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Dr. Pat Davidson reveals a revolutionary approach to understanding human movement through an evolutionary lens on this episode of the Show Up Fitness Podcast. Rather than treating exercises as arbitrary selections, Davidson presents his comprehensive seven-pillar model that creates a systematic, logical progression for any movement pattern – from the most basic to the most advanced.

Davidson begins by cutting through fitness industry nonsense, explaining that personal training success requires strength in three areas: aesthetics (how you look), personality/charisma, and technical knowledge. This refreshing honesty acknowledges what many trainers ignore – clients want to spend time with people who are both fun and represent their fitness goals. Davidson's own transformation from being called "Fat Davidson" online to becoming a competitive bodybuilder in his forties demonstrates living these principles.

The heart of the episode explores Davidson's brilliant application of evolutionary biology to movement patterns. Through the concept of Jacksonian dissolution, he explains how humans under stress revert to more primitive movement strategies – essentially "swimming through space" like our evolutionary ancestors. This explains why stressed or underdeveloped movers compensate with frontal plane strategies rather than the sagittal uprighting and transverse rotation that characterizes competent human movement.

For trainers working with clients who struggle with movement, Davidson's "training wheels" approach provides a clear methodology. By strategically adding "ground" – points of contact, feedback, and support – trainers can help clients understand proper positioning and movement patterns. As clients develop competence, these supports are gradually removed, creating a seamless progression from "white belt" to advanced movement capabilities.

The episode offers invaluable insights for fitness professionals looking to elevate their practice

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Poojan's IG - Shahathletics from Lancaster PA.

What does it take to triple your personal training rates and build a six-figure fitness business in just 18 months? Poojan's journey from gym trainer to thriving entrepreneur offers a masterclass in leveling up your fitness career through strategic education, powerful networking, and unwavering persistence.

Starting at just $30 per hour, Poojan now commands $100-120 per session and recently celebrated his most profitable month ever—clearing over $15,000 in June alone. The transformation wasn't magical but methodical, built on a foundation of continuing education that gave him the confidence and skills to solve client problems other trainers couldn't address.

"The only way you can fail is if you quit," Poojan shares, revealing how he overcame the imposter syndrome that plagues so many fitness professionals. By investing in specialized training that taught him advanced assessment techniques and corrective strategies, he positioned himself as a solution provider rather than just another trainer. This expertise allowed him to build relationships with physical therapists, dietitians, and chiropractors who now refer clients to him regularly.

The conversation dives deep into practical business strategies, from systematizing the client acquisition process to reframing limiting beliefs that hold trainers back from charging what they're worth. Poojan sales system—complete with qualification questions and consultation deposits—ensures he only invests time in serious prospects while maintaining an impressive conversion rate.

Perhaps most valuable is the discussion about mindset shifts required for business growth. Rather than asking "how can I make $10K a month?" Poojan learned to invert the question: "what would prevent me from making $10K a month?" This systems-thinking approach, combined with lessons borrowed from other industries and entrepreneurs, accelerated his business development far

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Share in your story to be eligible for 1 of 10 FREE Coach360 Career Lab LIVE at the Anaheim FIT Expo in CA. Tickets get you access to Friday's class and the 2 day Fit Expo on Saturday & Sunday August 1-3rd.

Have you ever wondered why so many certified personal trainers struggle to build sustainable careers despite their passion and skills? The answer might surprise you.

Kathleen, CEO and co-founder of Coach360, joins the Show Up Fitness Podcast to share her 17-year journey from newly certified trainer to fitness industry leader. After experiencing a traumatic life event, she found healing through fitness and decided to help others do the same—only to discover that certification was just the beginning of a challenging career path. "I remember being thrown on the gym floor and told to start selling," she recalls, highlighting the gap between education and business skills that causes 80% of trainers to leave the profession within two years.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Kathleen explains why today's digital-first approach to fitness education is actually holding new trainers back. "Everyone's getting their CECs online, and it's convenient not to gather," she observes, "but the gathering piece is critical." Through compelling examples from her own career—including how she met her Coach360 co-founder at an industry event—Kathleen makes a powerful case for in-person networking as the secret ingredient to fitness career longevity. As she puts it, "Your network is your net worth."

Looking to transform your fitness career or just getting started? Career Lab by Coach360 is bringing industry legends like Todd Durkin to the Fit Expo Anaheim on August 1st to help fitness professionals develop crucial business skills. The first 10 listeners who reach out will receive free passes to this career-changing event! Whether you're struggling with client retention, wondering how to balance digital and in-person offerings, or seeking to div

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"Who am I to teach somebody else?" These words from our guest Sylvina perfectly capture the paralyzing self-doubt that keeps countless passionate fitness enthusiasts from pursuing their personal training certifications. Her story is both relatable and inspiring - after experiencing a personal transformation with her own trainer, she felt called to help other women discover the life-changing benefits of strength training. But there was a problem: the intimidating NASM textbook sat on her shelf for nearly three years while imposter syndrome kept her certification dreams on hold.

What finally broke the cycle? Discovering a focused, practical approach that distilled the overwhelming content into manageable chunks. Sylvina shares the exact study method that helped her pass her exam - from reading strategies to flashcard systems to the power of repetition. Her two-week intensive approach proves that certification doesn't require months of agonizing study, just strategic focus and the courage to schedule the exam.

The conversation explores the psychological barriers that block aspiring trainers and provides actionable advice for pushing through. For women especially, Sylvina’s journey highlights the unique value female trainers bring to the industry, connecting with clients who seek trainers who understand their specific challenges. Now teaching community fitness classes and developing plans for one-on-one training, she's turning her certification into a meaningful career helping others transform their lives.

Whether you're currently highlighting every word in your certification textbook or you've been putting off the exam for months (or years), this episode delivers the motivation and practical strategy you need to finally take action. Because as Sylvina discovered, your future clients are waiting for exactly what you have to offer. Don't make them wait three years to meet you.

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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Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
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What does it take to leave behind a 20-year healthcare career and build a thriving fitness business? Meet Michelle Smith, who took the leap from medical professional to gym owner and never looked back.

Michelle's journey begins with a whisper—literally. While running one day, she heard a voice saying "you've got three years," which became her timeline to transition away from a healthcare job she'd grown to dislike. Starting with just three clients in her basement, Michelle built a foundation that would eventually grow into multiple training facilities.

The path wasn't straightforward. Despite her extensive healthcare background, including work as a certified orthotic fitter, Michelle struggled with traditional personal training certifications. The textbook approach didn't match her hands-on learning style or the practical skills needed for real-world client success. It wasn't until she found education that emphasized anatomical understanding and practical application that she began to thrive.

What sets Michelle's story apart is her methodical approach to career transition. She advises calculating exactly how many clients you need to replace half your salary, then gradually reducing hours at your day job as your training business grows. "You have to figure out if your why is bigger than your paycheck," she explains, highlighting that passion must drive the decision to change careers.

Today, Michelle specializes in women's health, particularly helping clients navigate perimenopause and menopause—a niche she discovered organically as she and her clientele aged together. Her willingness to pivot and evolve her business model has been key to her longevity in the industry, along with her dedication to continuous learning.

Whether you're contemplating a mid-career change or looking to build a more fulfilling fitness business, Michelle's experience offers a roadmap for combining passion with pragmatism. Subscribe to the Show Up Fit

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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Professor Barabara Zabawa owner of wellnesslaw.com and author of

What's the real difference between certification and licensure? Can a waiver actually protect you from liability? Where exactly is the line between personal training and physical therapy? These are the critical questions facing fitness professionals in what legal expert Barbara Zabawa calls "the Wild West" of wellness law.

In this eye-opening conversation, Professor Zabawa—a wellness law specialist with 25 years of experience and author of "No More Wild West: The Need for Standards in the Wellness Industry"—cuts through the confusion surrounding fitness industry legalities. She reveals why certifications aren't legally required (despite what many believe), explains how gyms and insurance companies create private requirements that feel like legal mandates, and offers a sobering look at when waivers actually protect you—and when they absolutely don't.

The discussion takes a particularly practical turn when addressing scope of practice concerns. Zabawa describes the "ideal client" for non-licensed professionals and the red flags that should prompt referrals to licensed healthcare providers. For trainers working online, she shares a surprising legal risk many never consider: being held liable for visible hazards in your remote client's environment.

Perhaps most valuable is Zabawa's insight into why more injured clients don't sue their trainers (it's not what you think), and the specific steps fitness professionals can take to protect themselves legally. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just starting your fitness career, this conversation provides crucial knowledge that could save your business and reputation.

Looking for more protection? Check out Professor Zabawa's book "Quick and Easy Well

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Devang IG = d_fit_man

The fitness industry struggles with a respect problem. Whether in the United States or India, personal trainers often fight an uphill battle against stigmas that minimize their profession as "just a side hustle" rather than a legitimate career path. This eye-opening conversation with Devang, a fitness instructor from Gujarat, India, reveals surprising parallels in the challenges trainers face worldwide—and actionable strategies to overcome them.

Devang shares his journey from engineering student to fitness professional, including the discouraging first question from his family: "Who's gonna marry you?" This response highlights the universal undervaluation of fitness careers despite their critical importance in addressing public health crises. In India, where only 4% of the 1.4 billion population engages in physical activity, metabolic diseases run rampant through generations of families.

The podcast dives deep into why personal training lacks prestige—primarily due to minimal entry barriers compared to respected professions like medicine or law. When anyone with a good physique can become a trainer without certification, the profession's perceived value diminishes. This problem compounds when trainers receive only 30% of personal training fees in commercial gym settings while working grueling 12-16 hour days.

The conversation shifts from problem to solution, outlining a blueprint for elevating the profession beyond collecting certifications. Successful trainers develop business acumen, network with healthcare professionals, and create comprehensive wellness centers that command respect. By building teams that include physical therapists and dieticians, trainers position themselves as integral parts of the healthcare ecosystem rather than isolated fitness specialists.

Ready to transform your passion for fitness into a respected, sustainable career? Learn how to become the uncommon "unicorn trainer" who sta

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What happens when a trainer skips proper assessment and puts a client with previous back surgery through burpees, jumping jacks, and speed deadlifts? A $1.4 million lawsuit and a powerful lesson for every fitness professional.

The landmark case of Baldy-Perry versus Kaifus exposes the dangers of negligence in personal training and why proper assessment protocols are non-negotiable. This eye-opening discussion dives into the court findings that held a trainer accountable for failing to evaluate fitness levels, implement safe exercises, and consider prior medical history—resulting in serious injury and substantial legal consequences.

We explore what separates qualified fitness professionals from textbook-certified trainers: understanding the human body, implementing thorough assessments, and knowing when to refer clients to appropriate medical professionals. Just as a restaurant server asks about allergies before taking your order, trainers must identify potential risks before designing exercise programs. This systematic approach demonstrates professionalism and elevates the entire fitness industry.

The conversation highlights essential assessment components every trainer should implement—from screening for medical history and risk factors to communication with healthcare providers for clients with previous surgeries. You'll learn why continuing education through workshops, seminars, and mentorship is crucial for staying current with best practices and expanding your knowledge beyond initial certification.

Whether you're a seasoned fitness professional or just starting your career, this podcast serves as both a warning and a roadmap to excellence. Invest in education beyond your certification, implement thorough assessment protocols for every client, and establish relationships with healthcare providers. Your clients trust you with their health and safety—a responsibility that should never be taken lightly.

Ready to elevate y

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
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