From the outside, personal training looks like flexible hours and working out all day.The reality is very different.

In this episode, I break down what the life of a personal trainer actually looks like — especially in the early years — including:

• Why trainers work when everyone else is off

• The pay reality inside big box gyms

• The energy cost of “bringing motivation” all day

• Why independence isn’t automatically easier

• Why passion alone doesn’t sustain a career in fitness

This episode is for:

• Anyone who’s ever said, “You must love your job — you just work out all day

• • Anyone considering becoming a personal trainer
• • Anyone curious about what really goes into making fitness a career

  
  

• Intro to Plyometrics for Women 50+ waitlist: https://www.ironstrongfitness.net/9-week-online-intro-to-plyo

  Next cohort starts Feb 22, 2026

  Where to find me or work with me:

  Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠IronStrongFitness.net⁠⁠

  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@IronStrongFit ⁠⁠⁠⁠

  My small group strength training schedule in Jersey City: https://www.ironstrongfitness.net/schedule

  Episodes drop once a week.

​​This episode isn’t really about a TV show — it’s about what happens when we judge something (or someone) from the outside.

I talk about how Heated Rivalry unexpectedly cracked through an emotional numbness I didn’t realize I was in, and why labeling it as “just smut” misses the deeper point. (And yes, I am part of the HR cult)

I explore vulnerability inside rigid systems, the difference between judgment and understanding, and how context creates empathy — for others and for ourselves.

This one’s for listeners who tune in for more than fitness.

Intro to Plyometrics with Pain-Free Knees - A 75-minute live Zoom workshop with me and Dr. Allison Heffron for people who are jump-curious but hesitant because of knee pain. Live zoom workshop on Sunday, Jan 11, 10am EST.

👉 Register here:https://introtoplyos.bfsrehab.com/workshop-opt-in

Intro to Plyometrics for Women 50+ (9-Week Online Course) - February 2026 cohort opens late January.

👉 Learn more:https://ironstrongfitness.net/9-week-online-intro-to-plyo

Where to find me or work with me:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠IronStrongFitness.net⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@IronStrongFit ⁠⁠⁠⁠

My small group strength training schedule in Jersey City: https://www.ironstrongfitness.net/schedule

Episodes drop once a week.

Dr. Allison Heffron and I are teaming up to teach a live zoom workshop, Intro to Plyometrics with Pain Free Knees.

Get on the waitlist for the Jan 11, 2026 workshop here: https://straightupstrong.kit.com/plyo-pain-free-knees

In this episode, we discuss knee pain related to jumping, focusing on the underlying causes and the importance of proper movement mechanics. We emphasize the significance of understanding foot mechanics, joint mobility, and the role of pain in movement. The discussion also highlights the importance of preparing the body for plyometric activities and the concept of pressure management in maintaining overall body function.

Foot drills referenced during the episode:

Passive foot mobility: https://youtu.be/EAg3l00rrzE?si=wdnUFQ_e9tm-QS0-

Tibial Mobilization: https://youtu.be/o85nRVcKgwY?si=7zGiVI8WSYw53B_E

Seated eversion/inversion: https://youtu.be/se1BAetAalg?si=a297F3U6DQOfKDbS

Intro to Plyometrics for Pain Free Knees workshop waitlist: https://straightupstrong.kit.com/plyo-pain-free-knees (Sun, Jan 11, 10:30am EST)

About Dr Allison Heffron:

Dr. Allison is a rehab-based chiropractor and movement specialist who helps people break through physical limitations and move with confidence.

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dr.allisonheffron

Where to find me or work with me:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠IronStrongFitness.net⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@IronStrongFit ⁠⁠⁠⁠

My small group strength training schedule in Jersey City: https://www.ironstrongfitness.net/schedule

Episodes drop once a week.