NASM certified 2025 | NASM breakdown

episode

Previously titled “Should you get NASM certified 2025 | NASM vs McDonalds, who did it better | NASM breakdown” — renamed by the publisher on Sep 17, 2026

The Show Up Fitness Podcast not yet transcribed

▲ 0

Transcript

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet Upvotes decide what gets transcribed next — 0 so far. Sign in to upvote

recent transcribed audio

Booked out doesn't mean you're ready for an associate OD 23 min · 23 Sep 2026 · The Optometry Success Podcast

NPR News: 09-22-2026 11PM EDT 4 min · 23 Sep 2026 · NPR News Now

11PM ET 09/22/2026 Newscast 3 min · 23 Sep 2026 · Fox News Hourly Update

Best of NFL Week 2 Part 1: Jayden Daniels HURT + Caleb Williams OVERREACTION + Chiefs look like their OLD SELVES 1h 11m · 23 Sep 2026 · Nightcap

Best of NFL Week 2 Part 1: Jayden Daniels HURT + Caleb Williams OVERREACTION + Chiefs look like their OLD SELVES 1h 13m · 23 Sep 2026 · Club Shay Shay

Could sofa theory help you find your ideal partner? 4 min · 23 Sep 2026 · Do you really know?

Report any issue

Source

Recorded20 Aug 2025

Publisherrss.buzzsprout.com

Handlerec:11575193

Show notes

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Ever wondered why so many personal trainers struggle despite having "gold standard" certifications? This eye-opening exploration pulls back the curtain on the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - the fitness industry's equivalent of McDonald's.Founded in 1987 by Dr. Robert Goldman and developed by respected professionals like Dr. Michael Clark, NASM once represented cutting-edge fitness education. Today, after multiple corporate acquisitions (Ascend Learning in 2009, then Blackstone in 2017), it's become a marketing powerhouse with 1.5 million certified trainers worldwide. But quantity doesn't always equal quality.We dive deep into NASM's transformation from respected education provider to corporate giant, examining both its strengths (global recognition, gym employment opportunities) and critical limitations. The certification offers minimal business training, relies on outdated biomechanical concepts like upper cross syndrome (largely debunked by physical therapists), and features questionable programming recommendations.Most troublingly, newly certified trainers face a harsh reality: $9-12 per half-hour pay at big box gyms while clients are charged $50+, demanding split shifts, and pressure to sell supplements they may not believe in. It's no wonder 90% of trainers quit within their first year.True success in fitness requires more than passing a multiple-choice test. Elite trainers need mentorship, hands-on experience, business acumen, and professional networks – elements textbook certifications rarely provide. Whether you're considering becoming a trainer or looking to level up your career, understanding the limitations of standard certifications is crucial to avoiding the common pitfalls of the fitness industry.Ready to move beyond basic certifications? Discover what it really takes to build a sustainable, six-figure training career. Subscribe for more industry insights that separate fitness facts from marketing fiction.Want to ask us a question? Email email [email protected] with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: Show Up Fitness CPT TikTok: Show Up Fitness CPT Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com/collections/nasm

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related