On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, takes on a challenge every personal trainer faces - clients who stop showing up—and never come back. Inspired by a listener question, Rick dives deep into the dynamics of client relationships and what trainers can do when someone vanishes after a family vacation, minor surgery, or a life event. Dr. Richey shares ten critical questions and comments trainers should be asking themselves, ranging from “Am I providing enough v...
Aug 19, 2025•17 min
In this eye-opening episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, pulls back the curtain on gym ownership, sharing a raw and honest account of the unexpected hurdles he recently faced while opening a new gym location in New York City. With his signature blend of humor and candor, Rick walks listeners through a chaotic week filled with blown HVAC units, last-minute installation marathons, confusing ductwork discoveries, and the ever-mounting costs that come wit...
Aug 12, 2025•21 min
On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, welcomes featured guests, renowned authors, Katy Bowman and Diana Hill, to discuss their new book, "I Know I Should Exercise, But..." This insightful conversation dives deep into the challenges people face when it comes to building a sustainable movement practice. Rather than focusing solely on exercise routines, Rick, Katy, and Diana explore a broader and more inclusive approach to physical activity, empha...
Aug 05, 2025•53 min
Ready to land your first personal training job?In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey, winner of the Sharecare Emmy Award, breaks down everything you need to know to ace your gym interview—whether you’re a fitness newcomer or a seasoned pro. Rick shares his own story (including a memorable mug-selling challenge!), gives practical advice, and outlines six core steps to help you stand out. Discover how to research the gym’s mission, vision, and values, and why aligning your an...
Jul 29, 2025•32 min
In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes listeners on an engaging, in-depth exploration of the quads—the powerful muscles of the front thigh affectionately known as "thunder thighs" and “Quadzilla." Rick dives into the fascinating anatomy and function of the quadriceps muscle group, breaking down its four key components: the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis (including the notable vastus medialis obliquus or "VMO"), and rectus femoris. Listeners will learn the meani...
Jul 22, 2025•22 min
On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes a deep dive into the surprising benefits—and occasional pitfalls—of running a mile a day. Recalling those dreaded school PE mandates to “run the mile,” Rick explores how this accessible and straightforward form of exercise can transform health for people of all fitness levels. Drawing from current physical activity guidelines and peer-reviewed studies, Rick reveals that even just five to ten minutes a day of slow running can significantly lower ...
Jul 15, 2025•26 min
On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes a deep dive into one of the body’s most impressive and misunderstood muscle groups: the trapezius, a.k.a. the "Goldberg muscles." Inspired by the awe-inspiring traps seen on athletes like Bill Goldberg, Rick explores the anatomy, function, and training strategies for building strong and balanced traps. Whether you’re fascinated by the layered look of a jacked upper back or eager to optimize performance and prevent injury, this episode breaks dow...
Jul 08, 2025•25 min
On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, welcomes featured guest, Joe Drake, CEO and founder of Axiom Fitness Academy, for an essential deep dive into one of the biggest questions new personal trainers face: “How do I actually build a program for my first client?” Rick and Joe pull back the curtain on this universal struggle, sharing real experiences from their own journeys both in training and educating fitness professionals. You’ll learn practical, confidence-...
Jul 01, 2025•49 min
On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey welcomes featured guest, Dennis Dunphy, co-founder of Stick Mobility, for an insightful conversation about one of fitness’s biggest hot topics: mobility training. Rick kicks off by sharing how Stick Mobility tools have become a staple in his gyms, not just for their versatility, but also the unique feedback and durability they offer, especially compared to traditional PVC or broomsticks. Together, Rick and Dennis dive into the importanc...
Jun 24, 2025•33 min
It’s time to further explore that large, popular muscle that sits on the top of the arm. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, deep dives into all things involving, and around, the bicep. He’ll explore the origin of the word, “biceps,” explain the two proximal attachments, and discuss why that ice cream scoop bicep has more to do with your genetics than how much time you spend in the gym. Get your bicep knowledge base flex on, courtesy of Dr. Richey. If you l...
Jun 19, 2025•21 min
Let’s get your week kicked off just right with a deep dive into Greek alphabet. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, explores the large, triangular shoulder muscle, named because its shape resembles the Greek letter, Delta. Dr. Richey discusses the three distinct heads of the muscle (anterior, lateral, and posterior), as well as the actions of the deltoids with specific examples to help expand your personal training, and anatomy, expertise. If...
Jun 17, 2025•15 min
This episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast” focuses on how moving side to side can help move your fitness forward. Host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, along with featured guests, Brrrn Co-Founders Johnny Adamic, and Jimmy T. Martin, explore all facets of lateral training, why slides boards have become so popular with all different fitness enthusiasts, building and developing their unique Brrrn brand, and much more in this special encore presentation! If you like what you just consumed, lea...
Jun 12, 2025•51 min
Let’s talk about the need for understanding speed. In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, is joined by featured guest, Bill Parisi, founder of Parisi Speed School and Fascia Training Academy. The two deep dive into discussions like the power of mental resiliency and how adding in speed and athletic training can not only make you a better trainer but also build your business. Plus, how Parisi’s accomplishments as a javelin thrower spear-headed his passion for a...
Jun 10, 2025•44 min
In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, takes listeners on an engaging deep-dive into one of the body’s most impressive muscles: the latissimus dorsi, better known as the “lats.” Inspired by a nostalgic memory of “Saved by the Bell” and the phenomenon of “Imaginary Lat Syndrome” (ILS), Rick sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of what gives this muscle its reputation as the “wings” of the back. Listeners get a breakdown of the lat’s Latin...
Jun 05, 2025•13 min
In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey gets personal and practical, diving deep into the anatomy and significance of the pectoralis major—better known as the “pecs.” Rick opens up about his own childhood experiences and how a formative (and embarrassing) classroom moment inspired his obsession with building his chest muscles. Through relatable stories and a few laughs, Rick connects personal transformation with anatomical education. Listeners will learn the etymology of the pectoralis majo...
Jun 03, 2025•25 min
Everybody loves a list, right? Well, break out your trusty note pad because this one you’ll want to save and pass along to your clients as to what they need to know, as well as a few pointers to help you reach your fitness goals, as well. In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rich Richey, shares his top 10 tips – including asking for help, putting your ego aside, just getting started, celebrating small wins, and more.Listen up and take notes, class. Rick’s ...
May 29, 2025•22 min
In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey tackles a common but often confusing challenge for new trainers: how to design a workout plan from start to finish. Rick walks listeners through the foundational steps of preparing effective, client-centric workout programs. Starting with the importance of assessments (both subjective and objective), he explains how gathering information on client goals, physical measurements, and movement patterns sets the stage for targeted programmin...
May 27, 2025•22 min
On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey explores an essential question for fitness professionals and clients alike: “How ready are you—or your clients—to exercise on your own?” Rick introduces the readiness ruler, a motivational interviewing tool designed to assess both the importance and confidence behind fitness goals. He breaks down why non-exercise activity throughout the day often burns more calories than traditional gym sessions, highlighting the value of everyday movement for both we...
May 22, 2025•20 min
In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes a deep dive into the critical role of sleep in overall health, wellness, and fitness performance. Inspired by his recent study of the Certified Wellness Coach certification and a lively text exchange with his family, Rick uncovers why sleep might be the most underrated element in reaching fitness goals. He debunks the myth that functioning on little sleep is a badge of honor and shares National Sleep Foundation guidelines for opti...
May 20, 2025•23 min
In this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes listeners behind the scenes of what it really takes to open a gym—no sugarcoating, just real numbers and honest advice. Building upon his recent conversation with fitness industry mogul Mark Mastrov, Rick brings his own hard-earned experience to the mic, offering practical insights for aspiring gym owners. Rick breaks down the nitty gritty: how much money you truly need (it’s more than you think), the difference between capital and operational e...
May 15, 2025•26 min
In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey sits down with legendary fitness entrepreneur, Mark Mastrov, the visionary behind brands like 24 Hour Fitness, Crunch, and UFC Gym. Rick, himself a successful gym owner, seeks inspiration and real-world insights into the challenges and rewards of gym ownership. Mark shares his journey from humble beginnings as a part-time trainer to building global fitness empires, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and build...
May 13, 2025•34 min
When the mailbag has questions, we have answers. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, discusses how important tier systems are within personal training services at a gym. Dr. Richey explains why gyms prioritize three main things: education, time with the company/time as trainer, and your ability to produce clients. He also deep dives into the three tiers of trainers, why trainers have different prices, why they get different specializations in their continui...
May 08, 2025•19 min
Let’s build some lean muscle. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, is joined by featured guest, fellow NASM CPT and muscle hypertrophy specialist, Chris Parnell, who deep dive into the most effective ways to add strength. Parnell will share his career path in fitness, overcoming a major health scare, learning under hypertrophy specialist, Brad Shoenfeld, and how he strives to help others achieve their fitness goals. The two also explore traini...
May 06, 2025•42 min
We all have our favorites, right? On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, digs into the mailbag to talk all things assessments. Dr. Richey takes you through a series of his favorites (like the overhead squat assessment), as well as explains their validity and why every workout is a form of an assessment. Plus, a few helpful training tips and stories from his time as an award-winning personal trainer. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review,...
May 01, 2025•18 min
We here at the NASM Podcast Network hope our shows inspire you to reach new heights in personal training. Tevin Cherry is the epitome of inspiration in the industry. In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” Cherry joins host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, to share his incredible fitness journey. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at nine months old, the now-33-year-old NASM-CPT & CNC, now strives to create adaptive exercise routines for clients with physical disabilities. Cherry shar...
Apr 29, 2025•29 min
Let’s get back to our roots. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, hits rewind on the NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT) Model. Rick discusses the history of the model, the three levels, as well as the five phases. Plus, why having a systematic progression in place is so important in helping your clients reach their fitness goals, as well as examples of stabilization exercises for functionals strength, and much more. Enjoy this refresher course from Dr. ...
Apr 24, 2025•27 min
Sometimes you just need to stop and smell the roses. In this case, all 500 of them. On this very special episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rich Richey, celebrates with you – his loyal audience – 500 episodes on the NASM Podcast Network. Rick shares his initial podcast email pitch to NASM back in 2019, his nerves and initial uncertainty into this leap of faith, what the show has meant to him, a few of the key individuals who have helped him along the way, and a ...
Apr 22, 2025•14 min
Two statements can mean the same thing but can be interpreted in different ways. In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, answers a listener question, from Ricks’ recent “Dealing with Stubborn Clients” episode, to clarify what he’s saying and what he’s relaying – two distinctly different things. Dr. Richey also details why it’s so important for you to a have plan for your clients’ programming, as well as tips to help bridge any potential communication gaps. This...
Apr 17, 2025•14 min
Personal trainers work with many different personalities, including stubborn clients. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, shares a few professional strategies to help you navigate with the strong-willed. From those who have a hard time pumping the brakes and backing off a bit, to the ones who have been injured before and are fearful of getting hurt again, Rick guides you through these scenarios and more! If you like what you just consumed, le...
Apr 15, 2025•17 min
In this special episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, NASM Master Instructor, and diabetic, Rick Richey, is joined by featured guest, Harvard Medical School Endocrinologist, Dr. Bob Gabbay. The former American Diabetes Association Chief Scientific and Medical Officer shares his insights on a number of mainstream talking points including the specifics of Type 2 Diabetes, what causes insulin resistance, the roles of GLP-1’s, as well as some of the common mis-conceptions associated with diabetes...
Apr 10, 2025•35 min
