In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy, Kyle sits down with Adam Schafer from Mind Pump for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to scale a fitness business to $20M.They dive deep into the real needle movers—like leveraging an email list, scaling personal training demand, and the power of delegation. Whether you're a new trainer trying to build a client base or a seasoned entrepreneur scaling your operations, this episode is packed with tactical insights and mindset shifts you won't hear anywhere else. 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) Welcome to Elite Trainer Academy x Mind Pump

• (00:43) What’s really moving the needle for Mind Pump?

• (02:00) Why the email list is a goldmine (and a missed opportunity)

• (03:15) Personal training is the key growth driver

• (04:20) Creating value for clients—even with just 10

• (06:00) Scaling from a solo trainer to a real business

• (07:30) Daily client engagement: small actions, big results

• (09:00) AI, recipes, and small touches that build loyalty

• (10:30) Becoming indispensable to your clients

• (11:45) How Adam allocates time across the business

• (13:00) ROI thinking: where should your time go?

• (14:30) Empowering the right people to lead

• (16:45) The $1M–$10M trap most entrepreneurs fall into

• (18:30) Why delegation is critical for scaling

• (21:10) Finding A-players and building a championship team

• (23:00) Kyle on winning games vs winning championships

• (24:30) Traits of elite team members (and how to find them)

• (26:00) What Mind Pump needs to hit $20M+

• (28:15) Character over skill: what really matters when hiring

• (31:00) The learn-before-you-earn mindset

• (34:00) Final thoughts: greatness requires a team

  
  

  Follow Kyle Pullin - @MindpumpKyle on InstagramFollow Sal Distefano - @MindpumpDistefano on InstagramFollow Justin Andrews - @MindpumpJustin on InstagramFollow Adam Schafer - @MindpumpAdam on InstagramFollow Doug Egge- @MindpumpDoug on InstagramFollow Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @EliteTrainerAcademy Follow Mind Pump Media Podcast on Youtube - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle is joined again by Sal Di Stefano to unpack the most underrated skill in the fitness business—client retention. It’s not about results alone. It’s about relationships, empathy, and creating a space clients love to return to. Sal shares stories from his decades in the industry, revealing why being likable, building culture, and handling difficult conversations with grace leads to clients who stay for years. If you want your training business to thrive long term, this conversation is a masterclass in retention, connection, and coaching with heart.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 Intro: Why Client Retention Matters00:38 The Real Key to Long-Term Retention02:25 Likability - Results04:08 Building Gym Culture & Community06:24 The Power of Being a Chameleon10:19 Why Clients Stay for 9+ Years11:16 Likability - Certifications13:25 Making Clients Feel Like Family14:19 How to Train with Empathy23:00 Building Online Community27:21 Adding Extra Value to Increase Retention27:44 How to Encourage Without Lying31:10 Navigating Hard Conversations Gracefully34:01 Why Shame Kills Retention35:25 Helping Clients Build a Lifelong Relationship with FitnessFollow Kyle Pullin - @MindpumpKyle on InstagramFollow Sal Distefano - @MindpumpDistefano on InstagramFollow Justin Andrews - @MindpumpJustin on InstagramFollow Adam Schafer - @MindpumpAdam on InstagramFollow Doug Egge- @MindpumpDoug on InstagramFollow Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @EliteTrainerAcademy Follow Mind Pump Media Podcast on Youtube - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

In Episode 7 of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle sits down with Mind Pump’s Adam Schaefer to unpack a core struggle for most entrepreneurs: how to manage time, make bold decisions, and grow without burning out. Adam reveals how speed of execution separates top performers from overthinkers, and shares his own mistakes from the early days of building Mind Pump. They also break down when to pivot, how to measure ROI, and why true work-life balance doesn’t happen day-to-day—it’s earned over time through intentional seasons of sprinting. If you’re building a training business and want clarity on how to scale, simplify, and succeed, don’t miss this one.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.The Problem with Work-Life Balance (00:00)
Speed of Decision-Making in Business (00:40)
Overthinking vs. Fast Action (02:10)
Learning from Early Mistakes with Mind Pump (04:05)
When to Pivot: ROI and Testing Ideas (08:20)
Avoiding Time-Wasting Tasks (13:01)
How to Measure a “Good” Idea (14:50)
Scaling vs. Spinning Your Wheels (18:29)
Building Leverage Through Discipline (21:09)
The Myth of Balance for Entrepreneurs (25:46)
Why Sprinting Early Creates Freedom Later (29:20)
Choosing the Right Partner at Home (31:10)
Hustle Culture vs. Real Passion (33:10)
How to Know If You’re in the Right Career (40:00)
Behavior Change, Not Just Information (43:20)Follow Kyle Pullin - @MindpumpKyle on InstagramFollow Sal Distefano - @MindpumpDistefano on InstagramFollow Justin Andrews - @MindpumpJustin on InstagramFollow Adam Schafer - @MindpumpAdam on InstagramFollow Doug Egge- @MindpumpDoug on InstagramFollow Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @EliteTrainerAcademy Follow Mind Pump Media Podcast on Youtube - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle sits down with Justin Andrews to unpack the journey of building a successful personal training business from scratch after leaving 24 Hour Fitness. Justin shares exactly how he found clients, built referral relationships, learned SEO and ad copy on the fly, and adapted to failures along the way. You'll learn how to build a high-end brand, retain clients long term, and why listening—not guessing—is your greatest tool as a coach. If you're thinking about going independent or scaling your fitness business, this one’s for you.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 – Justin’s Story: Before Mind Pump01:23 – Leaving 24 Hour Fitness02:14 – Starting His Own Training Business03:33 – The Struggle to Find Clients04:28 – Early Lead Gen Tactics: Flyers & Referrals06:00 – Learning SEO and Google Ads10:15 – Group Training, Bootcamps & Pivoting Offers13:56 – Crafting a High-End Client Experience16:53 – Getting Comfortable with Feedback and Failure24:17 – Client Experience Over Business Tactics25:06 – How Mind Pump Used Feedback to Grow29:23 – Why Listening to Clients Is Your Superpower36:17 – Building Referral Networks & Partnerships42:04 – Adding Value Beyond Training44:53 – Final Thoughts on Growing a Sustainable BusinessFollow Kyle Pullin - @MindpumpKyle on InstagramFollow Sal Distefano - @MindpumpDistefano on InstagramFollow Justin Andrews - @MindpumpJustin on InstagramFollow Adam Schafer - @MindpumpAdam on InstagramFollow Doug Egge- @MindpumpDoug on InstagramFollow Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @EliteTrainerAcademy Follow Mind Pump Media Podcast on Youtube - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle sits down with Sal DiStefano to tackle one of the biggest challenges in personal training—how to build strong relationships with clients who aren’t following your advice. Sal shares hard-earned insights on how to approach difficult clients, when to push vs. pull back, and why trust, empathy, and consistency are more powerful than any meal plan or macro target. You’ll learn how to build long-term buy-in, avoid the shame spiral, and coach in a way that helps clients create lasting change—on their own terms.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.

How to Handle Difficult Clients (00:00)
Why Most Clients Don’t Follow Advice (00:28)
Build the Relationship Before the Results (01:15)
The Long Game: Coaching Over Forcing (03:27)
What to Say When Clients Don’t See Progress (05:16)
How to Prioritize Client Habits (07:04)
Real Coaching Example: From Hot Pockets to Health (08:21)
Creating a Lasting Relationship with Fitness (11:19)
Should You Have Clients Track Their Food? (12:36)
When NOT to Track (14:22)
How to Build Nutrition Awareness Without Tracking (17:03)
How to Reverse Diet Without Freaking Clients Out (19:00)
Building Trust Early & Often (23:07)
How to Keep Clients Accountable Without Shame (25:18)
Why Likability Beats Perfect Programming (30:09)
The Trainer's Real Goal: 2 Workouts a Week for Life (31:28)
You Don’t Need to Know Everything—Just Keep Learning (32:06)

Follow Kyle Pullin - @MindpumpKyle on InstagramFollow Sal Distefano - @MindpumpDistefano on InstagramFollow Justin Andrews - @MindpumpJustin on InstagramFollow Adam Schafer - @MindpumpAdam on InstagramFollow Doug Egge- @MindpumpDoug on InstagramFollow Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @EliteTrainerAcademy Follow Mind Pump Media Podcast on Youtube - @MindPumpShow Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9r_RzHpqW88Vm8iwpZiEKQ

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle is joined by Mind Pump’s Doug Egge to unpack the business and tax essentials every trainer needs to know. Whether you’re a brand-new coach or planning to go independent, you’ll learn how to structure your business, the pros and cons of an LLC, when to consider S-Corp taxation, and how to avoid costly mistakes with the IRS. Doug shares practical advice on write-offs, audits, tracking expenses, and building a long-term financial foundation as a trainer. This episode is packed with value—don’t skip it.

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.

Setting Up Your Training Business (00:00)
LLC vs Sole Proprietor — What Trainers Need to Know (02:56)
When to Start an LLC (05:43)
Why You Need a Separate Bank Account (07:12)
Big Mistakes to Avoid with Taxes (09:19)
LLC vs S-Corp — Save on Taxes (11:12)
Top Tax Deductions for Trainers (15:33)
The Audit Risks You Need to Know (18:00)
Hiring a CPA vs DIY Taxes (20:02)
How to Track Receipts & Stay Organized (22:11)
Using Software to Simplify Finances (24:17)
Final Advice for New Trainers Starting a Business (25:13)

Follow Kyle Pullin - @MindpumpKyle on InstagramFollow Doug Egge- @MindpumpDoug on InstagramFollow Mind Pump Fitness Coaching on Youtube - @EliteTrainerAcademy Follow Mind Pump Media Podcast on Youtube - @MindPumpShow

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle sits down with Mind Pump’s Adam Schafer to break down exactly what it takes to build a successful six-figure training business. From embracing the “learn phase” over the “earn phase,” to overcoming fear of rejection, to mastering effective communication—this is a masterclass in what separates average trainers from the elite. Adam also shares hard-won leadership lessons, how to build a winning team, and the secret power of creating a values-driven culture. If you’re a trainer who wants to grow a sustainable, impactful business—this is a must-listen.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.

Becoming a Six-Figure Trainer (00:00)
Learn Phase vs. Earn Phase (00:34)
Traits of High-Performing Trainers (01:27)
How Long Does Success Take? (04:00)
Can Grit and Work Ethic Be Taught? (06:55)
Overcoming Fear of Rejection (11:59)
Sales Is Just Effective Communication (22:23)
Why Education Alone Isn’t Enough (25:10)
Improving Communication Skills Through Humility (27:50)
Leadership Lessons: Building a Great Team (34:41)
Playing to Your Team’s Strengths (37:04)
How to Build Culture with Core Values (43:44)

Follow Kyle Pullin - @MindpumpKyle on Instagram

Follow Adam Schafer - @MindpumpAdam on InstagramFollow Mind Pump Fitness Coaching on Youtube - @EliteTrainerAcademy Follow Mind Pump Media Podcast on Youtube - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle sits down with Justin from Mind Pump to dive deep into one of the most overlooked aspects of training—rotation and lateral movement. They break down why these movement patterns are crucial for injury prevention, joint stability, and long-term progress, even for general population clients. The conversation also covers common programming mistakes, how to filter out gimmicky exercises, and why simplicity and intent should drive every coach’s decisions. If you're a trainer looking to build smarter programs and better results, this episode is a must-listen.

INTRO (00:00)
Why Rotation & Lateral Training Matter (00:43)
How to Program Rotational Movements (02:04)
Go-To Exercises for Gen Pop Clients (03:26)
The Role of Rotation in Shoulder Health & Strength (05:01)
Stability, Injury Prevention & Real-World Application (06:20)
Avoiding Gimmicky Movements & Fitness Fluff (11:10)
Trainer Wisdom: Simplicity Over Novelty (14:40)
Common Programming Mistakes & Client Burnout (22:55)
When Programming Starts to Click (26:19)
Real Mentorship vs Textbook Knowledge (30:16)
The Philosophy Behind MAPS Programming (36:17)