What makes a truly great coach?In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast brought to you by Mind Pump, we sit down with one of our best coaches to talk about leading every conversation with genuine curiosity instead of falling into your own trends and biases.We also break down the three things that actually create client retention. Connection, results, and adaptability. Plus we tackle one of the hardest parts of online coaching, how to work with clients who give short responses or go unresponsive, and why being direct and owning your mistakes builds more trust than you think.If you got value from this episode make sure to follow or subscribe to the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a fellow trainer who needs to hear this.Thanks for listening. We are just getting started.

00:00 Leading With Genuine Curiosity

12:30 What Creates Client Retention

24:45 Coaching Unresponsive Clients

38:00 Owning Your Mistakes as a CoachInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle

Zack Quaderer - @coachzackquadererCorinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneCole Steininger - @mindpumpcoleMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougYouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

How do you give clients direct feedback without being pushy?In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast brought to you by Mind Pump, we break down the difference between accountability and positive reinforcement, and how to deliver direct feedback that actually creates change. From asking for permission to leading with the bigger picture, we cover the exact framework that works.We also dive into asking deeper questions as a coach. Instead of giving all the answers, learn how to guide your clients through their own thought process so they develop the skills to solve problems on their own. Finally, we tackle community in the gym. Why it matters for long-term results, how to encourage your clients to build real connections, and why starting with a simple head nod can change everything.If you got value from this episode make sure to follow or subscribe to the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a fellow trainer who needs to hear this.Thanks for listening. We are just getting started.00:00 Giving Direct Feedback09:30 Asking Better Questions22:15 Building Gym Community35:00 Starting Real ConnectionsInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleCorinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneCole Steininger - @mindpumpcoleMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougYouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

Why do we hate fat loss challenges?In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast brought to you by Mind Pump, we break down why 30-day fat loss challenges are terrible for your clients and your business. From setting the wrong precedent to creating a perpetual cycle of churn, we explain why focusing on quick results is a losing strategy.We also talk about reframing obstacles. Life will throw curveballs at your clients. The question is how you help them see those barriers as growth opportunities instead of excuses to quit. Plus we dive into the specific coaching techniques that create real behavior change and mindset shifts.If you got value from this episode make sure to follow or subscribe to the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a fellow trainer who needs to hear this.Thanks for listening. We are just getting started.00:00 Fat Loss Challenges09:15 Why Challenges Fail18:30 Reframing Obstacles26:45 Creating Behavior Change32:00 Positive Coaching PhrasesInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleCorinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneCole Steininger - @mindpumpcoleMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougYouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

How do you build an online coaching business from scratch?In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast brought to you by Mind Pump, we break down exactly how to spend your time and money when you're just starting out. From the 50/50 split between lead acquisition and client fulfillment to whether you should invest in paid ads or free content, we cover the strategies that actually work.We also tackle gym culture. If you're at a gym with bad culture, how do you know if it's worth trying to fix or time to leave? Plus how to lead from the bottom up and create change even when you're not in management.If you got value from this episode make sure to follow or subscribe to the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a fellow trainer who needs to hear this.Thanks for listening. We are just getting started.00:00 How to Allocate Your Time07:30 Lead Acquisition vs Fulfillment15:45 Best Channels for Clients24:30 Free Content or Paid Ads28:15 Building Gym Culture30:00 Uniting Your TeamInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleCorinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneCole Steininger - @mindpumpcoleMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougYouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

How do you teach clients to bounce back from setbacks?In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast brought to you by Mind Pump, we break down how to build resilience and help your clients recover quickly after falling off track. We also talk about allowing your clients their non-negotiables and why giving them permission to enjoy life actually makes them more consistent long term.Finally, we tackle AI in coaching. How to use it to enhance your thinking and efficiency without replacing the human connection that actually gets people results.If you got value from this episode make sure to follow or subscribe to the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a fellow trainer who needs to hear this.Thanks for listening. We are just getting started.00:00 Building Resilience in Clients08:30 Winning the Long Game16:45 Client Non-Negotiables22:30 Using AI as a CoachInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleCorinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneCole Steininger - @mindpumpcoleMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougYouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f

What are trainers actually allowed to do and not do?In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast brought to you by Mind Pump, we break down scope of practice for personal trainers. From handling client pain and injuries to nutrition coaching, we talk about the lines you should never cross and how staying in your lane actually makes you more valuable as a coach.We also tackle the niche conversation. Why new trainers shouldn't pick a niche too early, how to build a full client book first, and the importance of getting reps with different client types before specializing.Finally, we address the elephant in the room social media. How to help your clients navigate unrealistic fitness content, curate their feeds, and focus on what actually works instead of chasing every new trend.If you got value from this episode make sure to follow or subscribe to the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a fellow trainer who needs to hear this.Thanks for listening. We are just getting started.

00:00 Scope of Practice and Injury

09:30 Nutrition Coaching and Meal Plans

16:45 Why New Trainers Shouldnt Pick a Niche

27:15 Building Your Full Client Book

35:00 Social Media and Fitness Misinformation

42:30 Curating Content for Your Clients

Instagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle

Corinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinne

Cole Steininger - @mindpumpcole

Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy

Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefano

Justin Andrews - @mindpumpjustin

Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadam

Doug Egge- @mindpumpdoug

YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow

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

What does the future of fitness actually look like for trainers?In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast brought to you by Mind Pump, we sit down with Mike Fantigrassi from NASM to talk about the biggest trends reshaping the fitness industry. From longevity overtaking aesthetics as the number one goal to why connection with clients is becoming the competitive advantage AI cannot replicate, this episode breaks down what trainers need to know right now.We also dive into the holistic coaching model, how to build a professional network of practitioners, why business skills matter as much as training knowledge, and what trainers should focus on to stand out in 2026 and beyond.If you got value from this episode make sure to follow or subscribe to the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a fellow trainer who needs to hear this.Thanks for listening. We are just getting started.

00:00 Mike Fantigrassi Background

04:45 Developing Educational Products

13:20 Fitness Trends in 2026

16:45 The Holistic Coaching Model

21:30 Why Connection Matters Most

28:15 Building Online Community

42:00 Your Professional Network

50:30 The Business Side of Training

58:15 Sales and Limiting Beliefs

1:00:15 Most Important Skill for 2026

Instagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle

Corinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinne

Cole Steininger - @mindpumpcole

Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy

Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefano

Justin Andrews - @mindpumpjustin

Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadam

Doug Egge- @mindpumpdoug

YouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow

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

Is cardio actually hurting your clients results or are you just using it wrong?In this episode of the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast brought to you by Mind Pump, we break down how to program cardio the right way without losing muscle, why clean eating can go too far, and how to handle the most common sales objection trainers face. We also get into why most trainers struggle to close clients and what to do about it.If you got value from this episode make sure to follow or subscribe to the Elite Trainer Academy Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a fellow trainer who needs to hear this.Thanks for listening. We are just getting started.00:47 Cardio for Clients 15:45 Whole Foods vs Processed Foods 23:30 Sales Objections and How to Close More Clients 35:03 Why Most Trainers Are Not Good EnoughInstagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyleCorinne Schmiedhauser - @mindpumpcorinneCole Steininger - @mindpumpcoleMind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefanoJustin Andrews - @mindpumpjustinAdam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdougYouTube:Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f