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Nicholas: Tik Tok Crag Monkey Fitness

Ready for a blunt look at what actually makes a great trainer? We sit down with Nicholas, a new coach who passed a major certification, stepped onto the gym floor, and realized the test didn’t prepare him to handle real clients with pain, limitations, and shifting goals. His turnaround came from mentorship, relentless anatomy study, and the discipline to plan, pivot, and communicate clearly—all before chasing trends or complicated gear.

We walk through his path from music major to fitness coach, the early shock of seeing clients arrive injured from unstable programming, and the mindset shift from “gain experience” to “earn competence.” Nicholas breaks down how he studied the knee—ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL, supporting musculature—and used simple tools like a cable machine and a plyo box to design safe, effective sessions for a client who couldn’t stand comfortably. Along the way, we cover the sales psychology that keeps training human: framing questions that respect autonomy, building trust through clear plans, and measuring progress clients can feel in daily life.

You’ll leave with a blueprint for faster growth: find a mentor, study one joint at a time, master regressions and progressions, choose a gym environment that lets you coach well, and skip the gimmicks. We share concrete strategies for retention, client assessment, and building your pipeline when you’re new and hungry. If you’ve ever wondered why a shiny badge doesn’t equal real-world skill—or how to bridge that gap with smart, ethical coaching—this conversation gives you the steps and the confidence to do it.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a coach who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help more trainers find practical, no-fluff guidance.

Want to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!

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Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com/collections/nasm