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In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle is joined by Cole to unpack the hard truth about what really makes a coach elite. Spoiler: it's not your certifications. They explore the certification trap many new trainers fall into, and why real mastery only comes through repetition, pattern recognition, and applied communication. From building feedback loops to simplifying complex ideas for clients, Cole and Kyle break down the essential skills every trainer must develop to create lasting results—and become a true leader in their clients’ lives.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 What Makes an Elite Coach

01:00 The Certification Trap for New Trainers

03:00 The Problem With Relying on Credentials

06:00 Why Real Coaching Happens Through Experience

08:00 Mastery Comes From Nuance, Not Theory

10:00 Education vs Application: What Actually Matters

13:00 Why Trainers Overcomplicate Language

15:00 Teaching vs Sounding Smart

17:00 Using Feedback Loops to Grow Fast

19:00 Pattern Recognition: Coaching at the Next Level

22:00 Communication Is the Most Underrated Skill

26:00 Behavior Change Is the Real Job3

0:00 Leadership: The Final Piece of Being Elite

Instagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle

Cole Steininger - @mindpumpcole

Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefano

Justin Andrews - @mindpumpjustin

Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadam

Doug Egge- @mindpumpdoug

Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy

YouTube: Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle is joined by Corinne to dive into the real secret behind long-term client success: relationship-building. They discuss why consistency issues—not programming—are the biggest challenge for most clients, and how vulnerability, empathy, and communication are the true foundation of coaching. From letting your personality shine to showing up steady no matter what life throws at you, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom every coach needs to hear.

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 Building Strong Client Relationships

02:00 Vulnerability and Emotional Barriers

04:00 Learning the Details of a Client’s Life

06:00 Letting Your Personality Show as a Coach

08:00 Being Vulnerable as a Coach Builds Trust

10:00 The Problem with Perfection and Influencer Coaching

12:00 What Breaks Client Trust

13:00 The Power of Reliability and Timely Feedback

15:00 Creating Emotional Safety for Clients

17:00 Maintaining Steady Energy No Matter What

18:30 Life Advice That Makes You a Better CoachInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle

Corinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

Mind Pump Personal Training: https://mindpumppersonaltraining.com/?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=etapepisode&el=14

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle and Adam sit down with Brennan, a brand-new trainer just four months into his career. They dive into what it’s really like starting at a big box gym, how to build real relationships without being pushy, and how to reframe sales as service. Brennan opens up about the uncomfortable surprises, finding his voice, and the strategies that are helping him succeed fast—including mentorship from top-tier trainers. This episode is a must-listen for new coaches navigating their first year.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 Brennan joins the show: Early impressions of training

01:08 Why he became a personal trainer despite warnings

02:01 First big surprise: Big box gym challenges

03:02 Learning to find your own clients in the gym

04:00 Brennan’s scan-based strategy to break the ice

05:03 Adam’s story: Becoming the “mayor” of the gym

07:12 Relationship-building vs. direct sales

09:10 Lessons from the most successful trainer in the gym

10:00 Brennan’s approach to presenting PT packages

11:02 Mindset shift: Selling transformation, not sessions

12:22 Lessons from Marcelo’s sales calls

14:01 How to evaluate your own sales performance

15:02 Final takeaways and Brennan’s biggest growth momentsInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

Mind Pump Personal Training: https://mindpumppersonaltraining.com/?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=etapepisode&el=14In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle and Adam sit down with Mary — a longtime Mind Pump fan who turned her passion into a powerful career in fitness. Mary shares how she went from an advertising job to becoming a trainer at LA Fitness, then transitioned to working at NASA focusing on corrective exercise and mobility. She discusses how community, clear communication, and small wins have shaped her coaching philosophy. The conversation highlights one of her most impactful success stories: helping a 12-year-old girl reverse prediabetes and transform her family’s lifestyle. A must-listen for any trainer looking to create real, lasting change in their clients’ lives.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 From Mind Pump Listener to Fitness Career02:00 Leaving Advertising and Starting at LA Fitness05:00 Developing Skills at NASA: Mobility & Pain-Free Training08:30 Building Confidence Through Education and Mentorship11:00 Why Corrective Exercise Improved Client Retention13:00 Leading Group Classes and Adapting to Different Populations15:00 Overcoming the Fear of Sales Conversations17:30 Coaching Women With Prediabetes20:00 How Mary Helped a 12-Year-Old Reverse Her Diagnosis23:00 Family Buy-In and Lifestyle Change25:00 Parenting Through Leadership and Example27:00 Building Trust, Emotional Impact, and Client TransformationInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

Mind Pump Personal Training: https://mindpumppersonaltraining.com/?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=etapepisode&el=14In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, we sit down with Scott, a coach who rebuilt their personal training business from the ground up after getting laid off during COVID—without relying on past clients. We dive into creative, boots-on-the-ground strategies like SEO, community flyers, intake forms that filter your dream clients, and the mindset it takes to build trust fast. Whether you're just getting started or want to level up your systems, this episode is a tactical blueprint for in-person and online client growth.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 Laid Off During COVID—Now a Full-Time Trainer01:17 Starting From Scratch Without Old Clients03:04 Building In-Person Leads Through SEO & Flyers06:20 Leveraging Visibility & Being Seen in Your Community08:30 Flyers That Actually Convert (And Why)10:00 Turning Flyers Into Sales Conversations12:24 Intake Forms That Qualify Clients14:15 Showing You’re a Pro—Even Early On15:45 Building Trust Without Being Pushy18:00 Scaling from In-Person to Online Without Losing QualityInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

In this powerful episode, Heather shares her journey from group fitness instructor to leadership coach, revealing the missing link between external success and internal fulfillment. We dive deep into behavior change, how to guide clients to discover their “why,” and why so many high achievers still feel empty after reaching the top. This conversation is a masterclass in personal development, identity, and real transformation—from the inside out.

• (00:00) Heather’s Fitness Industry Origin Story

• (01:00) From Group Fitness to 24 Hour Fitness Hybrid Coaching

• (03:00) Transition to Human Behavior & Leadership Coaching

• (05:00) The Power of Knowing Your Why

• (07:00) Inner Work & Embodying the Message

• (09:00) High Performers, Success & Lack of Fulfillment

• (11:00) Burnout, Health Neglect & Regret in Leadership

• (13:00) Childhood Beliefs & Adult Performance

• (15:00) The Practice of Radical Self-Love

• (16:00) Creating Chosen Family & Impacting Others

In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle is joined by Mind Pump trainer Corinne to unpack one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) strategies in the coaching world: reverse dieting. Together they dive into the science, strategy, and psychology behind helping clients eat more, build muscle, and recover from years of under-eating. You’ll learn how to navigate scale anxiety, set expectations, restructure meals, boost protein intake, and resell the process through client doubt. If you coach general-population clients through fat loss, this episode is a masterclass in long-term success.

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.

• Intro: Meet Corinne + Topic Overview (00:00)

• Why Most Clients Fail at Fat Loss (01:02)

• What Is Reverse Dieting? (02:15)

• Metabolic Plateaus & Diet History (04:07)

• How to Reverse Diet the Right Way (05:30)

• Overcoming Scale Anxiety (06:33)

• Setting Expectations with Clients (10:36)

• Reselling the Process Midway (13:27)

• Navigating Setbacks & Client Doubt (14:26)

• Tracking Wins & Coaching Mindset Shifts (18:05)

• Adjusting Meal Timing & Volume (25:04)

• Hacks for Hitting Protein Goals (28:39)

• The Intermittent Fasting Obstacle (31:05)

• Why This Is the #1 Skill for Trainers (33:11)

Instagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleCorinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneSal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow

In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy, hosts Kyle Pullin and Adam Schafer sit down with a new Mind Pump Trainer who spent the last week learning behind the scenes at Mind Pump HQ. Joe discusses his transition from being a network field engineer to a personal trainer. He became inspired after searching for fitness podcasts and overcoming personal challenges such as his wife's battle with cancer. Joe emphasizes the value of getting practical experience and making genuine client connections. This episode underscores the importance of staying true to one's motivations and providing value-driven, client-centered training.

00:00 Introduction to Elite Trainer Academy

00:38 Meet Joe: A New Trainer's Journey

01:51 Overcoming Challenges and Learning Experiences

03:39 Joe's Background and Career Shift

05:54 Personal Struggles and Motivation

11:15 Training Philosophy and Client Relationships

15:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Instagram:

Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle

Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefano

Justin Andrews - @mindpumpjustin

Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadam

Doug Egge- @mindpumpdoug

Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @mindpumpacademy