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The fastest way to raise your rates isn’t a new logo or a shiny app. It’s raising your standard. We sit down with Dr. David Skolnik, a physical therapist who teaches trainers, to unpack why the floor of fitness education is so low—and the exact skills that move you from “gig job” to trusted professional with a full roster.
We start with movement assessment that actually maps to training. Instead of relying on narrow screens, we break down how to evaluate squat, hinge, lunge, push, pull, and locomotion in real time, under load, and with constraints that reveal what matters. Then we tackle pain without panic. Using a simple green–yellow–red framework, we show how to keep training productive during flare-ups, preserve capacity after surgery, and build client confidence by finding what can be trained today.
The game-changer is collaboration with physical therapists. You’ll hear how to speak the same language, what quality PT care looks like on the floor, and how to lead with reciprocity to spark a steady referral loop. We share examples of co-treating that maintain aerobic fitness, train the non-injured side, and support faster returns to full strength. Along the way, we draw a clear line between coaches who coach and influencers who post, and why hands-on practice still beats shortcuts when you want consistent results.
If you’re in Arizona, Dr. Skolnik outlines a new eight-week, in-person program in Mesa designed for working coaches who want to master assessment, pain navigation, and advanced programming. Prefer to start today? Audit your client assessments, define your pain rules, and book a coffee with a PT who loads patients on the floor.
If this helped you see the path from $15 to $150 an hour, tap follow, share with a coach who needs it, and leave a quick review. Tell us: which skill will you upgrade first—assessment, pain coaching, or PT partnerships?

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!

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Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/
Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8
NASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com/collections/nasm