Struggling to close clients in your first session? You’re not alone. Most trainers fail at sales because they focus on the wrong things—leading to frustration, low income, and a short-lived career.

In this episode, we expose the BIGGEST mistakes trainers make when trying to sell personal training and break down a proven framework for closing clients with confidence. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, these real-world tactics will help you book more clients without sounding like a sleazy salesperson.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why most trainers choke under pressure when selling

✅ The #1 mindset shift that turns hesitant clients into paying ones

✅ How your appearance could be killing your chances (fix this ASAP!)

✅ The power of building a vision—and why most trainers skip it

✅ How to create an instant connection that builds trust fast

✅ Why rushing the sale actually pushes clients away

✅ How to bounce back from rejection without losing confidence

✅ The ultimate follow-up strategy to win hesitant clients later

🚨 If you’re a new trainer, you can’t afford to miss this. Learn how to close more clients, build trust, and grow your business the right way.

👉 Drop a comment with your biggest struggle in sales!

🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on mastering personal training and making real money in fitness.

Chapters

00:00 The Struggle of Closing First Sessions

05:36 Self-Worth and Selling High-Ticket Training

10:23 Best Practices for First Training Sessions

17:09 Biggest Mistakes Trainers Make in Consultations

23:06 The Perfect First Session Structure

28:50 The Power of Presumptive Sales & Closing Strong

40:15 Confidence & Long-Term Success

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Connect with us!

=============================

Ryan Tullis:

https://hoo.be/nomad

Tyler Johnson:

https://linktr.ee/4thsetfitess

Aaron Saltzman:

https://linktr.ee/Saltz24

Memoirs of A Fitness Trainer:

https://beacons.ai/themftpod

Featuring the lovely Ishak!

https://www.instagram.com/ishak_ishak/

https://www.instagram.com/hawkfitcoaching/

The fitness industry is filled with hype, but few talk about the REAL struggles of becoming a successful coach. In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Coach Ishak reveals his unconventional journey from nursing to coaching—including the brutal lessons he learned while living in his car.

💡 Key Topics We Cover:

✅ Why most personal trainers fail within their first year

✅ The biggest mistake new coaches make (and how to fix it)

✅ Why passion isn’t enough—you need this one skill to succeed

✅ The truth about specialization and why generalist trainers struggle

✅ How extreme opinions in the fitness world are hurting clients

✅ Ethical coaching: Why taking the wrong clients can ruin your reputation

✅ The power of networking & learning from others in the industry

🚨 Coaching isn’t just about workouts—it’s about psychology, empathy, and business acumen. If you’re a new trainer or thinking about making the leap, this episode is a MUST-WATCH.

👉 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway!

🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on building a profitable and impactful fitness coaching career.

Chapters

00:00 From Nursing to Fitness – A Life-Changing Decision

02:44 Living in His Car While Building a Business

04:25 Networking with the Best in the Industry

10:32 What Makes a Good Coach GREAT?

22:34 Fitness Industry Scams & The Ethics of Coaching

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Connect with us!

=============================

Ryan Tullis:

https://hoo.be/nomad

Tyler Johnson:

https://linktr.ee/4thsetfitess

Aaron Saltzman:

https://linktr.ee/Saltz24

Memoirs of A Fitness Trainer:

https://beacons.ai/themftpod

Keywords

fitness, coaching, personal training, bodybuilding, health, nutrition, online coaching, coaching philosophy, exercise science, personal development

The fitness industry is changing FAST, and if you're not adapting, you're falling behind. In this episode, Ryan Tullis sits down with elite coach and competitive bodybuilder Dilan Velagic to expose the hard truths about coaching, AI in fitness, and why most trainers fail.

Dilan's journey from an average gym-goer to a respected coach proves that building a career in fitness isn’t just about lifting weights – it’s about mastering communication, mental resilience, and business strategy.

Key Takeaways:

🔑 The #1 mistake online coaches make (and how to fix it)

🔑 Why mental health is the missing piece in fitness coaching

🔑 How AI is disrupting the personal training industry – good or bad?

🔑 The secret to building a loyal client base that actually sticks around

🔑 Why knowledge isn’t enough – coaching is about relationships

🔑 How Dilan and Lauren built a successful business by playing to their strengths

🔑 The future of fitness: where coaching is headed in the next 5 years

🔑 This episode is packed with raw insights, controversial takes, and real-world strategies that every personal trainer, gym owner, and fitness enthusiast needs to hear.

💬 Drop a comment below – Is AI the future of personal training or the end of it?

📲 Follow Dilan for more! https://www.instagram.com/bodybydilan/

🔥 Subscribe & turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 🚀

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey from Gym Rat to Pro Coach

04:07 The Ugly Truth About Fitness Coaching

08:24 Should You Date Your Business Partner?

10:31 What It REALLY Takes to Be a Successful Coach

12:39 Will AI Replace Fitness Coaches?!

18:46 The Future of Fitness & What’s Next

=============================

Connect with us!

=============================

Ryan Tullis:

https://hoo.be/nomad

Tyler Johnson:

https://linktr.ee/4thsetfitess

Aaron Saltzman:

https://linktr.ee/Saltz24

Memoirs of A Fitness Trainer:

https://beacons.ai/themftpod

Keywords

fitness, coaching, bodybuilding, AI, personal training, communication, relationships, nutrition, mental health, athlete preparation

💰 Struggling to close clients? Still using outdated, pushy sales tactics? STOP.

In this episode of the Memoirs of a Fitness Trainer podcast, we break down why most trainers fail at sales and how to fix it—fast. 🚀 Ryan Tullis, Aaron Saltzman, and Tyler Johnson expose the real reason your leads aren’t converting and how to start making serious money without being “salesy.”

🔑 Here’s What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why traditional sales scripts are FAILING personal trainers

✅ The #1 mindset shift you need to stop scaring clients away

✅ How to create an irresistible offer WITHOUT manipulative tactics

✅ The secret to handling objections (without feeling like a sleazy salesman)

✅ Why trainers who give FREE value actually close MORE sales

✅ The deadly mistake making trainers sound desperate (and how to fix it)

💡 Fact: If you’re not closing clients, it’s NOT because you suck at sales—it’s because you’re doing it wrong. Watch now and level up your game!

👉 Don’t just train—build a business. Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment with your biggest sales struggle! Let’s get you PAID. 💰

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Sales

02:00 The Value of Sales in Personal Training

04:45 Overcoming Sales Tactics and Fear-Mongering

06:09 Building Confidence and Comfort in Consultations

08:39 Breaking Down Barriers in Client Interactions

10:50 Understanding Client Needs and Expectations

13:31 Navigating Pricing Objections and Value Propositions

17:16 Creating Structure for Client Success

19:13 Emotional Attachments and Client Commitment

25:18 Client Assessment and Initial Engagement

32:28 Value Proposition in Personal Training

36:18 The Importance of Accountability and Consistency

37:32 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and Future Directions

=============================

Connect with us!

=============================

Ryan Tullis:

https://hoo.be/nomad

Tyler Johnson:

https://linktr.ee/4thsetfitess

Aaron Saltzman:

https://linktr.ee/Saltz24

Memoirs of A Fitness Trainer:

https://beacons.ai/themftpod

In this episode, Ryan Tullis sits down with Joseph to unpack his unfiltered journey from working in the food industry to becoming a personal trainer and high-level content creator. They tackle the biggest industry myths, the game-changing impact of COVID, and the real reason most trainers fail before making their first $10K.

Joseph Coltrin!

https://www.instagram.com/joseph.coltrin/

From escaping the box gym trap to leveraging content creation for financial freedom, Joseph shares how he built a recession-proof career by trusting the process and outworking the competition.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

🔥 Personal training alone won’t make you rich – diversify your skill set

💡 Content creation is the new fitness business hack – here’s why

🏋️ Box gyms vs. independent training? The TRUTH about making money in fitness

💰 The financial mistakes trainers keep making (and how to avoid them)

🤯 Why COVID actually helped some trainers blow up their business

📌 Chapters & Timestamps:

00:00 – Why Personal Trainers Are Switching to Content Creation

03:03 – How to Build a Training Brand That Sells Itself

06:24 – Joseph’s INSANE Career Pivot: Food Industry to Fitness Coach

09:19 – COVID Destroyed Gyms… but Created Massive Opportunity

12:15 – How Personal Training Set the Stage for Content Success

14:52 – Juggling Multiple Roles: Trainer, Creator, Entrepreneur

20:51 – Is Passion Enough? The Harsh Reality of Fitness Business

26:06 – Why Most Trainers Train the Wrong Way (Joseph’s Fix)

31:46 – Box Gym vs. Independent Trainer – Which One Actually Pays?

37:34 – The Dumbest Money Mistakes Trainers Keep Making

41:20 – Building a Brand That Stands the Test of Time

🎥 Watch Now & Learn How to Future-Proof Your Fitness Career!

🔔 Subscribe for more no-BS fitness business insights!

#personaltrainer #fitnessbusiness #contentcreator #entrepreneurship #covidimpact #fitnessindustry #gymlife #contentmarketing #trainertips #businessgrowth

=============================

Connect with us!

=============================

Ryan Tullis:

https://hoo.be/nomad

Tyler Johnson:

https://linktr.ee/4thsetfitess

Aaron Saltzman:

https://linktr.ee/Saltz24

Memoirs of A Fitness Trainer:

https://beacons.ai/themftpod

In this episode of Memoirs of a Fitness Trainer, the hosts tackle the reality of imposter syndrome in the fitness industry. They dive into how self-doubt creeps in, why even the most successful trainers experience it, and how to shift your mindset to break free. Through personal experiences and real strategies, they cover how repetition builds confidence, why your achievements matter, and how to stop social media from fueling doubt. Listeners will walk away with practical tools to silence imposter syndrome, reframe self-doubt as growth, and stay focused on building their future selves.🔥 Key Takeaways:✅ Imposter syndrome is common even top trainers feel it✅ Self-doubt will hold you back but pushing through it leads to REAL growth✅ Repetition and experience build confidence✅ Recognize and celebrate progress, even small wins✅ Surround yourself with the right people✅ Focus on your journey, not someone else’s highlight reel✅ Journaling and writing clarifies emotions and reduces uncertainty✅ YOUR FUTURE SELF DEPENDS ON TODAYS ACTIONSChapters:00:00 Imposter Syndrome in the Fitness Industry02:26 Understanding Imposter Syndrome04:39 Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome06:34 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome09:33 Growth and Imposter Syndrome13:18 Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Fitness Training16:11 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception18:03 Personal Stories of Overcoming Doubt21:52 Practical Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome25:48 The Power of Journaling and Reflection29:56 Future Self: A New Perspective on Growth=============================Connect with us!=============================Ryan Tullis: https://hoo.be/nomadTyler Johnson:https://linktr.ee/4thsetfitessAaron Saltzman:https://linktr.ee/Saltz24Memoirs of A Fitness Trainer:https://beacons.ai/themftpodKeywordsimposter syndrome, fitness trainers, self-doubt, personal growth, overcoming insecurity, mental health, confidence, professional development, personal experiences, strategies

Liza's IG!https://www.instagram.com/liza_logacheva/Summary:Liza shares her journey from Siberia to becoming a personal trainer in the U.S., overcoming language barriers and transitioning from nursing to fitness. She opens up about dealing with imposter syndrome, the realities of client retention, and the challenges of being an independent trainer. Her experience in nursing shaped her ability to understand client needs, and she emphasizes the importance of coaching, resilience, and self-belief in the fitness industry. Liza's story is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and persistence in building a successful career in personal training.Takeaways:🔥 Liza overcame language barriers after moving from Siberia to the U.S.💡 She transitioned from nursing to personal training, following her passion for fitness🚀 Her experience in nursing helped her better understand and connect with clients🎯 Imposter syndrome is real, but she pushes through by focusing on growth💪 Independent training comes with challenges, but client retention is key to success⚡ A strong support system and coaching are crucial for personal and professional development📈 She balances personal training with content creation to expand her reachChapters:00:00 Introduction and Background01:57 Language Barriers and Coaching04:48 Journey from Client to Trainer07:42 Meeting Joe and Relationship Dynamics10:48 Transitioning from Nursing to Fitness13:44 Experiences in Nursing School16:33 Discovering Passion for Fitness19:31 Meeting Influencers and Community Impact20:18 Transitioning to Personal Training23:58 The Passion Behind Fitness Training28:18 Navigating Imposter Syndrome33:08 Challenges in the Personal Training Business36:28 Current Endeavors and Future Plans=============================Connect with us!=============================Ryan Tullis: https://hoo.be/nomadTyler Johnson:https://linktr.ee/4thsetfitessAaron Saltzman:https://linktr.ee/Saltz24Memoirs of A Fitness Trainer:https://beacons.ai/themftpodKeywordsLiza, personal training, fitness journey, nursing, bodybuilding, imposter syndrome, client retention, independent trainer, challenges in fitness, coaching

This episode explores the evolving landscape of the fitness industry and why 2025 is the perfect time to start a fitness career.

We discuss the role of social media and technology in shaping modern fitness businesses and highlight the importance of certifications, hands-on learning, and networking.

Personal transformation and building connections in the gym are key themes, with practical advice on creating a successful and satisfying career. The discussion emphasizes learning from industry trends and making the most of available resources.

We also touch on finding the right environment to thrive as a trainer. This episode inspires aspiring trainers to leverage their personal and professional growth for long-term success.

Takeaways:

💡 Social media is a game changer for fitness careers.

💪 Hands-on learning and experience are crucial for trainers.

🤝 Building camaraderie in a gym fosters long-term success.

🎯 Certifications help but are not the only path to success.

🌐 Networking opens doors for opportunities and growth.

🔑 Personal transformation drives professional development.

Chapters

00:00 Our Personal Growth and Business Success

02:29 The Fitness Industry Landscape in 2025

05:18 Starting a Fitness Career: Best Practices

08:19 The Role of Certifications in Fitness Training

20:03 Career Development in the Fitness Industry

=============================

Connect with us!

=============================

Ryan Tullis:

https://hoo.be/nomad

Tyler Johnson:

https://linktr.ee/4thsetfitess

Aaron Saltzman:

https://linktr.ee/Saltz24

Memoirs of A Fitness Trainer:

https://beacons.ai/themftpod

Keywords

fitness career, personal training, social media, certifications, industry trends, business success, client engagement, gym culture, career advice, fitness resources