The Show Up Fitness Podcast cover art

The Show Up Fitness Podcast

The Show Up Fitness Podcast

By: Chris Hitchko CEO Show Up Fitness
Listen for free

About this listen

Join Chris Hitchko, author of 'How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer' VOL 2 and CEO of Show Up Fitness as he guides personal trainers towards success.

90% of personal trainers quit within 12-months in the USA, 18-months in the UK, Show Up Fitness is helping change those statistics. The Show Up Fitness CPT is one of the fastest growing PT certifications in the world with partnerships with over 500-gyms including Life Time Fitness, Equinox, Genesis, EoS, and numerous other elite partnerships.

This podcast focuses on refining trade, business, and people skills to help trainers excel in the fitness industry. Discover effective client programming, revenue generation, medical professional networking, and elite assessment strategies.

Learn how to become a successful Show Up Fitness CPT at www.showupfitness.com. Send your questions to Chris on Instagram @showupfitness or via email at info@showupfitness.com."

© 2025 The Show Up Fitness Podcast
Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • How to train a client w/ Metabolic Syndrome
    Sep 16 2025

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

    Ever wondered how to properly design a fitness program for someone with metabolic syndrome? Meet "Metabolic Mary," our 44-year-old avatar client who presents with multiple risk factors including hypertension, elevated resting heart rate, and poor overall fitness. This episode dives deep into the thoughtful approach required to help clients like Mary succeed when standard training methods might do more harm than good.

    The journey begins with understanding what metabolic syndrome actually is—having at least three of five specific health markers that significantly increase risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We explore each marker in detail, from waist circumference thresholds to blood pressure parameters, giving you the knowledge to recognize these conditions in your own clients.

    What makes this episode particularly valuable is the stark contrast drawn between typical trainer approaches and the more sophisticated method taught at Show Up Fitness. Rather than annihilating a deconditioned client with high-intensity circuits on day one (virtually guaranteeing they won't return), we demonstrate the "Goldilocks approach"—programming that's not too hard, not too easy, but just right for the client's current abilities.

    The conversation extends beyond exercise selection to cover crucial professional skills: how to approach physicians for medical clearance, positioning yourself as distinct from "CrossFit weirdos," and addressing client fears (like Mary's concern about "bulking up") with empathy rather than dismissal. You'll learn specific progression models using CA (compound-accessory), CC (compound-compound), and CCA (compound-compound-accessory) formats that can be modified based on client response.

    Whether you're a new trainer struggling with program design or an experienced professional looking to refine your approach to special populations, this episode provides both the science and art of effective training for metabolic syndr

    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!

    Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
    Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
    Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
    Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
    NASM study guide: ...

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • How to build your CHEST #Chesticles
    Sep 6 2025

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

    Ready to transform your chest training and finally see real growth? This episode dives deep into the science and practical application of optimizing chest development for both beginners and experienced lifters.

    Starting with a case study of an online client who successfully grew his social media following to 250,000+ followers, we analyze his current chest training program and identify the key opportunities for improvement. You'll learn exactly how a professional trainer thinks when designing programs that drive results—from understanding chest anatomy (the three regions of the pectoral major) to calculating optimal training volume for hypertrophy.

    What makes this episode uniquely valuable is our no-nonsense approach to program design. We break down why most people aren't seeing chest gains (hint: it's not just about pressing heavy), and provide specific protocols you can implement immediately. You'll discover why weighted dips with eccentric focus, strategic drop sets, and forced overload fly variations might be your missing ingredients for growth. We also explain why training to true fatigue matters, how to incorporate pushups effectively, and when deload weeks become necessary for continued progress.

    For personal trainers, we share how elevating your knowledge of exercise science can directly translate to charging higher rates and providing superior client results. Whether you're looking to develop an impressive chest or you're a fitness professional wanting to upgrade your programming skills, this episode delivers actionable insights that will change how you approach training forever. Ready to stop leaving gains on the table?

    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!

    Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
    Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
    Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
    Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
    NASM study guide: ...

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • LIVE Ep. 252 How to get hired at EQUINOX w/ Top Eq Trainer Meghan in Santa Monica
    Sep 1 2025

    Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!

    Want to get hired at Equinox? Show Up Fitness CPT has helped get more trainers hired at Equinox than any fitness company. Learn how to ace the interview and get hired at the BEST gym for personal trainers.

    Breaking into the elite world of personal training isn't just about looking the part or having a textbook certification—it's about strategy, confidence, and genuine expertise. Megan Gilbert joins us to reveal how she transformed from a Show Up Fitness intern to Equinox's top trainer in just three months, eventually charging $200+ per hour while others struggled for years to reach full-time status.

    Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes at luxury fitness clubs? Megan pulls back the curtain on what it takes to succeed in high-end gym environments, sharing candid insights about everything from the initial interview process to managing difficult conversations about pricing with affluent clients. Her story demolishes the common belief that trainers must "pay their dues" at budget gyms for years before moving upmarket.

    What's particularly fascinating is Megan's revelation that despite being relatively new, she quickly became the go-to resource for veteran trainers who lacked practical knowledge about training clients with injuries or discomfort. This speaks volumes about the gap between certification and real-world competence in the industry. She also addresses the unexpected challenges of burnout, unsupportive management, and the mental barriers many trainers face when valuing their services.

    Now channeling her experience into a new book, "How to Get Hired at Equinox," Megan shares actionable strategies for accelerating your personal training career—from negotiating with clients and creating different pricing tiers based on referrals to avoiding the toxic mindsets that hold many trainers back. Whether you're just starting your fitness career or looking to level up your training business, this episode delivers a masterclass in b

    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!

    Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=en
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternship
    Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
    Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
    Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitness
    NASM study guide: ...

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.