Becoming a Personal Trainer: Insights from Fitness Veteran Rick Richey (Re-Run)
The Anthony Amen Show
(Originally aired 2022)
Ever wondered what it really takes to become a personal trainer — and what separates an average coach from a true professional? In this foundational episode of The Anthony Amen Show (formerly Health & Fitness Redefined), we sit down with industry leader Rick Richey of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), one of the most respected organizations in the fitness world. With nearly 20 years of experience across martial arts, higher education, and national certification, Rick breaks down exactly what aspiring trainers need to know before stepping into the industry.
Rick shares his journey through the evolving landscape of fitness credentials, comparing early experiences with the ACSM Health Fitness Instructor exam, NSCA content, and eventually NASM’s science-driven curriculum. We explore what makes a quality certification program, why NASM became the gold standard for corrective exercise and evidence-based training, and the core competencies all great trainers must develop — biomechanics, anatomy, behavior change, and real coaching skills.
Nutrition also takes center stage. Instead of dictating meal plans, Rick outlines NASM’s client-centric approach: educate, empower, and guide clients to take ownership of their habits. It’s the same philosophy we use today at Redefine Fitness in Stony Brook and Mount Sinai, NY — giving people the tools to make informed decisions, build long-term confidence, and create changes that last.
As the conversation wraps, we dive into the bigger picture of fitness education:
- Why self-efficacy determines whether clients stay consistent
- How great coaches teach people to move well without relying on their trainer
- What NASM’s accreditation really means behind the scenes
- Why lifelong learning is the #1 trait of elite trainers
Rick’s message is clear and timeless: if you want to succeed in fitness, keep learning, keep growing, and keep serving. It’s the same standard we hold every coach to at Redefine Fitness — home to the most educated trainers in New York and the state’s only Department of Labor–certified apprenticeship program.
Whether you're considering a career in personal training or simply want to understand what separates elite coaching from the rest, this episode is an essential listen.
Hit subscribe, share with an aspiring trainer, and leave a review telling us which certification you’re thinking about pursuing.
Learn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
