Trainer HQ

Hosted by Trainer HQ

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Episodes

182

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

If you would like to rapidly increase profitability and learn what it takes to run a successful fitness business, then you’re in great hands. Trainer HQ provides a step-by-step proven system for building six and seven-figure fitness businesses.

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60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 18054 min

Launch It. Build It. Sell It: Building a PT Business With an Exit Plan #180

Most fitness business owners focus on growth, clients, and revenue.But very few think about their exit strategy.In this episode of the Trainer HQ Podcast, Brad Sheppard and Jason Urbanowicz sit down with Benny D to discuss the lessons learned from building and selling a fitness business after more than 20 years.They discuss:• Why every business owner needs an exit plan • What makes a business attractive to buyers • The biggest mistakes owners make when building their business • How to create a business that doesn't depend on you • Lessons from more than two decades in the fitness industry • What Benny learned through the process of selling his businessThis episode is designed to help fitness business owners think strategically about long-term success and build a business that creates freedom, flexibility and future opportunities.

June 2, 2026Episode 17956 min

Why Some PT’s Fail With Business Coaching! #179

Why do some personal trainers succeed while others stay stuck for years, even when they have support?In this episode of the Trainer HQ Podcast, Brad Sheppard and Jason Urbanowicz unpack one of the most important topics in the fitness industry.They discuss:Why coaching alone doesn’t guarantee successThe biggest mistakes that keep PTs stuckWhy implementation matters more than informationThe dangers of distraction and inconsistencyWhat actually separates successful PT business owners from everyone elseThis episode is designed to give personal trainers a more honest understanding of what it really takes to build a successful fitness business long term.

June 2, 202659 min

How AI, Automation & MxP Are Changing Fitness Businesses! #178

What actually is MxP… and why are so many fitness coaches starting to pay attention to AI and automation?In this episode, Brad & Jason are joined by MxP expert John Bellamy for a deep dive into the systems, automation, and AI tools helping fitness businesses simplify operations, improve follow-up, and create a better client experience.They unpack:Who MXP is forWho it’s not forWhy most PTs struggle with systemsHow AI agents are changing customer careThe role automation plays in lead conversionCommon mistakes coaches make with CRMsAnd how to build a more scalable coaching businessIf you’re a PT, online coach, or studio owner wanting better systems and less chaos, this episode is packed with value.🎧 Missed our previous episode with John Bellamy?Listen to “The Future of Fitness Business Automation #162” here:https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/o04IXR80C3b

April 23, 2026Episode 17750 min

How Much Does Business Coaching Cost? #177

Before investing in business coaching, most personal trainers ask the same three questions:• How much does it cost, and is it actually worth it? • What’s the difference between coaching, agencies, and other programs? • What am I really committing to?In this episode, Brad Sheppard and Jason Urbanowicz break these questions down in a clear and practical way.They discuss:The difference between price and valueWhat it actually takes to generate a return on investmentThe hidden cost of staying stuck in your businessThe pros and cons of different coaching modelsWhy not all “coaching” is structured the sameWhat commitment really looks like when building a PT businessIf you’ve ever questioned whether coaching is worth it, what you’re really signing up for or how lond it goes for, then this episode will give you a clear and honest perspective.🎧 Listen the previous episode (EP 174): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/trainerhq/episodes/Thinking-About-Business-Coaching--Listen-To-This-First-174-e3g8udu/a-ach8igg

April 2, 2026Episode 17628 min

The Economy Didn’t Break Your business… It Exposed It #176

Fuel prices are rising. Cost of living is up. And a lot of coaches are starting to feel it.But here’s the truth…It’s not the economy or rising fuel prices that’s slowing your business down.It’s how you’re responding to it.In this episode of the Trainer HQ Podcast, Brad & Jase break down what’s really happening when external pressures like fuel prices increase and why some coaches struggle… while others quietly have their best months.You’ll learn:Why blaming the economy is costing you more than you thinkThe difference between reactive coaches and top performersHow fear shows up in your decisions (and kills your income)What you can actually control right now to keep growingThe systems and standards that protect your business in any marketThis isn’t about ignoring reality…it’s about taking ownership of it.Because at the end of the day…You don’t get paid based on the economy. You get paid based on your standards.

March 20, 2026Episode 17540 min

From School Teacher to Building a Thriving PT Team | Mark Thomas #175

In this episode of the Trainer HQ Podcast, Brad Sheppard sits down with Trainer HQ Master Business Coach Mark Thomas to unpack his journey from school teacher in the UK to building a thriving personal training business in Australia.After arriving in Australia over a decade ago, Mark navigated farm work, visa challenges and a frustrating first experience in the fitness industry before eventually discovering the systems and mentorship that helped him build a sustainable PT business.Today Mark leads a team of trainers servicing more than 65 active clients and is developing a mentorship model inside his gym that supports trainers with lead generation, sales systems and business structure.In this conversation we explore:• The challenges many new PTs face when starting out• Why systems and mentorship are critical for growth• How Mark structured his PT team model• The role automation now plays in his business• Why he chose to become a Trainer HQ coachIf you're a personal trainer looking to build a strong and sustainable coaching business, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

March 12, 2026Episode 17452 min

Thinking About Business Coaching? Listen To This First #174

Many personal trainers consider business coaching at some point in their career.But before making that decision, there are three important questions worth asking.In this episode of the Trainer HQ Podcast, Brad Sheppard and Jason Urbanowicz answer the questions they hear most often from trainers considering joining the program:• Is Trainer HQ actually the right fit for where I am in business right now? • What results can I realistically expect? • Will this work for my situation and what actually happens when you get a coach?The conversation covers:Who coaching is best suited forThe stages of business where trainers benefit mostWhat the first 90 days typically look likeWhy implementation matters more than tacticsWhat actually happens when someone joins Trainer HQIf you’ve ever wondered whether coaching could help you grow your personal training business, this episode will give you a clear and honest perspective.

February 24, 2026Episode 17351 min

The Trainer HQ Coach We’d Clone If We Could #173

PT's work with us to grow and scale their fitness business to $2K to $5K+ per week. Find out how here: https://www.trainer-hq.com/business-coachingIf you’d like to automate your business operation to grow and scale, check out MxP: https://marketingxprofit.com/register-your-interest In this episode, we sit down with Trainer HQ Master Coach Lauren McLaughlin, a coach who has spent over 12 years helping personal trainers build stronger businesses and bigger futures as part of our team.Lauren shares her journey from dominating the sales floor and mastering marketing, through to international opportunities in Japan, and ultimately stepping into her calling as a business coach. Along the way, she’s built a reputation for combining real-world experience with academic depth, earning a Masters in Business Coaching and becoming one of the most respected voices inside the Trainer HQ ecosystem.In this action-packed episode, we unpack: • Lauren’s origin story in sales and marketing • The lessons she learned leading top-performing teams • Her international chapter and what it taught her about business and people • Why she chose coaching, and what drives her passion for helping trainers succeed • The coaching frameworks, mindset shifts, and conversations that create real client resultsInside Trainer HQ, we often say, “If we could clone Lauren, we would.” This episode shows you exactly why.(✔️) - If you want to grow your fitness business beyond where it currently is, then let us go to work with helping you based on where you’re at and where you want to go: https://www.trainer-hq.com/business-coaching(✔️) - Subscribe to this channel now to access more https://www.youtube.com/@TrainerHQ/videos(🔴) - Connect with Trainer HQ(✔️) - Join our Facebook “Trainer HQ Community” Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainerhqcommunity (✔️) - Connect with Trainer HQ on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trainer_hq/ (✔️) - Download our Best-Selling book “Pathway To Profits” for Free https://www.trainer-hq.com/get-our-book(✔️) - Visit our website to learn more https://www.trainer-hq.com/

February 12, 2026Episode 17253 min

The Video Strategy Every Coach Needs #172

Brad and Jason dive deep into the real reasons most trainers and coaches avoid video and why that hesitation is costing them clients, authority, and long-term growth. They break down the mental handbrakes behind content resistance, including fear of judgment, comparison, imposter syndrome, and the belief that you need to be entertaining or perfect to succeed online.This episode pulls back the curtain on how video has evolved over the last 20+ years, why technology is no longer the barrier, and how content today is less about performance and more about connection, clarity, and credibility. They also share practical strategies for creating video efficiently, using hooks, content pillars, and simple systems that remove overwhelm and create momentum.Whether you’re brand new to video or stuck overthinking every post, this conversation gives you a clear framework to start showing up confidently without trying to be someone you’re not.What you’ll learn: • Why most trainers avoid video for emotional, not technical reasons • The mindset shift that removes resistance and procrastination • How video positions you as the obvious best choice • Why calm, authentic content often outperforms flashy production • Simple hook styles that stop the scroll • How ChatGPT can streamline scripting and ideas • Why content does the selling before clients ever speak to you • How to create video consistently without burnoutIf you’re a coach or personal trainer who wants better clients, more leverage, and a stronger presence without chasing trends or pretending to be an influencer this episode lays out the path clearly.🎧 Listen now and start mastering video with confidence.

January 23, 2026Episode 17055 min

The PT Business Wake-Up Call: Time, Money & Burnout #171

Brad and JD break down the reality of PT burnout and why most trainers get stuck trading time for money on the gym floor.JD shares his journey from long, exhausting days and underpriced sessions to building a system-led business through online and hybrid coaching. This episode unpacks why under-selling sessions leads to burnout, how emotional decision-making holds trainers back, and why tracking data is the key to scaling sustainably.From pricing mistakes and client quality to automation, systems, and leverage, this conversation gives trainers a clear framework for building a business that delivers both impact and freedom.What you’ll learn:• Why most PT business models are broken• How selling systems creates leverage and consistency• The real dangers of underpricing your service• Why data-driven decisions outperform emotional ones• How online and hybrid coaching unlock time freedom• The importance of systems in long-term growth• How to scale without grinding more hoursIf you’re a personal trainer or coach who wants more freedom, better clients, and a business that doesn’t burn you out, this episode lays out the path clearly.🎧 Listen now and start building a PT business that scales.