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Struggling to turn dense textbook prep into real coaching skill? We open the door to a smarter path—one that helps you pass your CPT and step onto the floor with confidence. Ashley leads a clear, practical tour through the Overhead Squat Assessment, the must‑know overactive and underactive muscle pairs, and the exact high‑yield topics NASM loves to test. You’ll hear how to replace fear‑based posture rules with strong, simple cues that make clients feel capable and safe, and how the OPT model fits into real training without turning every session into rehab.
We share the muscle map you need at test time and in the gym: mid to lower traps, glutes, VMO, TVA, and deep cervical flexors on the underactive side; lats, adductors, hip flexors, upper traps, and the gastroc‑soleus complex on the overactive side. Then we apply it to common compensations like knee valgus and arms falling forward so you can instantly connect what you see to what you program. You’ll get the exact OHS setup, the five checkpoints, and why shoes‑off, multiple views, and consistent reps matter for clean reads.
Ashley also lays out a streamlined study system: flashcards that pair each muscle with its tendency, process‑of‑elimination test tactics, and acronym mastery like LPHC to dodge trick questions. We talk realistic use of SMR and the 4‑2‑1 tempo, when stabilization is useful, and where progressive overload leads the way. Beyond the exam, we cover building a referral team with a registered dietitian and physical therapist so you can stay within scope, deliver faster results, and create new income streams while serving clients better.
Ready to pass with less stress and coach with more clarity? Grab the Show Up Fitness study guide, join the live calls or tutoring, and start stacking real reps. If this conversation helped, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—then tell us the next topic you want us to break down.

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