Coach's Chat: Recent Episodes

Betsy

Build a thriving career as a fitness professional! Coach's chat is a podcast chock-full of thoughtful conversations with industry professionals, musings on common hang ups and challenges for new trainers and actionable advice for growing and succeeding as a coach for years to come!

"But the session is FREE?! Why don't they sign up?"

It seems counterintuitive to trainers but people don't run to sign up for complimentary personal training sessions. Instead, many run away as fast as they can!

In this episode, I talk why and discuss effective strategies that go beyond just offering complimentary sessions, focusing on building a connection that makes your potential clients feel comfortable and excited to give the free session a try.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

As trainers we understand the wide variety of benefits that come with consistent resistance training. And some of the best results are actually the absence of something (no more back pain, not feeling winded any more) but that can be tricky to quantify and even harder for a client to notice. In this episode, I offer suggestions for helping clients recognize and appreciate these really important quality of life wins.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Clients traveling this summer? In this episode, I share my recent experiences traveling to D.C. and discuss how we, as trainers, can help our clients stay consistent with their fitness goals without sacrificing their vacation fun. Learn how to program workouts for travel, make the most of hotel gyms, explore new classes and activities, and even when to encourage clients to take a break from their goals. I also discuss the importance of rest and how to discuss "guilt" when it comes to taking time off.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

100 episodes in and Betsy has some wisdom. In this episode she offers insights as it relates to persistence and what you can gain from pushing when you hit hurdles and difficult times. While it's super helpful for anyone at the start of their training career, the principles can be applied to lifting and life!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Helping others, constantly "being on", and interacting with a variety of people day in and day out can be exhausting. In this episode gives you 4 strategies to ensure you are caring for yourself so that you can feel good, live the life you want outside of work, and still enjoy your job.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

It's fast Friday!In under 10 minutes, Betsy gives you two ways you can fill spots in your schedule without being creepy or sleazy. AND they are designed to ensure you get the kind of client who is the right fit for you!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

When it comes to building a successful training business, acquiring and retaining clients, you can know all there is to know about exercise science and still come up short if you don't do these 3 three things with each and every client!

Be sure to write these 3 things down somewhere you can look at before you start each and every training session! Your clients will thank you.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

When 5 year olds are asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up", not many say personal trainer. It isn't necessarily a common career aspiration and many trainers have had a career or two before they chose to pursue the role full time.

In this episode, Betsy shares her own story of her circuitous path and why a non-traditional road to the job can be a real asset. This episode is an encouraging one for anyone who may be on the fence about taking that career leap or struggling with imposter syndrome!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

What does professional integrity look like? Honestly, different for everyone.

In this episode , Betsy gets vulnerable about integrity, judgement, and what she has expected of others in the past. She shares her own integrous actions and how they align with her personal values and encourages you to determine your own and seek out professional spaces and colleagues who share some of the same.

A great episode for new and veteran coaches for creating clarity around what is important to you professionally.

Betsy shares this post from Inquisitive Human as part of the episode.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Ursula said it and I'll say it again, body language is important. In personal training it is a form of important communication to your clients, colleagues, and potential prospects.

In this episode, Betsy breaks down the importance of body language, what to strive for with "good" body language, and how to get honest feedback about what your real body language communicates to others.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

It's about the how! Everyone and their brother on the internet is telling people to eat more protein or the importance consistency but who is out there connecting the dots?

In this episode Betsy shares tips on the must-use strategy for adding value for your clients and getting them real results. She walks you through a step-by-step approach you can start using with your clients right away!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

So many people think they want to be their own boss or start their own business and while there are many advantages, when you are starting out there is so much to be gained by working for someone else.

In this episode Betsy talks about building knowledge and experience working in the commercial gym setting and why it can be a great place for new grads, career changers, and side hustlers to get their start.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

There are just some subjects that are tricky and talking to a client about their alcohol consumption is one of them.

In this episode Betsy talks about how and when it is appropriate to bring up this kind of conversation, what kinds of questions you might want to ask, and other strategies for providing habit change tools without making someone feel judged.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

This is a big stay in your lane episode! Whether it's because you think you can "fix" what is wrong with your client or you subconsciously feel like you have something to prove, you can start doing thing that are out of your scope. That is dangerous, unprofessional, and it's selling yourself short on what you can do really well as a personal trainer.

Betsy gives you tons of insight on where we may be mistaking weakness for lack of mobility, why we can't diagnose, how we can be more effective in our zone of genius, and an easy to use 3 step process for when clients mention pain and/or discomfort.

All to help you thrive in your career and get your clients to their goals while keeping them safe!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Ever had to cancel something and they made it nearly impossible, making you jump through hoop after hoop? Or worse they made you feel guilty for wanting to stop?

In personal training, it's hard not to take people leaving personally, but how you handle the end of client relationships says a lot about your professionalism. In this episode Betsy tells you how to handle when a client wants to stop training or take a pause.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Not everyday is going to be thrilling! For many who turned to personal training because they were passionate about helping people, it can feel disappointing to get bored on the job (maybe it is just a general lackluster feeling about the work after the first months or years were super stimulating with lots of new info and interesting challenges).

Betsy breaks down why it's ok to have lulls, how to still show up professionally for your clients, and some strategies for dealing with the feelings of boredom in the long term.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

In the second part of this 2 part series, Betsy offers actionable tactics for supporting clients who are struggling with body image. She offers suggestions for creating a body neutral training environment as well as when and how to consider referring out for additional support.

Be sure to listen and send your questions to Betsy at betsy@bfosterstrong.com or send an Instagram DM to @foster_strength!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Exercise and body image will always be linked, whether explicitly or more subconsciously as body image includes the behaviors we engage in that impact how we feel about our body. As a trainer you can be a powerful facilitator of a neutral/positive body image space.

This series starts with steps you can take to honestly reflect on your personal body image and take steps to show up as your most professional self to support your client.

A must listen for trainers looking to cultivate a safe and nurturing environment.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

This is a one is gold (and easy to put into action), but it's too good to just toss in the show notes: you'll have to listen!

Short, sweet, and your clients will really appreciate it.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Generously inspired by a suggestion from JK McLeod, Betsy is talking about what to do when a client has a directive and you don't agree. She talks through some real experiences with her own clients and shares a multi-step system for communicating with your client that maintains respect but allows you to assert your expertise.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Sometimes you just have to let a client go. Whether it's not a good fit because of personalities, coaching style, training style, or scheduling (to name a few), having a system to approach ending the client relationship (Betsy's preferred term to "fire") can make the process a whole lot easier.

Betsy breaks down lots of possible scenarios and gives you a step-by-step approach to the transition process that is founded on integrity and respect!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Do you get the Sunday Scaries? Sunday rolls around and all of a sudden you have a kind of quiet dread looming about the week ahead.

Betsy has 4 easy actions you can take right away to easy your stress and prepare you for the week to come!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Betsy's got insight on feeling burnt out working as a personal trainer and tips for finding ways to overcome it whether you're brand new or been doing it for years.

In this episode...
Ben Bruno's Post

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

It's the big game, y'all! Betsy loves football so it only seemed appropriate to have a Super Bowl themed episode.

While most personal trainers see general population clients, there are some principles coaches who work with elite level athletes use that can be directly applied to anyone who trains.

Betsy highlights three that you'll see from athletes in the Super Bowl and then you can use them with your clients on Monday morning!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Betsy takes questions from listeners and gives you actionable advice you can use with your clients (or yourself)!

How do you keep a client motivated?
How much or how little should I talk about nutrition with my clients?
What is the best certification to get?

In this episode...
Dr. Lisa Lewis - Motivation and behavior change

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

If you need a laugh or just some perspective, this episode is for you. Betsy shares some of her most embarrassing (which turned out to be instructive) stories from being a brand new trainer. She shares why telling these stories are important as a reminder of how each phase of our career is fleeting.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

This episode is a reminder to keep going...

Because your effort matters.

The leader isn't the loudest one in the room. In a world where people are trying to be heard through the noise, it's easier to put people and methods and strategies down but that gets old.

In this episode, Betsy gets a little heated about condescension in the fitness industry but uses it to remind you that we all start somewhere. And when it comes down to it, your effort is what matters. You will grow and learn if you choose to stay open.

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

We've all got to learn them so it's better to get them out of the way now!

In this episode, Betsy shares 5 lessons that are pretty universal to all personal trainers. If you've learned them already, you are one step ahead and if you have yet to, Betsy shares insight to help you make the most of these lessons and inform your future decisions to find fulfillment in your career!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Is the fear of being judgement standing in the way of your success? Do you hold yourself back? Do you constantly question your choices?

Betsy breaks down some of the whys behind these fears and how to overcome them with real strategies you can start using right away!

In this episode Betsy mentions some friends and colleagues...
Dr. Shante Coefield
Laura Jean

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

You are in for a treat! Personal trainer, group fitness instructor, Crossfit coach, and all-around-kind-human, Lauren Enkerud shares her insights on her career and the keys to be a successful personal trainer!

Lauren hits on it all including...
-her path to working in the fitness industry
-adding new tools to her tool belt as she transitioned from administrative work to group fitness to small group training to one-on-one coaching
-why she loves the opportunity to program for one-on-one clients' goals
-how she found a way to acquire clients that felt authentic and right for her
-how she has prioritized continuing education to help her be able to serve more clients

And more!!!!

For more from Lauren, follow her on Instagram!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

It can feel difficult to assert yourself when everyone you know seems to know a "fitness expert". In this episode Betsy gives you actionable tips for establishing yourself as an expert when you want to and how to let it go when you don't. And not surprisingly she has advice on keeping it kind and respectful!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Ever worry that your programming has gotten a little lackluster? Having trouble staying engaged in your sessions? Concerned your clients are looking for a change?

In this episode, Betsy gives you 3 tips you can use right away to ensure your programming is fresh, relevant, and what your clients are looking for!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

In this episode, Betsy is helping you simplify the start to the year and remove some stress by giving you four simple yet important things to focus on this January to get the 2023 moving in the right direction. Getting started as a trainer is tough and it can be difficult to know where to spend your time and energy. This episode will help you prioritize the big dial movers to build a career you love!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

In the last episode of 2022, Betsy gives you 3 easy to apply tips for making 2023 your most successful career year yet!

Listen to this one and catch up on any episodes you may have missed before Coach's Chat returns in 2023!!!

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

If you are a trainer aiming to create a more inclusive fitness space then you MUST listen to this episode with guest Vera Schofield. Vera describes herself as “your fat flexibility coach” and her work is all about making movement inclusive for all body sizes and abilities.

In this episode she generously shares her insight on…

-the importance of representation of lots of different bodies in fitness spaces

-the word fat as a descriptor and asking people what words they prefer to use to describe themselves

-how personal trainers can do a better job of making people of different body sizes comfortable in the gym

-how she approaches flexibility training to help people in different body sizes make adjustments that feel good for them

-how she approaches creating content for social media

And so much more! Do yourself a favor and listen to all Vera has to share!

Run and find more from Vera here…

www.flexibilitywithvera.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@flexwithvera

http://instagram.com/flexwithvera/

https://www.youtube.com/c/FlexibilitywithVera

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Grab your helmets because on today’s episode Jen Kates, health and human performance coach for mountain climbers, is here to share her insights on a career in fitness.

In the episode you’ll hear…

-Jen’s origin story, moving from bio-tech to coaching
-How she managed the career jump
-How she addresses the needs of biking/cyclist clients
-Common hurdles she faces when working with the endurance sports population and what she does to gain buy-in
-Addressing the needs of health care workers and traveling professionals who are highly represented in the mountain biking community
-What she does to help her clients dial in their nutrition

And more!!!

Jen’s Instagram- @shifthumanperformance

Jen’s website- shifthumanperformance.com

Coach's Chat has new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so be sure to subscribe!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Thank you as always for listening! Your support means the world!

Another trainer biz topic that just doesn't get talked about: getting ghosted. If you train long enough, you'll likely run into a client who stops showing up or stops responding. There are also the situations where you meet a potential client, the comp session goes great, and then you never hear from them again.

In this episode, Betsy breaks down the potential whys behind these situations and gives you real strategies you can use.

For more from Betsy, follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

JK McLeod joins Betsy for this episode of Coach’s Chat to talk all things client-centered coaching!

JK shares his insights on…
-removing pressure in building client relationships
-understanding what clients really want and what they are facing in their day-to-day lives
-setting clients up for success beyond working with a coach (roots and wings)
-“rebuilding the track” i.e. adapting expectations and programming to fit the needs of the clients
-personality assessments and neurotyping for programming
-the importance of understanding personality when it comes to training and recovery
-what he would do differently if he was at the start of his coaching career

And more!!!

Give this one a listen and then run, don’t walk to find JK on Instagram - @coackjkmcleod

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

When clients come to you with big goals, are you on board or do you poo-poo their ambition?

Sometimes it feels as if trainers are focused so intently on what a client can’t do that they forget to train what they can do. And that can make the client feel like their time in the gym is all about being “fixed’.

In this episode, Betsy talks about why taking an “every goal is possible” approach can help empower clients, enrich their training experience, and improve overall buy-in to the program from both the trainer and client side. She gives specific conversation topics as it relates to realistic timelines, benchmarks, and more.

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com

Ever feel like you spend your time frustrated because you can’t get your clients the results they wanted, or because your career isn’t moving fast enough, or because you feel like you take things more seriously than other people do?

This episode is for you! The ones who care enough to get frustrated or discouraged.

The thing is sometimes this frustration is costing you more time, energy, and stress than it is contributing to progress. You are sacrificing your well-being.

In this episode, Betsy talks about caring deeply about what you do, the frustrations that can accompany it, and tips for how to treat yourself with kindness and sustain your dedication.

In this episode Betsy mentions episode 40- “When You Want It More Than They Do: Goals, Results, And Compassionate Coaching"

For more from Betsy, follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

In today’s episode, Betsy has the pleasure of chatting with Kelly Bryant, a pre and postnatal personal trainer, whose path to finding her current career success was bit unorthodox. Kelly shares invaluable advice and insight from her work in the fitness industry including…

her non-traditional path to personal training
how she simultaneously works for a company as a personal trainer and runs her own business
her struggles with imposter syndrome when it came to being in a room with other movement pros and how she has learned to appreciate the unique expertise she brings to her clients
how she discovered her specialty
what new trainers need to know about training pre/postnatal clients
how she prioritizes her clients needs and being adaptable to meet her clients where they are that day
the pros and cons of entrepreneurship

And more!!!

For more from Kelly follow her on Instagram and visit kellybryantwellness.com

If you are looking for more from Foster Strength, follow Betsy on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

They say “get better” but they don’t say HOW!

Writing effective exercise programming is at the heart of being successful as a personal trainer but so many new trainers get stuck, worried that they can’t get it “right”. And while there is no right answer there are “better” ways.

In this episode, Betsy gives you 3 actionable steps to get better at programming right away. Stop hoping and start developing your expertise!

If you are looking for more ways to improve your programming be sure to sign up for Betsy’s FREE programming webinar The Secret 7 (10/25 7 pm et but you can also watch anytime with the replay), where she gives you seven tools for writing amazing programs that the textbooks never taught you.

Register for The Secret 7 here!

Be sure to follow Betsy on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Check yourself before you wreck yourself…

Listen, it happens to us all and in this episode Betsy gets vulnerable, admitting to catching herself with a judgy thought about training. The value here lies in how she takes a step back, thinks critically about whether or not she let those thoughts impact her behavior, and offers tips on how to get curious about judgement, keep it to yourself, and strive to make the gym a welcoming place while still asserting yourself as an expert.

A great reminder of the importance of balancing knowledge and humility!

If you are looking for more ways to improve your programming be sure to sign up for Betsy’s FREE programming webinar The Secret 7, where she gives you seven tools for writing amazing programs that the textbooks never taught you.

Be sure to follow Betsy on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Does programming feel stressful? A big time suck? Like you are never getting it “right”?

For new and experienced trainers alike, carving out programming time is essential to efficiently and effectively get results for clients. In order to optimize your time, energy, and creativity, Betsy has 3 must use tips for creating your best programming conditions so you can get some time back and actually enjoy the process!

If you are looking for more ways to improve your programming be sure to sign up for Betsy’s FREE programming webinar The Secret 7, where she gives you seven tools for writing amazing programs that the textbooks never taught you.

Be sure to follow Betsy on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Hold your eye-roll because it's almost inevitable.

Clients are scrolling the same internet you are which means they are bombarded with many of the same health and fitness trends. But unlike you, they don't have the context or background knowledge to know whether or not it is just a trend or something that might be appropriate for them.

In this episode, Betsy gives you a few simple steps for navigating when a client wants to try a trendy diet or exercise they see on the internet. She'll guide you through responding compassionately, using it as a way to better understand their goals, and incorporate elements into their program if appropriate.

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram or visit bfosterstrong.com!

Does this sound like you?

You have training knowledge, you are confident you can help people, you know what it takes to get people to their goals, but you struggle when it comes to actually selling your personal training services.

You aren't alone.

For some reason as personal trainers we understand the importance of practicing programming and coaching but we just assume sales will come naturally, or worse we assume you either "have it or you don't". But being able to sell effectively is as much a series of skills as any other aspect of the job.

In this episode, Betsy gives you 3 tools (easy to use right now) to help you become a more effective "salesperson" and build your confidence when it comes to communicating your value.

A must listen for those wanting to sign more training clients!!!!

For more from Betsy, find her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Now that we know it’s possible to make personal training a viable (and lucrative) career, we have to talk about how to do it!

Simply being hired as a personal trainer at a gym or getting a certification doesn’t mean you are set. Like most jobs, you start out in an “entry level position”. The trick is understanding and taking action when it comes to the tasks that take you from struggling to success. In this episode, Betsy lays out those key actions and provides tips for long term fulfillment.

For more from Betsy, be sure to follow he on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Personal Training as a profession gets a bad rap. Whether people think you can't make good money or believe it is only a stepping stone to something else, few people outside of the fitness industry (and even some already in it), understand just how viable a career in personal training can be.

In this episode Betsy shares straight-forward insight on the benefits AND drawbacks of a career in personal training. She dispels myths about income and advancement while being frank about the kinds of things the career can't offer you. She lays it all out so you can see how this work may or may not align with your career/family/financial priorities.

Be sure to check back in for Part 2 of this series where she talks about what it actually takes to build and maintain that sustainable career.

For more from Betsy, follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Working in the fitness industry can be taxing on your own body image. From the endless conversations about "body goals" to clients well-meaning but often times misplaced comments about your body, your own self-image can warp and you can begin to feel pressure to look a certain way as part of your job.

Protecting your peace when it comes to your own body image is crucial to a long and rewarding career.

In this episode, Betsy talks about…

how anyone of any size can be a tremendous trainer!
the unfortunate realities of how people in larger bodies have been treated, particularly in the fitness industry
the challenge of contending with potential clients’ ideas of a “fit body” and what a trainer is supposed to look like
the myth that any one body is immune to careless comments and judgement
acknowledging the privilege that comes with certain bodies that approximate the “fit” ideal
how to balance your beliefs about bodies and training with clients’ deeply held beliefs (that are culturally ingrained and likely take a long time to change)
ways to protect your own body image and happiness in your career and preserve the boundaries that help you do that

Nurturing your self-image is priority number one when it comes to ensuring you have the energy and emotional reserves to help your clients with their goals!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com

Don’t get boxed in before you’ve dabbled!

In this episode, Betsy explains why becoming a proficient generalist is a great place for trainers to start when they are building their business with clients in the gym.

She breaks down…

The dangers/challenges of niching too soon
Why being a generalist is good for in-person business
How niching is different when it comes to social media/online business and training in the gym
How learning a bit of everything can help you determine the right niche for you
How to actually become a great generalist and help more people
When it’s time to build a specific expertise

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

If you’ve ever felt frustrated because a client “just doesn’t listen to my advice”, you aren’t alone. Trainers with loads of expertise and a genuine interest in helping their clients dole out advice with the best intentions and still struggle to get clients to take it. The key is looking at how and why we give advice in the first place and then asking some key questions.

In this episode Betsy discusses...

Why general advice doesn’t usually stick
Why more knowledge doesn’t always mean better advice
Why giving unsolicited advice is never a good idea (unless someone may be in danger/harming themselves)
The kinds of questions to ask/conversations to have to give better advice

Give this one a listen and try the strategies with your clients!!!!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

What is the difference between a novice trainer and a true pro?

In this Episode, Betsy talks all things professional mindset and what might be holding you back including…

a healthy dose of humility when you are brand new
that there is no magic moment that you will feel like you know enough
how seeking external validation as the only way you value your work sets you up to be disappointed
3 important questions to ask yourself when evaluating your own performance as a trainer

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com

In the second part of this two part series, Betsy goes beyond big picture to talk about actual strategies for approaching potential clients on the gym floor (or wherever you run your training business).

She talks...

-why any initial conversation should be treated like the start of a relationship, with the intent of genuine connections
-a few obvious (and sometimes not so obvious) DON'T DOs
-ways to strike up conversation that have nothing to do with fitness
-ways to speak about fitness, form, and training without being too sales-y
-how there is no formula for the perfect time to ask someone to train (but there are ways to practice)
-creating exclusivity with available appointments
-some perspective on conversion and sales

If you struggle or have ever struggled with getting new clients or talking to new people (especially if it is holding you back in your career) this is a must listen episode!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Many trainers dread it but in most cases it’s an unavoidable part of the job. Getting new clients means meeting new people, which if done without care or forethought can feel awkward at best and sleazy at worst. Whether it’s on the gym floor (if you work in a commercial gym setting) or somewhere else (if you work for yourself or online), you are going to sometimes have to start from scratch.

In this episode Betsy talks about the importance of these first interactions as a part of the relationship building process. Relationship building and fostering genuine investment is key when it comes to making a cold lead a warm lead, i.e. make the sales process more natural with built in buy-in.

In the first part of this two part series, she talks about the big picture things to think of when developing your own approach to meeting potential clients and how to make sure it feels in line with who you want to be as a trainer!

For more from Betsy be sure to follow on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Nobody (or at least no one I've ever worked with) became a personal trainer because they consider themselves a salesperson. Most personal trainers had their own transformative and/or meaningful experience with fitness and decided they wanted to help other people do the same.

So when it comes time to actually sell personal training, they balk.

But is this because your conversations with prospective clients focus on the wrong thing?

In this episode, Betsy breaks down the common mistake of spending the whole consultation process focused on what a potential customer already knows and how to switch the conversation to make it client focused and specific to the unique benefits of working with a personal trainer.

This seemingly simple advice can have an immediate impact on your ability to get clients AND how you feel when you are "selling" personal training (hint- it will feel a lot less like selling)!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Love the episode? Know a trainer it could help? Do me a favor and pay it forward with a share!

What do you do when your client shows up with no warning and a laundry list of aches and pains???

Yes, it happens more than you think.

Part of being a great coach is being able to adapt, know when the issue is not in your lane, and determine how to proceed.

In this episode, Betsy discusses…

The common fear amongst new trainers that they might “break” their clients
Why you should be prepared for not getting advanced warning about aches, pains, and doctors orders
The importance of distinguishing between pain and other words to describe stiffness, fatigue, soreness
When to REFER OUT
When to ask for permission and proceed with assessments that fall within your scope/adapt the program
How to handle physical therapist/doctor’s orders (hint, hint- talk to that practitioner if you can)
The importance of being compassionate about the emotions that come with your client’s injury/pain

Don’t get caught off guard! Listen to this one and be prepared for your clients so you can deliver the best possible coaching.

Helpful? Be sure to leave a rating and review!!!

For more from Betsy, follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Ever feel like every one of your clients wants help with nutrition and you just don't know what will actually work? Give them a macro breakdown? Help them get more protein? Suggest supplements?

It's a little simpler (and not surprisingly also more complex) than that!

In this episode, Betsy gives you 3 big nutrition dial-mover topics to cover with your clients FIRST! These big topics: food rules, emotional eating, and fueling for performance are nuanced (i.e. not a quick-fix nutrition solution) and often hold the key to unlocking a client's healthiest and happiest long-term sustainable nutrition strategy. She breaks each down, detailing ways you can talk to your clients about their own unique situations and begin to set them up for meaningful change that will fit in their life and more importantly enrich their relationship with food and exercise.

This is a must listen for any trainer that wants to help their clients with sustainable nutrition results!

For more from Betsy, follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

Becoming the best coach and trainer you can be means giving yourself the opportunity to embody your own unique coaching identity. And you do this by learning from different people!

It’s common in the personal training world for people to get isolated in their comfort bubbles. Particularly at the start of their careers, new trainers dive all in and become disciples of the gym’s education system or one or two senior trainers teaching where they work. And while there is immense value to be gained when jumping all in and adopting a system/series of principles from a person or company that helps you get your footing, professional maturity requires reaching past the bubble.

In this episode, Betsy breaks down the benefits of learning from different teachers, mentors, and schools of thought as well as the dangers of taking one person’s word as rule and staying in your comfort thought bubble. But it doesn’t stop there because Betsy provides tangible ways to determine how to choose where and how to branch out, how to split your time (hint you can still prioritize learning from people and systems that most closely align with your values), and why even learning something you hate or won’t use is valuable!

If you are looking for more from Betsy, be sure to follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

As a rule of thumb, when it comes to general population clients, fitness has to fit in their real life versus the other way around.

That's why the "No Excuses" mindset doesn't really help REAL people reach their goals. These excuses, otherwise known as obstacles/challenges, are inevitable. There are plenty of things that will need to take priority over fitness for our clients. And when you don't leave room for them, it becomes an all-or-nothing game.

In this episode, Betsy explains the advantages of a "Yes Excuses" mindset or the idea of anticipating and adaptability for sustainability. She describes how this approach is inclusive for all clients with varied backgrounds and priorities, allows for them to continue to make progress toward their goals when challenges arise, and increases your value as a coach. Plus, she gives you 3 steps to incorporating this into your training business.

If you are local to Gainesville be sure to register for the FREE Fit Career Connect networking happy hour for movement professionals here!

For more from Betsy, follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

It’s true; the health and fitness industry is crowded. There are a lot of professionals out there doing the same things. The question is, does this mean it’s oversaturated? Is there room for you?

In this episode, Betsy sheds some light on oversaturation in the industry, what that really means, and why more pros doing what you do IS NOT necessarily a bad thing. She breaks down…

Why someone knowing more than you or being farther along doesn’t take away from what you bring to the table
Why more voices means there are lots of great people to listen to (enough that you actually don’t have to spend time listening to, learning from, or following those who don’t align with your values or vibe)
Why no matter how similar you are to another pro, you will always be UNIQUE because there is only one YOU, and there is a client, follower, student for whom YOU are the best choice

Listen to this one for some much needed perspective and strategies for dealing with comparison and separating yourself from the pack!!!!

Love listening and want more from Betsy?

Follow Betsy on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com for tons of FREE resources!

Are you a fitness pro or aspiring fitness pro in Gainesville FL? Register for the FREE Fit Career Connect networking event here!!!!

The fitness industry has a MAJOR problem with personal trainer turnover. There are a few reasons and one of them is the lack of education/support around building success while maintaining healthy relationships and joy in their lives outside of work!

In this episode, Betsy explains the typical struggles of a trainer at the start of their career (think awful schedules, low wages, little to no life outside of work) and gives 3 actionable strategies for managing those challenges and building a work life that truly compliments your ideal personal life (and maybe a personal life that truly compliments your work life). Listen and start building the life you want!

Mentioned in this episode
Coach's Chat Ep 36 w/ Erica Marcano
Change Maker by Dr. John Berardi

Betsy's Links!!!
Fit Career Connect Event
Instagram
Website

Change Maker: Turn Your Passion for Health and Fitness into a Powerful Purpose and a Wildly Successful Career

We are celebrating over here!

Coach's Chat is officially 1 year old!

And in this episode Betsy is sharing some gratitude for all the listens and kind words along with sharing some advice around the learning journey.

For so many coaches, learning and professional development becomes another destination and they only allow themselves to feel confident when they hit some arbitrary milestone or get another certification. But this kind of linear "goals-only" focused thinking keeps trainers at any stage of their career from being confident in their abilities where they are NOW.

In this episode, Betsy offers advice on how to get tactical in the short term AND how to relax, enjoy the process, and see your professional development as ever-changing and evolving.

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com!

This is a NOT TO BE MISSED EPISODE!!!!!

I’m joined by Tayna (Ty) Texidor who generously shares her experience and advice from 19 years in the industry!

In this episode we chat about…

Ty’s origin story that was sparked by an injury, led to work in athletic training, time in a biomechanics graduate program, and ultimately to an incredibly successful and rewarding career in personal training
Why she LOVED her time in a big box gym!!!
How she rapidly grew her business, became a manager, and how she prioritized education with the trainers she supervised
The move to working for herself as an independent personal trainer
Her journey to opening her own gym, their group coaching with individualized programming model, and adding online coaching at the exact right time
The real deal info on client retention, letting clients go, and financial freedom/security
Why she thinks trainers should get their start in a big box gym and how to know when and how to move on
And more!!!

No matter where you are in your personal training/coaching career you’ll get something out of this episode because it is pure gold!!!

Stay connected with Ty here...
Tytraining.com
@ty_training and @evo.training.collective on Instagram

For more from Foster Strength visit bfosterstrong.com and on Instagram!

It’s more common than you think… your client says they have a goal, you create a thoughtful program along with expert behavior coaching and still despite your best efforts it seems like your client just won’t do what’s necessary to get the results THEY said they wanted!

This week I tackle this very issue that came from a listener request: what should I be doing when I want them to reach their goal more than they do?

This ends up being a little complicated, as is everything when it comes to the nuance of human emotion and psychology, but as a coach there are some things you can do to help your client still make progress and find meaningful success while preserving your sanity.

In this episode I provide tools for assessing the roadblock (too much change too fast, borrowed goals, or bad timing) and I provide 3 easy-to-use strategies for real-time coaching (the most helpful kinds of conversations, encouragement tips, and how to cut yourself some slack).

Give this one a listen and try the strategies right away!

For more from Betsy follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com.

In this episode;
Switch by Chip and Dan Heath

With great power comes great responsibility…

In this episode of Coach’s Chat I discuss body respect, how the way we speak about our own bodies can impact our clients, and how we can do a better job of creating safe spaces for all bodies in the training environment.

I break down 4 important strategies you can use right away…

Watch your language/talk around your own body/body image
Establish ground rules about body talk with each individual client
Listen and validate without agreeing
Encourage celebration around other body/training achievements

Give this one a listen and start the ongoing work of better serving your clients and creating an empowering environment when it comes to body respect!!!!

For more from Betsy follow Foster Strength on Instagram or visit bfosterstrong.com

It is a fact. You will lose clients.

The best trainers in the world have lost clients. Money, time, and injuries are real reasons someone might stop training and that’s ok.

In this episode, I break down the ways to insure you are doing the best you can to retain clients and also how to stop clinging to your scarcity mindset that has you stressing any time someone needs to take a break. Because the truth is this is palpable. Your clients can tell when you are stressing!

I give you 4 simple and effective strategies to ensure the clients that are your best fits are sticking around as long as they can (and spreading their recommendations around town, aka referrals), how to reflect on your work, and also how to feel comfortable letting people go.

For more from Betsy, follow her on Instagram and visit bfosterstrong.com

Can somebody tell me why we call all the important skills for relating to people and delivering great customer service “soft” skills?

In this episode, I chat about the pervasive problem in S&C and personal training where we diminish the importance of “soft” skills like critical thinking, communication, problem solving and intercultural fluency.

Worse, we write these off as “un-teachable” when these are very much skills that can develop with focused training and work (huh, kind of like exercise phys, programming, or nutrition).

Give this one a listen and check in with yourself on where you might diminish some of these skills or miss opportunities to work on them.

As always, let me know what you think and share with someone who might benefit from a listen!!!!

For more, follow Betsy on Instagram or visit bfosterstrong.com!

This episode is 🔥🔥🔥

Erica Marcano, MS ATC, CSCS sheds invaluable insight on burnout and overwhelm in athletic training, strength & conditioning, and personal training, with actionable tools for reflection and action to find joy in these helping professions.

In the episode Erica chats about…

her own journey from clinic, to boutique gym, to business ownership
context for the role of athletic trainer
athletes’ and clients’ identities post injury and how she programs and meets them where they are
thinking about the pain and fear scale
how overwhelm and burnout appears in fitness professions and why some of the more general burnout guidance simply isn’t geared toward us
how to think differently about finding the “right” profession and finding the grace to move on if it isn’t the best fit
filling up the cup with more of the good stuff
the importance of “programming” our own approach to self-care

This is a must listen for anyone looking for career satisfaction, longevity, and fulfillment!!!

You can find Erica on Instagram or at her website. And she has been generous enough to make this really helpful pdf to address your own self-care here!!!!

You can find Betsy on Instagram or on her website! Come say hi anytime!!!!

What does it truly take to be a great trainer?

The best coaches are all unique but they share command of the 10 core competencies I detail in this podcast episode.

If you want to build your most successful career and truly commit to bringing your clients the best experience possible, you need to take a look at where you are already crushing it and what areas need more attention.

In this episode, I break down all 10 of the competencies, giving you time to reflect on your abilities in each area so you can create a plan for your own professional development.

What have you mastered?

Where do you need work?

The Foster Strength Fitness Career Mentorship is systematically built to cover all of these competencies and develop your skills for real world application. This one-of-a- kind coaching experience starts Feb 28 so if you want to learn more or register click here.

And as always you can connect with Betsy on Instagram!!!

What if I told you showing up as yourself will increase the likelihood you'll attract clients you want to work with and have a long and fulfilling career?

You are probably wondering how you could show up as anyone else, but I see it time and time again: trainers trying to fit a mold for some mythical gold standard trainer. All the while, clients are simply looking for someone who cares about them. Yes, clients want knowledge and skills, but they are also looking for someone like you.

In this episode I talk about the ways your unique coaching identity sets you apart and how you can really lean into who you are WHILE you learn all the skills you need to succeed!

For more follow Betsy on Instagram and stop by bfosterstrong.com to hop on the email list!

How do I know I’m getting it “right” when it comes to programming???

I hear this so much! And I get it!

You get taught the principles but how do you go from principles to practical application?

I’ve got you!

In this episode I talk all about…

Fear of not being “good” at programming
Some of the missing links that have left you feeling that way
Why we need to shift the conversation to… “how do I make my programming more effective?”
And then I detail 2 AWESOME tools to help you determine if what you are programming is going to help you get your clients to their goals

This one is super actionable!!!

If you are looking for more be sure to sign up for my FREE programming course here!

And follow on Instagram!

Michelle Farrell, whose path to becoming a coach included eye opening MLM experiences and a "non-traditional" path, is dedicated to creating coaching spaces for the folks who often get left out. She is consciously providing her clients with a safe, shame-free environment and the tools to decipher fitness and nutrition language to make decisions that align with their own personal values.

In this episode Michelle is gracious enough to share…

how her fitness journey started
how her professional background in education has informed her coaching
her own hesitancy about asserting herself as a coach
creating strength coaching programs (with her business partner) for women approaching or experiencing menopause
intentionally coaching without before or after headless belly pics
meeting clients where they are and providing them with the information to make decisions for themselves
bucking the idea of what a trainer has to be

And so much more!!!!

A must listen for coaches who want to create a business on their terms and foster an inclusive strength environment!

Find Michelle on Instagram @straight_up_strong and @_michelle_farrell
or these sites…
Straightupstrong.com
Michellefarrellfitness.com
and on their Youtube page!

And if you are looking for Betsy visit bfosterstrong.com and follow her on Instagram!

When it comes to streamlining your consultation and programming process, identifying some key "types" of clients that you are sure to see in the gym can save you time and energy and help you fill your training schedule.

In this episode, I identify 4 types of clients that seek out personal training and what you can do to meet their specific needs/goals. Become a pro at spotting them, wow-ing them in a consultation and complimentary session, and then writing a killer program specifically crafted to get them their results.

Don't miss this one as it's full of super practical advice you can start using today!

Take a look at the Instagram post here.

Join the Foster Strength email list here.

True ownership of concepts, ideas, and principles means you can simplify them. You can synthesize all the information, boil it down to its essence, and then communicate it clearly without a lot of excess jargon.

This episode is all about doing just that!

I chat about...

Creating your own unique training philosophy (borrowing first) and then using it as the most powerful tool for communicating value in the sales process

-Challenging yourself to pair down the excess filler when it comes to programming and focus on what the essentials are so you can get really good at them and get clear on your why

Learning how to simplify big training concepts when it's time to communicate with clients

Give it a listen and let me know what you think!

Check out the programming Instagram post here.

Get on the Foster Fitness Career Mentorship Waitlist here.

A crash course in aerial coaching and so much more with Jessica John!!

In this episode Jessica breaks it all down…

-her unique origin story that interestingly enough began all the way back in a health club at a very young age

-what it means to train for circus arts and to be an aerial athlete (she had to educate me!)

-how she emphasizes strength work with her clients (often pushing against the assumption that it isn’t really necessary in the field)

-how she emphasizes recovery and reducing excess volume in her clients’ training schedules

-how fear plays an important role for aerialists

-her own move to coaching athletes before she was “ready”

-her quest to provide better mentorship/education for other aerial coaches in what is often a nebulous professional development path

-plus more!!!

There is so 👏🏻 much 👏🏻 great 👏🏻 crossover 👏🏻 when it comes to applying Jessica’s expertise to personal training. Be sure to give this one a listen!!!

Check out Circus Mobility on Instagram: @circusmobility

Work with Circus Mobility: circusmobility.com

Follow Jessica: @cordelisse

Get a Free Circus Mobility Goal Setting Guide: https://courses.circusmobility.com/goal-setting

For more from Foster Strength visit bfosterstrong.com and follow @foster_strength

Even though January is typically a huge month for the wellness industry (buying gym memberships, equipment, and workout clothes) because many people have renewed or new fitness goals this doesn’t always translate to a big boom for your personal training business! In this episode, I talk about why people don’t always think they need/want a personal trainer at the very beginning of the year and when and why they might discover they do (hint- it isn't too far off). I also give you some things you can focus on in January to make the most of the available time and prep ahead for the onslaught of prospective clients who will be looking for help in a few weeks.

Set the tone for your year by being proactive in January and don’t stress if the new clients aren’t banging down the door. They are coming!

To download the FREE Plug and Produce Programming Workbook click here
For more resources visit bfosterstrong.com
Follow Betsy on Instagram

When you are a new trainer it can feel intimidating to set boundaries; have you earned the right? Simply put, yes.

Boundaries when it comes to your availability, your extra efforts, and your attention are essential to ensure you can sustain your career and ENJOY it. And while you may need to be willing to work more and hustle harder at the start of building your training business, you still need to (and get to) create boundaries.

In this episode I talk about ways you can create clear and effective boundaries in your scheduling, email and text communication, supplementary services (like homework for clients), and with your client relationships. Explicitly delineating these boundaries can help you build rich relationships with your clients while maintaining professionalism, provide you with breaks from "always" working, and keep you engaged and excited for a long career.

For more from Foster Strength visit bfosterstrong.com and follow Betsy on Instagram. Don't miss Betsy on Maestro on the Mic!!!

Training = Programming!

If you want to be a great trainer you need to program. One-off workouts don’t cut it!

In this episode I talk about the benefits of writing programs and approaching your clients’ success in a systematic way. I also break down why programs don’t have to be boring or inflexible. And I don’t leave you hanging! I give you suggestions for getting better at writing programs right now!!

Looking for more? Download my free Plug & Produce programming workbook here. And if you want in on the Strength School Cyber Monday deal click here (available until 11/29 at 11:59 pm).

Get more on Instagram!

You could sit around talking calories in turkey or you could be a more impactful coach!

Yes, tactical nutrition and exercise advice has a place but every single thing your client sees about fitness and nutrition over the next six weeks is going to be about “navigating the holidays”.

The trainer who is proactive and sees beyond this moment to help their clients approach health and fitness in a sustainable way YEAR-ROUND is gonna have a leg up and I talk about how to do that in this episode!

For more tools to improve your career as a trainer, visit bfosterstrong.com and follow Betsy on Instagram!

Your client is struggling to squat... what do you do?

Trainers are movement mechanics. Much like a car mechanic, they see a problem/dysfunction (I like to think of these as roadblocks) and then they determine a solution and get to work. Trainers need to be able to determine the SOURCE of the roadblock and then apply an intervention that will actually elicit change. The challenge is that troubleshooting movement roadblocks really isn't covered in most personal training certifications and it is simply a non-negotiable skill to excel in this field.

In this episode, I detail the three big categories of potential roadblocks (Structural/anatomical, Tissue, Motor learning/Neuromuscular), some examples, and the kinds of interventions you would use to address these. These will help you take the guesswork out of programming for your client and help you get them to their goals faster.

For more resources to elevate your coaching visit bfosterstrong.com and follow Betsy on Instagram!

*In this episode I reference episode 23, listen here.

Somewhere along the way, trainers decided the best way to sell personal training and assert their knowledge was to treat clients as "broken" movers in need of "fixing". New trainers often fall prey to this way of thinking and struggle to build their client base, because believe it or not people don't want to be viewed as "broken". People don't want to be told they are doing everything wrong.

In this episode, I talk about how trainers can avoid this trap and build a business that doesn't hinge on using fear tactics to market their services. I detail how you can approach the movement assessment differently and begin to see more clearly what your clients CAN ALREADY DO (making programming for them full of possibilities) and help them improve along the way!!!

For more training resources, be sure to visit bfosterstrong.com and follow Betsy on Instagram!

What professional development course do you choose?

It can be overwhelming to choose what you want to do for continuing education. Why are you doing it? Because you have to get CEUs? Because you want to get better? And what do YOU need to get better at?

Then you look at the price tag and ask yourself…. “Is this worth it?”

In this episode I talk about the why behind your professional development, how to determine what course is right for you, and how to know if it will be worth the investment.

Registration is open for Convey And Convert, the 14 day mini course designed to get you more confident showing off what you can do in a consultation session and then signing paying clients!!!! Visit bfosterstrong.com/conveyandconvert to sign up by Oct. 31!!!!

The Dr. John Bernardi Show- https://drjohnberardishow.com/#episode

You aren’t simply born good at everything!

And if you are stressing out about feeling like you are stumbling all over yourself when it comes to getting personal training clients, you aren’t alone. Why? Because no one has taught you the skills to be good at it!

You think I’m joking, but most personal training curricula does not include the consultation/sales part of the process and it is a shame! So many talented trainers either struggle or give up because they didn’t learn what they needed to in order to be successful.

In this episode I talk about why you need to cut yourself a break, learn the skills to excel in building that initial relationship and getting clients on board (i.e. making a financial investment), and then train those skills like you would any lift!

Be sure to visit bfosterstrong.com for more and follow Betsy on Instagram!!!

Using stories to connect is one thing. Relying on your individual training experiences to coach clients is another.

It's hard. Maybe you are just starting out and don't have a lot of clients' experiences to pull from. Or maybe you just really want to share something that has worked for you. But sharing your personal experiences may be doing a disservice to your clients. Whether it is giving advice that might not actually be appropriate for their circumstances, making them feel that how things work for you (the fitness expert) should work for them, or simply hogging the conversation, your personal experiences can get in the way of client-centered coaching, a.k.a., the thing people are paying you for.

In this episode I share some times you'll want to steer clear of sharing personal experience, some times it can be appropriate and helpful, and what strategies to use instead to make the personal training experience valuable for the person who deserves it the most, the client!

Looking for more? Visit bfosterstrong.com to get on the mailing list and be sure to follow Betsy on Instagram!

Ever worry what you are doing with your clients is just "too simple"?

You aren't alone. Many trainers are uncomfortable keeping things basic for so many reasons: "Will my client think this is worth the money?", "Will my client get bored?", "Will my colleagues think I don't know enough?"

In this super quick episode, I break down why you can ditch the stress and get comfortable with the basics and why simple is likely very appropriate and effective for your clients!

For more tips and actionable guidance on how to simplify your training, download my free Plug & Produce Programming Workbook and be sure to follow on Instagram!

Some of your clients will be postpartum people, simple as that. Whether it be newly postpartum or postpartum years ago, every trainer will come across clients who have experienced the anatomical, physiological, and psychosocial adaptations of pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. This is why every trainer needs at least a basic understanding of how to address these changes with their programming and coaching.

In this episode, I breakdown the basic concepts you need to know when it comes to training pregnant or postpartum clients, when to refer to a more specialized coach/practitioner, and what you can do if you want to learn more.

To access more training resources, visit bfosterstrong.com and be sure to follow on Instagram.

Coach's Chat is back! After a brief hiatus, new episodes are going to be rolling in!

Today we are talking periodization, how we plan programming long-term, for the general fitness client! Athletes' strength and conditioning programs typically follow periodization based on pre-season, in-season, off-season, etc. but for the typical client we see in a commercial gym setting schedules aren't usually so neat and tidy.

In this episode, I give you some tips/things to think about when building a program around a client's real life and what matters most to them!

Looking to get better at exercise programming, be sure to download the FREE Plug & Produce Programming workbook at bfosterstrong.com/plugandproduce. And for more from Foster Strength head over to Instagram!!!

With 15 years of working as a coach under his belt, Dwayne Brown has surpassed the average career length of a personal trainer ten times over. And for good reason! Dwayne’s thoughtful approach centers around who the client really is and how to help them reach their goals in a way that fits their life.

In this episode, Dwayne shares the importance of simplifying habit changes, how incorporating a gratitude practice has been an important part of building his business, and what he thinks has contributed to his longevity in the health and fitness field. It doesn’t get any more straightforward and helpful than this from a trainer whose knowledge, professionalism, and client-care is top notch! Don’t skip this one!

For more from Dwayne, check him out on Facebook or Instagram! And to stay up-to-date with Foster Strength head over to Instagram or bfosterstrong.com!

What would change if you really loved what you do?

On this episode, we talk to Patty Graham about how a genuine passion for fitness and its ability to transform lives drove her to do a lot of figuring it out on her own. Whether it was getting her cert, starting her first boot camp, or building her social media presence, she persisted and built the business she has today.

And she generously shares lessons she’s learned along the way, like the importance of continuing education, how to get confident charging for your services, and the importance of providing highly personalized coaching. It’s full of valuable advice for trainers or aspiring trainers looking to build their own fitness business.

For more from Patty, be sure to follow her on Instagram or visit her website and if you are looking for more from Foster Strength, follow Betsy on Instagram or stop by bfosterstrong.com!

I don't want you to make these 3 painfully common initial consultation mistakes!

I have no doubt you are an amazing trainer who could help so many people achieve the change they are looking for but you are likely falling prey to these common missteps with the initial consultation.

I see it over and over again with coaches brand new to the game and I want to save you the heartache. In this episode I break down the 3 most common pitfalls that sabotage your consultation/prospective session process (the moment where you want to be making a killer first impression) and what you can do to knock it out of the park and make the connections that lead to signing clients.

For more be sure to follow me on Instagram and visit my website to get all the latest training and coaching resources.

Back with the next episode in the Beyond The Basics Series all about upper body pushing!!

Ever feel like you are limited when it comes to programming? Maybe you are new to training and just haven’t been exposed to a ton of exercise variations? Maybe you have been in the game a minute but you feel a little limited by the way you’ve always been doing things? Maybe you are just feeling like your imagination is lacking and you need a fresh perspective? In this brand new Beyond The Basics series, I share some quick thoughts on programming specific movement patterns beyond what is often covered by an entry level CPT textbook to help you generate some new ideas (or in some cases remind you of a strategy you forget about)!

In this episode, we talk about upper body pushing! I give you 3 programming tips that go beyond the basics taught in your first training course which can be really beneficial in an applied training setting (like a commercial gym with your every-day general fitness client).

For more training and coaching exercises, follow Betsy on Instagram or check out her website!

Ever feel like you are limited when it comes to programming? Maybe you are new to training and just haven’t been exposed to a ton of exercise variations? Maybe you have been in the game a minute but you feel a little limited by the way you’ve always been doing things? Maybe you are just feeling like your imagination is lacking and you need a fresh perspective? In this brand new Beyond The Basics series, I share some quick thoughts on programming specific movement patterns beyond what is often covered by an entry level CPT textbook to help you generate some new ideas (or in some cases remind you of a strategy you forget about)!

In this episode, we talk about possibly the most common movement in an exercise program: the squat! I give you 3 programming strategies beyond the basics taught in your first training course that can be really beneficial in an applied training setting (like a commercial gym with your every-day general fitness client).

Looking for more coaching resources? Be sure to visit bfosterstrong.com and follow me on Instagram!!!

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Nard of Main Street Strength, an online coaching business she co-owns with her husband Patrick that teaches clients how to train with kettlebells at home.

Rachel shares real-life insights about making sure you are bringing your best self to your work, getting clear on your priorities, and sharing responsibilities and collaborating with a partner. She also shares how focusing specifically on kettlebell and Kinstretch specific training has served the business and their clients. Her years of experience in a variety of training settings sets her apart as a coach to learn from, and she is more than generous sharing the lessons and tools that have been important in her own development!

Give this one a listen or two! And the check out Rachel and Patrick on Instagram or at their website! You can also check out Strong First and FRC.

If you are looking for more coaching guidance and resources be sure to follow Foster Strength on Instagram or head to the website!

Robbie Farlow, writer and online fitness coach, drops solid gold knowledge about building a successful coaching career being the “real” you.

He details how to write captivating and authentic material versus sounding like a boring and dry textbook. He offers actionable tips for creating Instagram posts, writing long form content, changing sweatpants before the work day starts, and of course nerding out on the things you love.

Don’t sleep on this episode and Robbie’s invaluable advice for trainers looking to take their content and coaching to the next level.

Be sure to follow Robbie on Instagram and visit his website.

If you are looking for more from Foster Strength head to Instagram or bfosterstrong.com!

Set the road map for your success!

As a trainer, you are taught how to guide your clients through goal setting, but are you setting goals for your own career success?

In this episode of Coach’s Chat, I detail 3 essential areas for career goal setting and how to prioritize your needs as you build a long and rewarding career in fitness!

Be sure to connect with me on Instagram and get on the waitlist for the Fresh 2 Success Fitness Career Mentorship.

Your knowledge and experience is a gift that you have an obligation to share! For new trainers and coaches, this can feel intimidating but consistently creating content is a terrific way to hone your abilities. It gives you the opportunity to practice synthesizing complex ideas, answer questions potential clients are eager to know, and establish yourself as the expert.

In this episode, I give you a little insight into content creation and how it can be an important part of building your fitness career. I share a little more about #contentmadnessMay and why being generous with your knowledge is the best way to build rapport and reputation.

Be sure to check out all the FREE content I have created for the month of May here and be sure to follow me on Instagram!!!

Ever feel like you weren't cut out for the personal training sales process? Like you are great at training, and talking to people, and building relationships, but it all falls apart when it's time to sell a training package? Like you feel slimy?

That's probably because you have been taught a slimy sales approach that relies on stale tactics. You are probably doing all the "right" things but it still feels forced. Typical personal training sales advice has personal trainers changing everything about who they are and how they relate to people when it comes time to make the sale.

In this episode, I give you another way! An approach that uses what you are already good at, being yourself, and really makes the sales process the first time you get to flex your client-centered coaching skills.

Want more coaching resources? Visit my website and follow me on Instagram! And all May long I'm sharing FREE content every day! Check it out here!

Being a better coach means asking rather than assuming. So stop assuming you know what someone wants based on their size, gender, or age!!! Whether it be about their goals, their adherence to their program, or their progress, assumptions are dangerous signs we aren't truly getting to know our clients and what THEY want, what THEY need.

In this episode, I detail the places where assumptions can sneak into our work, how to set them aside, and how to prioritize asking questions and genuinely listening.

If you are looking for more coaching resources, visit my website, follow me on Instagram, and be sure to take a look at all the FREE content I have for the month of May!

I'm sure you've felt it before. You worry that others are judging you. Judging your career development. Judging your choices with clients. You have likely worried about judgment outside of the professional world too.

Yes, it's a common concern but you don't have to live with it!

In this episode I break down strategies for overcoming those fears, focusing on your own effort and success, and fostering an environment where judgement has no room to flourish. I break down some of my own struggles with this and what helped me (be sure to check out Shante aka The Movement Maestro who I mention in the episode).

If you are a coach looking to build confidence in your skills, be sure to check out my website for coaching resources and follow me on Instagram!!!

Chris Nethercutt, CSCS joins me to talk coaching and specifically how he developed a niche in coaching Weightlifting, how he applies that experience to a variety of different coaching settings, how he focuses on his own education, and what advice he would give to new trainers (some really great things to avoid).

Chris is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, USAW 1 and 2 certified, and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in exercise science. He has coached a variety of youth athletes, Crossfitters, general population clients in the commercial gym setting, and he runs his own Weightlifting club.

You can find Chris on his personal Instagram, his Weightlifting club's account, or on their website.

Looking for more from Foster Strength?

Follow me on Instagram or visit the website!

And don't miss out on an entire month's worth of FREE content. That's right... a new piece of FREE content each day during the month of May. Click here to access!!!!

I can't tell you how many times I tell people I am a personal trainer, they nod, and then I realize they have no idea what I actually do!

For new trainers and those who are thinking of starting a career in personal training, it can be very helpful to have a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the job.

In this episode, I break down what the typical tasks of a personal trainer include, make some important distinctions between the role of a personal trainer and other industry professionals (physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength coaches, etc.), and highlight the reasons why personal trainer might be the right fit for you.

As always I want to hear from you and connect! Find me on Instagram and on my website!

"When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life". Yeah, yeah, yeah, AND passion has its limits. Relying solely on passion to build a successful training career could leave you burnt out real quick. In this episode, I talk the limits of passion and the qualities that will help support your passion and help you build a long and satisfying career!

Check me out on Instagram or at my website!!!

Join me for the first episode of my podcast, Coach's Chat. In this episode I breakdown what you can expect in upcoming episodes and give you a little insight into my coaching origin story.

Give it a listen and let me know what you think!

For more from me, be sure to follow Foster Strength on Instagram and check out my website.

Music: In Summer- Beach Vibes Music