The NASM-CPT Podcast With Rick Richey

In this special episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, NASM Master Instructor, and diabetic, Rick Richey, is joined by featured guest, Harvard Medical School Endocrinologist, Dr. Bob Gabbay. The former American Diabetes Association Chief Scientific and Medical Officer shares his insights on a number of mainstream talking points including the specifics of Type 2 Diabetes, what causes insulin resi...

When the mailbag asks, we answer. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, discusses how to reach a niche within a niche as a trainer. He will explore the next steps if you desire to train professional athletes or, in this case, Broadway stars, share stories of how networking with his peers helped him connect, and eventually train, high-level clients. Plus, many o...

Let’s jump into April with a dip into the mailbag. In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, unpacks the NASM flexibility continuum, explores the three different categories of flexibility, the importance of continuing to strengthen strong muscles in balance, and much more insight on the topic to help broaden your knowledge in personal training. It's...

Few in the personal fitness space have achieved what Todd Durkin has in his decorated career. However, the two-time Trainer of the Year’s success has always been earned, never given. On this special presentation of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, is joined by Durkin, a renowned business owner, motivational speaker, author, and award-winning podcast host to de...

Let’s crank up the intensity, shall we? On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, talks all things high-intensity interval training in this monologue presentation. Rick talks about what makes HIIT workouts so popular, the benefits of the workouts, as well as a few deep dives into the research regarding HIIT workouts and changes in body composition. I...

The title says it all. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, gets stepping into why passing on the elevator or escalator, is good for the body. Dr. Richey, who recently climbed 55 flights of stairs in New Your City as part of an American Heart Association fundraiser, digs into the research on how taking the stairs helps with health risk-reductions, like cardiov...

Clients show progress or, in some cases, lack of progress, at different levels. This is one of the challenges of personal trainers. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, addresses this head on. Rick will discuss the importance of cueing, foam rolling, static stretching, strengthening underactive muscles, following the system of corrective exercis...

Let’s get back to the basics. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, talks sets and reps, tempo, rest, range of motion, and why soreness isn’t necessarily a good indicator if you are going to build muscle. Rick, of course, explains it all through the NASM model, as well as few pointers from his vast experience in personal training. If you like wha...

It’s important, as personal trainers, to adapt to your clients’ limitations, whether it be getting older, or simply those pesky aches and pains that can slow us down a bit. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, shares a few examples and insights on how to help you pivot, as well. Dr. Richey will focus on mobility and flexibility training, the importance of foam...

As we enter the early portion of the Lent calendar, host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, observes this window in his own unique, fitness-inspired way. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” Rick discusses his 2025 40-day focus which includes no ultra-processed foods, ramping up his water and protein intake, and even more consistently flossing his teeth. Let Dr. Richey help inspire a...

Let’s get a little weird and talk about the human body, shall we? On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, takes a closer look at sesamoid bones, the small, round bones that are embedded within tendons or muscles. Rick explores some issues accompanied with these tiny bones, including at the base of the big toe, the science and research behind why these painful lit...

Personal trainers go through the same trials and tribulations in life as everyone. Whether it’s getting sick or dealing with other unavoidable hurdles which can occur at the worst time. On this special mailbag episode of “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, explains why it’s important, as a personal trainer, to allow yourself some grace and don’t let guild bring you d...

Let’s get a grip on its strength and longevity. In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, goes straight to the research on how hand grip strength impacts chances of cardiovascular disease in our lifespan. He’ll cite specific examples on the topic from his long-tenured career as a personal trainer, why strength is considered longevity, being stronger is also associa...

It’s time for a little chalk talk. We all know chalk can make quite the mess at the gym, but does it serve a benefit to those you train? On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, NASM Master Instructor, and gym owner, Rick Richey, addresses why people love chalk so much and what is its purpose at the gym. In this monologue presentation, Rick discusses how chalk helps reduce moisture by abso...

One fitness myth is the more core exercises you do, the less belly fat you’ll have. It’s simply not true. So, what are the benefits of working your core? On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, deep dives into the topic explaining why core stability can reduce back pain, increase balance, and many more useful training tips to enhance your fitness knowledge base....

Personal training is an art. So, too, is establishing and building your client base. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, details several different strategies to help keep your schedule booked with training sessions. Rick reviews the results of a recent survey he sent out on social media asking for examples of how establish a strong list of clients. From being...

If his clients have questions, Rick Richey has answers. In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” Dr. Richey addresses if there’s a correlation between soreness and building muscle. The NASM Master Instructor answers the question directly, as well as provides clarity, through researched findings, on a few of the misconceptions attached to the topic. Plus, the importance of knowing your own limita...

Sciatica and piriformis are very similar pain symptoms. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, deep dives into the different types of discomfort each may present along the nerve pathway, the risk factors for both, the importance of consistent, full-body exercises, and several other helpful tips on the topic. Enjoy this in-depth monologue presentation straight fr...

Big or small, it’s all in the details as a personal trainer. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, discusses why it’s important to emphasize regular movement throughout the day. He also deep dives into the importance of prioritizing your movements, mixing up your workouts, navigating through what clients, as well as what they don’t, and many more...

Let’s have a “heady” conversation about exercise and the brain. See what we did there? On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, explores the five cortices of the brain and how consistent exercise add immense value to the ‘ole thinker. Dr. Richey breaks down the five, which are all named after the part of the skull, and each offer unique functions which process dif...

It’s common for people to get caught up in the loss of muscle, as well as the loss of bone. In this episode, let’s separate some facts from fiction. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, deep dives into researched findings and the programs that they wrote regarding resistance training. Dr. Richey will also break explore some of the stigmas with strength trainin...

Sometimes in life we want something…but we really don’t want it. You’re simply being ambivalent. On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, provides ways for you to overcome this in your personal training practices. He will help you with working through fitness pitfalls with your clients when they’re in the ambivalence stage, being honest with what’s “really going o...

As a personal trainer, attention to detail is key. It’s vital to be purposeful with all the clients you’re training. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, deep dives into the specifics of training. Dr. Richey will explore the importance of prioritizing every assessment, stressing proper position and technique, and why communicating in-workout wit...

We recently discussed setting attainable goals. Now that you have those in place, how do you track the? On this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, explores this essential topic in-depth, including keeping a PR chart with recorded specific exercises to help organize your clients’ workouts. Plus, Dr. Richey explains why it’s wise to keep the old PR’s with dates to com...

It’s time to dip back into the mailbag. On this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, deep dives in with a focus on periodization when addressing this question regarding de-loading. Dr. Richey also adds his usual unique insights and suggestions to help expand your personal training mindset and abilities in the industry. If you like what you just consumed...