The NASM-CPT Podcast With Rick Richey

There are several pathologies that get in the way of living our best and most active lifestyles. Serval orthopedic issues that hinder our activities of daily living (ADLs) are arthritis and osteoporosis.  There are two forms of arthritis that we discuss in the episode: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Additionally, osteoporosis and osteopenia are discussed. What are these pathologies? How...

The human body consists of primarily two types of muscle fibers: type I and type II. Type II fibers have two subcategories: IIa and IIx. These fibers have different characteristics, capacities, and traits. Fast vs. Slow contractile speeds. Aerobic vs. anaerobic. High vs low mitochondrial density. etc. There are also color variations.  With that said, the question "Can chickens fly?" may help us be...

This episode discusses the Stabilization Endurance Training phase of the OPT™ Model. In this session, there is a discussion about all the components leading up to resistance training which include: flexibility (SMR and static stretching), core, balance, reactive training, and SAQ. Questions are answered like “why does NASM suggest flexibility to be done before the workout?” and “why is core done a...

In this episode, Rick doesn't just focus on one topic but covers several questions that listeners have submitted over the past few months. Here are a few questions that get addressed during this episode: "Help me better understand the planes of motion?" "If a client shows knee valgus, do I have them SMR the overactive muscles before heading into the workout and before the beginning of each session...

Some personal trainers have an impressive list of credentials but a small client base, while others aren't as educated but are always booked. What’s the difference between them? In this episode, Rick Richey discusses how to find the balance between these two types of trainers. Learn what it takes to run a successful personal training business, including: How Rick built his own business Your attitu...

In this episode, Rick discusses the differences in Sprint Interval Training (SIT) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and the benefits of both including: - Time efficiency - Health and fitness benefits - Aerobic and anaerobic performance - Better fat oxidation - Lower blood pressure - Increased insulin sensitivity - Optimized hormonal responses - Weight loss - Decreased in abdominal weight...

This is the final installation that overviews periodization, programming, and routines for optimizing exercise-induced outcomes and benefits. This was a high-level view of several different training programs with research discussing linear vs undulating periodization, isolated vs integrated training, and multiple different concepts of training including triphasic training, German volume training,...

Periodization and programming are not necessarily the same thing. Periodization is the cycles of training that take place. Often, we talk about macro, meso, and micro cycles. In sports, the periodization may include those concepts, but change based on the season: off-season, pre-season, in-season, and hopefully … post-season. Off-season may have several different training cycles. Early on it will...

This week we look at the differences between periodization, programming, and routines. These are often used interchangeably and should not be. There is a mean of delineating the three and refining not only how we speak to them, but also how we implement them. Briefly, the following are discussed: Periodization – division of a training program into smaller, progressive stages Macrocycle: long-term...

Host Rick Richey takes the show on the road to answer listener questions live on tape from NASM Optima 2019.  Rick talks about: Why the systematic approach NASM takes to learning is important The accreditation process How he got into presenting And much more Get 20% off your order now by calling 800-460-6276 or visiting NASM.org, and using the code Podcast 20. --- Send in a voice message: https://...

The first session with a new client (or as a new trainer) can be daunting. How do you start the session? What do we talk about? Should I refer them to a physician based on certain answers? What assessments should I perform? In this episode, Dr. Rick Richey takes us through his first session and what he talks about, why he talks about it and discusses how much time he spends engaging in discussion...

The finale in this series of short/tight/overactive muscles and lengthened overactive muscles based on the overhead squat assessment! Since the release of our first episode in this series, we have had excellent feedback, including several teachers suggesting it to their classes. This third of three will cover three frequent movement compensations in the overhead squat assessment: Arms Fall Forward...

You asked for it – you got it! This is part two of three episodes where the topic of over- and underactive muscles will be discussed. This episode will cover two common movement compensations in the overhead squat assessment: Excessive Forward Lean Low Back Arch (Anterior Pelvic Tilt) Listen for a review of short muscles that lead to this compensation and lengthened muscles that allow the compensa...

According to listener feedback and requests, a discussion on over- and underactive muscles was the most popular request. This is part 1 of 3 episodes where this topic will be discussed. This episode will cover two common movement compensations in the overhead squat assessment: - Feet Turn Out - Knee Move-In A review of short muscles that lead to this compensation and lengthened muscles that allow...

As an independent gym owner, I get monthly inquiries from uncertified personal trainers that have been training for many … many… years that have decided not to renew their certification. Yet they still wish to train out of my facility. Below is a small list of responses I have gotten throughout the years when I ask why they are not certified: “I could teach these courses.” “I know more than most t...

Abdominal hollowing (or the draw-in maneuver) and abdominal bracing are both incorporated by therapists, trainers, and other exercise specialists to benefit persons with lumbar instability (Vaičienė, Berškienė, Slapsinskaite, Mauricienė, & Razon, 2018). There is a tendency for professionals to pick one of these interventions while downplaying the validity and value of the other. Integrated trainin...

NASM provides an integrated model of flexibility that includes corrective, active, and functional flexibility categories. The specific techniques used within the Integrated Flexibility Continuum are as follows: Integrated Flexibility Continuum Corrective Flexibility – designed to increase joint ROM for shortened muscles. It is specifically for the areas of hypomobility. SMR/SMT/Foam Rolling Static...

NASM CPT Podcast – Core Training Overview Even the biggest bodybuilder with the best set of “Abs” may have a weak core as storied in this episode of the NASM CPT Podcast. Rick talks about the biggest person he’s ever met in real life and how his core stabilization system was … less than impressive. There’s also discussion about statistics, research, and the difference between the stabilization bet...

 NASM CPT PODCAST – BONES! This episode is a review of the skeletal systems. Anatomy only! No ROM or joint actions. Today Rick talks about the bones themselves, names, locations, and mnemonics to help remember and recall their names. This is a high-level overview, so we will just focus on the main bones in the appendicular and axial skeleton.  - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps with knowing the...

 NASM CPT Podcast – Anatomy NAMES One of the most common questions I get after a workshop is “how do you remember the names of all those muscles?” So, today we discuss anatomical words for muscles and from where they are derived. It’s important to learn the language of your profession and it’s simpler than you think! Muscles reviewed in this episode include: Gastrocnemius Soleus Hamstrings Semimem...

Your body is apt at dealing with stress and will make adjustments as needed to cope. General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) allows us to look at the introduction of stress to our system and a spectrum of our body’s ability to deal with it. The levels of the GAS principle are: The Alarm Reaction stage What the …!!! Increased soreness Questioning choice of exercises and sometimes exercising in general De...

The OPT Model, or Optimum Performance Training Model, is a fitness training system developed by NASM. The OPT Model is based on scientific evidence and principles that progresses an individual through five training phases: stabilization endurance, strength endurance, hypertrophy, maximal strength and power. In the inaugural episode of the NASM CPT Podcast, host Rick Richey walks through exactly wh...