demanding from trainers todayWhy relationship skills matter more than everHow strength training and longevity are changing the gameWhether you’re a new trainer, an aspiring coach, or a seasoned fitness professional, this conversation offers practical insight into where the industry is heading and how to grow with it.Guest: Mike Fantigrassi, Head of Product at NASMHost: Joe DrakePresented by: Axiom Fitness Academy

Dr. Ashley Dwyer, PharmD, joins Joe Drake to discuss why traditional dieting and cardio-heavy training stop working for women after 30. They cover protein intake, strength training, gut health, perimenopause, GLP-1 medications, and what women actually need to feel strong, lean, and healthy long term. A must-listen for trainers and women navigating hormonal changes.

In this episode, Joe Drake and Gini Grimsley (PPSC, Unbreakable App) break down what smart, sustainable training actually looks like for women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. They cover the biggest mistakes people make when restarting their fitness journey, why body-part splits often fail real humans, and how to train for power, strength, and longevity without burning out.Perfect for personal trainers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to feel strong, resilient, and pain-free for life.