Ep.186: Research and Real Talk Ep.14 with ISSA’s Jenny Liebl and John Bauer

In this episode Jenny and John chat with Brian Grasso, author of Mindset Matters Most,  to talk about leadership and mindset in the fitness industry. From overcoming imposter syndrome to cultivating trust with clients, Brian provides invaluable advice for trainers looking to enhance their leadership skills. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced trainer, this episode will guide you in developing the mindset of a leader to influence and inspire those around you

In this episode of Trainers Talking Truths, Jenny kicks things off with Lightning Fast Facts, diving into the latest research on health and wellness. She covers the surprising risks of standing too long at work, the dangers of sedentary behavior for heart health, and the impact of ultra-processed foods on muscle quality, especially in the thighs.Then, John takes over for the Real Talk segment, discussing the pressure of New Year’s resolutions and why progress over perfection is key. He shares how personal trainers can help clients set realistic, sustainable goals and avoid the all-too-common crash and burn.Tune in for some eye-opening research and practical advice to kick off the year right!

Welcome to this special "Best Of" episode of Trainers Talking Truths! Today, we’re taking a look back at a valuable past episode from a great leader in our industry. A huge thank you to all our listeners—whether you’ve been with us from the start or just found us, your support means the world. Sit back, enjoy, and let’s revisit the truths that have inspired and guided us all!In this episode, Jenny and John chat with fitness marketing expert Scott Rawcliffe to explore the game-changing role of AI in the fitness industry. Scott breaks down how AI tools are revolutionizing personalized workouts, virtual training, and content creation for fitness businesses. Plus, he shares insights into the future of AI and how smaller fitness operations can leverage this technology without breaking the bank.A.I. Tools List For Fitness ProfessionalsThings in the world of AI are changing so fast, so this list may not always have the most up-to-date. Scott’s suggestion is to pick 1-2 tools and start integrating them into your daily/weekly tasks.All of these are tools Scott has spent at least 5-10 hours testing. The ones in RED are the ones that I’m either currently using or have spent more than 10 hours using.1. ChatGPTDescription: ChatGPT is an advanced AI language model designed to help fitness professionals create engaging content, answer client questions, and even craft workout plans. It can be used to write emails, generate social media content, or provide clients with helpful fitness tips. With its conversational nature, it’s an essential tool for handling customer queries, automating responses, and creating personalized client communication.2. ClaudeWebsite: Claude by AnthropicDescription: Claude is a conversational AI assistant that helps fitness professionals by providing quick insights, generating workout and nutrition content, and automating client interactions. Claude can also be used for brainstorming session ideas, outlining educational content, or even drafting blog posts for your fitness business.3. GeminiWebsite: Gemini by Google DeepMindDescription: Gemini is an AI tool by Google DeepMind designed for complex problem-solving and planning. For fitness professionals, Gemini can assist with business strategy, client journey mapping, or optimizing fitness program designs. It’s still an evolving tool, but its deep learning capabilities make it an exciting option for large-scale planning.4. PerplexityWebsite: Perplexity AIDescription: Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine and chatbot that helps fitness professionals quickly research new trends, find workout data, or explore health studies. It provides fast, comprehensive answers to detailed questions, saving time when looking for the latest research or best practices in the fitness industry.5. PoeWebsite: Poe by QuoraDescription: Poe is a platform that offers access to various AI chatbots in one place. Fitness professionals can use Poe to get quick answers from different AI models for diverse needs—whether it’s nutrition planning, exercise tips, or marketing ideas. It’s a handy tool when you want to test out different AI responses and find the best solutions for your business.6. MidJourneyWebsite: MidJourneyDescription: MidJourney is an AI tool focused on generating stunning visual content. For fitness professionals, it’s a fantastic way to create custom images for social media, promotional material, or even branding elements for fitness...

Welcome to this special "Best Of" episode of Trainers Talking Truths! Today, we’re taking a look back at a valuable past episode from a great leader in our industry. A huge thank you to all our listeners—whether you’ve been with us from the start or just found us, your support means the world. Sit back, enjoy, and let’s revisit the truths that have inspired and guided us all!In this episode, Jenny and John are joined by Raphael Konforti, Senior Director of Fitness Business and Operations at 24 Hour Fitness, a brand with over 270 locations and a 40+ year legacy. With over 15 years in the fitness industry, Raphael has a wealth of experience in personal training, group fitness, digital product development, and more. We'll dive into his career journey, discussing pivotal moments that shaped his approach to fitness and business. Raphael will also share insights into the latest innovations at 24 Hour Fitness, strategies for driving revenue and member engagement, and the future of technology in the industry. Tune in to learn about the trends shaping the future of fitness and how continuing education is crucial for professionals in the field.https://www.instagram.com/raphaelkonforti/

In this episode, Jenny and John chat with Joseph Carson to uncover the incredible story of his 177-pound weight loss transformation and how it ignited his passion for health and fitness. From building the largest private training studio in Oklahoma to creating Age-Well Arizona, a groundbreaking program for empowering older adults, Joseph’s journey is full of inspiration and practical insights. Tune in to learn how he turned personal challenges into massive entrepreneurial success, built thriving fitness businesses, and discovered innovative ways to help clients of all ages achieve their best lives. Whether you're seeking motivation, business strategies, or lessons in leadership, this episode delivers invaluable takeaways.

In this episode Jenny and John are joined by Jim Hooper and Phil Stump of API for a game of "Fact or Fiction" as they tackle the biggest myths and truths about insurance for personal trainers. From liability coverage to protecting your career, this episode delivers essential insights every fitness professional needs to know. Don’t miss this fun and informative discussion!Don't forget to check out this link https://team.apifitness.com/wordpress/ for a special offer from API!

In this episode, Jenny and John dive into the transformative career of Bob Esquerre, a fitness industry leader with over 38 years in the field and 13 years in Corporate America. Known as the "Trainer of Trainers" and "Manager of Managers," Bob shares how his early experiences in operations and project management shaped his approach to fitness business strategy.Join us as Bob unpacks:The pivotal moments that led him from corporate training to shaping global fitness operations.Key leadership qualities fitness professionals need to succeed in managerial roles.Business strategies to grow income opportunities for owners, operators, and trainers.The importance of customer-centric programming to engage the inactive majority.Bob's insights are a masterclass in bridging strategy, mentorship, and innovation to drive meaningful growth in the fitness industry. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to elevate your career or business.

In this episode, Jenny's research brings us some fun Lightning Fast Facts:Why We Crave Carbs: Discover how ancient gene duplications for salivary amylase might explain our love for bread and pasta.Travel to Slow Aging? New findings reveal that leisure travel may help reduce stress and support longevity.Protein + Fiber = Weight Loss: Learn why higher protein and fiber intake are key to effective, sustainable weight loss.Then, join John for Real Talk, where he dives into the essentials of sales in fitness: why it's important, what you're really selling, and how to build lasting client relationships.Stay tuned for practical tips, surprising research, and actionable advice that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a pro trainer, this episode has insights to level up your game—let's dive in!References:Feyza Yılmaz, Charikleia Karageorgiou, Kwondo Kim, Petar Pajic, Kendra Scheer, Christine R.Beck, Ann-Marie Torregrossa, Charles Lee, Omer Gokcumen, Peter A. Audano, Olanrewaju Austine-Orimoloye, Christine R. Beck, Evan E. Eichler, Pille Hallast, William T. Harvey, Alex R. Hastie, Kendra

¡No te pierdas la Parte 2, donde AnaPatricia Lozano tomará el mando como host para profundizar junto a Esther Gallegos en un episodio exclusivo en español! Juntas, explorarán las experiencias de Esther y sus consejos específicos para los profesionales del fitness de habla hispana. Si quieres escuchar de primera mano cómo elevar tu carrera en el mundo del fitness dentro de la comunidad de habla hispana, no querrás perderte esta continuación especial de nuestra conversación, ¡totalmente en español!

In this special episode, Jenny, John, and guest host AnaPatricia Lozano chat with Esther Gallegos, a seasoned Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer with a rich international background. Esther opens up about her unique journey, navigating fitness courses in German and English before discovering her passion for empowering the Spanish-speaking community through ISSA’s Spanish-language certification programs. She shares valuable insights on the increasing demand for Spanish-language education in the fitness industry and how learning in one’s native language can be a game changer. Whether you're a new trainer or a seasoned pro, Esther’s advice is a must-hear for anyone looking to make an impact. Don't miss Part 1 of this inspiring conversation!Stay tuned for Part 2, where AnaPatricia Lozano takes over as host and dives deeper with Esther Gallegos in an exclusive Spanish-only episode. Together, they explore Esther’s experiences and advice specifically for Spanish-speaking fitness professionals. If you want to hear first and insights on how to elevate your fitness career within the Spanish-speaking community, you won't want to miss this special continuation of our conversation, entirely in Spanish!