The NASM-CPT Podcast With Rick Richey

Let’s talk about the need for understanding speed. In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, is joined by featured guest, Bill Parisi, founder of Parisi Speed School and Fascia Training Academy. The two deep dive into discussions like the power of mental resiliency and how adding in speed and athletic training can not only make you a better trainer but also build your business. Plus, how Parisi’s accomplishments as a javelin thrower spear-headed his passion for a greater understanding of speed for high-level athletes, how his biggest setback led to his biggest comeback, and much more! If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm [https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm]

In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, takes listeners on an engaging deep-dive into one of the body’s most impressive muscles: the latissimus dorsi, better known as the “lats.” Inspired by a nostalgic memory of “Saved by the Bell” and the phenomenon of “Imaginary Lat Syndrome” (ILS), Rick sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of what gives this muscle its reputation as the “wings” of the back. Listeners get a breakdown of the lat’s Latin etymology, anatomical structure, attachment points, and how it functions across multiple planes of movement. Rick discusses the muscle’s proximal and distal attachments, touching on its connection to the spine, ribs, ilium, and even the scapula, before it sweeps under the arm to the humerus. He demystifies terms like the intertubercle groove and shares a memorable trick— “the lady between two majors”—to help trainers remember the order of muscle attachments. Rick explains the fundamental rules of muscle movement, clarifying why muscles only pull, never push, and describes which actions the lats control, including shoulder adduction, extension, and internal rotation. He relates these concepts directly to practical exercises, breaking down the differences between lat pull-downs, rows, and the nuances of movement planes. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm [https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm]

In this “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey gets personal and practical, diving deep into the anatomy and significance of the pectoralis major—better known as the “pecs.” Rick opens up about his own childhood experiences and how a formative (and embarrassing) classroom moment inspired his obsession with building his chest muscles. Through relatable stories and a few laughs, Rick connects personal transformation with anatomical education. Listeners will learn the etymology of the pectoralis major, the Latin roots of its name, and why understanding muscle attachments is foundational to good training. Rick expertly breaks down the pec’s structure—including its multiple points of attachment on the sternum, clavicle, and ribs—and explains how its fan-shaped muscle fibers allow for various directional movements. He demystifies key joint actions like horizontal adduction, flexion, and internal rotation, and highlights how certain exercises, such as bench presses at different angles, target upper, middle, or lower pec fibers. Rick also busts some common gym myths, clarifying why you can’t “isolate” just the inner or outer pecs, and emphasizes the importance of proper technique and functional anatomy for trainers. With practical insights and memorable rules for muscle function, this episode is a must-listen for fitness professionals and enthusiasts alike. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm [https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm]

Everybody loves a list, right? Well, break out your trusty note pad because this one you’ll want to save and pass along to your clients as to what they need to know, as well as a few pointers to help you reach your fitness goals, as well. In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rich Richey, shares his top 10 tips – including asking for help, putting your ego aside, just getting started, celebrating small wins, and more.Listen up and take notes, class. Rick’s latest knowledge drop is one you surely won’t want to miss! If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm [https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm]

In this episode of the “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey tackles a common but often confusing challenge for new trainers: how to design a workout plan from start to finish. Rick walks listeners through the foundational steps of preparing effective, client-centric workout programs. Starting with the importance of assessments (both subjective and objective), he explains how gathering information on client goals, physical measurements, and movement patterns sets the stage for targeted programming. Rick breaks down the process, mapping it onto the OPT (Optimum Performance Training) model, covering stability, strength, and power phases. He shares practical tips, like planning macrocycles (big-picture programming for several months), using linear and undulating periodization, and visually sharing plans with clients to boost motivation and retention. Listeners learn the nuts and bolts of structuring a session: from customized warm-ups (including foam rolling and stretching) to movement prep, activation, balance, plyometrics, and resistance training. Rick emphasizes tailoring exercises to client preferences and avoiding disliked movements, which helps foster a positive experience and adherence. He also shares ideas on integrating cardio intervals with client choice for variety and enjoyment in this special encore presentation. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm [https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm]