Random Fit Powered by NASM

Ready to finally understand what “mobility” really means? In this episode of “Random Fit,” hosts, and NASM Master Instructor Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Ken Miller, dive deep into a topic everyone’s talking about—but few truly get: mobility and why it truly matters. Whether you’re feeling stiff from sitting at your desk, striving for better athletic performance, or just want to move easier every day, this discussion is packed with eye-opening, actionable advice! Discover the crucial difference between mobility and flexibility—spoiler alert: they’re not the same thing! — and why just stretching might be doing your body more harm than good. Ever wondered why you feel tight even when you stretch every day? Or why some people look ultra-flexible but still get injured? Wendy and Ken break down the science behind “relative flexibility,” compensation patterns, and why your body often “steals” movement from the wrong areas (and what to do about it). Plus, get pro tips on assessments, real-world strategies to build lasting mobility, and the surprising roles hydration and strength play in keeping you pain-free. Learn the concept of “naive flexibility” and why controlling your range of motion is the hidden key to long-term health. Curious yet? Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, weekend warrior, or just tired of that annoying back pain, this episode is your blueprint for better movement. Listen now and unlock the secrets to getting—and keeping—the mobility you deserve! Show notes & references: NASM CES Textbook: Chapter 4 and Chapter 10 Slomka, G., Schleip, R., Frei, P., Kurpiers, N., Krämer, M., Bauermeister, K., Bauermeister, W. (2024). The influence of mobility training on the myofascial properties and musculoskeletal functionality. J Clin Med, 13(2), 392. doi: 10.3390/jcm13020329.Rosenfeldt, M., Stien ,, N., Behm, D.G., Saeterbakken, A., Andersen, V. (2024). Comparison of resistance training vs static stretching on flexibility and maximal strength in healthy physically active adults, a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabilitation, 16(1), 142. doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-00934-1. 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

Ready to break out of your workout rut and finally see long-lasting results—no matter your fitness level? Tune in to this episode of "Random Fit," as hosts Wendy Batts and Ken Miller dive deep into the science and strategy of periodization for life—not just for athletes, but for anyone seeking real, sustainable progress. Ever wondered why your early gym gains start to stall, or why your body seems to hit a plateau after a few weeks? The NASM Master Instructors unpack the key principles behind periodization, explaining how cycling through the scientifically-proven NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT) Model can help you continuously adapt, avoid burnout, and achieve your unique goals—whether you’re a busy parent, a desk-bound professional, or new to resistance training. Curious about the buzzwords—macros, micro-cycles, deloading, and more—and how they fit into real life? You’ll get simple, actionable advice (with relatable stories!) on how to program your workouts, mix up your routine, and use compound exercises to maximize results even when time is tight. Plus, discover why “doing the same thing over and over” is the biggest mistake you could make for your long-term health and fitness. Subscribe now for practical tips, powerful insights, and a fresh perspective on how to future-proof your strength, stability, and vitality at any age.Don’t miss out—this discussion will change the way you design your workouts for life! 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

Ever wondered why those first few weeks at the gym make you feel stronger—without seeing a single muscle pop? Dive into this episode of "Random Fit" with hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts and Ken Miller, where we reveal the incredible science behind the brain-body connection that is transforming the fitness world. Discover how your nervous system—not just your muscles—holds the key to getting stronger, moving better, and even reducing pain. Together, we break down the often-misunderstood world of neuroplasticity and “software updates” for your movement, explaining why your brain, just like your phone, needs consistent updates for peak performance. Learn why techniques like balance exercises and slow, controlled movements spark faster gains—and why good posture and proprioception are non-negotiable for real results. Whether you’re a gym veteran or a newcomer, find out actionable tips for smarter, safer, and more efficient workouts that truly upgrade your “hardware.” Plus: Why does standing with your feet straight ahead feel so weird to so many people? How does your brain “downgrade” your movement patterns without you even knowing? And what can you do TODAY to start optimizing your coordination, strength, and recovery? Tune in for expert insights, relatable stories, and laugh-out-loud moments as we bust myths and give you the tools for your best, fittest self. Your workout—and your mind—will never be the same! 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

Get ready to kick your high school athlete’s performance into high gear with this can’t-miss episode of “Random Fit,” where hosts Wendy Batts and Ken Miller dive deep into the essentials of preseason conditioning for teens. Whether you’re a high schooler gearing up for tryouts, a parent wanting to help your child succeed, or a coach seeking expert insights, this episode has advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Discover the top strategies to maximize your readiness for fall, winter, and spring sports—from building an effective 4–8-week training base to avoiding common pitfalls like “too much, too soon” injuries and ineffective summer slumps. The NASM Master Instructors break down the right way to balance multiple sports, getting acclimated to training in extreme heat, developing both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, and building the mental edge to lead your team by example. Curious about how elite college and pro athletes keep their edge in the off-season? The hosts reveal inside tips they use with their own clients so you can build strength, reduce injury risk, and stay motivated. Plus: Learn why recovery, nutrition, and individualized assessments are MUSTS for young athletes. Tune in as the team shares real stories, proven science, and actionable tips you can use right now. Hit play, subscribe, and find out how to level up your pre-season prep for safer, more successful high school sports! 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

On this "Random Fit," hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Ken Miller, tackle a topic that hits close to home for many: procrastination and how it can stall our fitness journeys. Drawing from real-life experiences as personal trainers and everyday people, Wendy and Ken break down the various types of procrastinators—from the perfectionists who fear starting unless conditions are ideal, to the overwhelmed avoiders, crisis-makers who thrive under pressure, dreamy visionaries, and anxious worriers. Throughout the conversation, they reveal that procrastination isn’t just about laziness. Instead, it stems from complex emotions, fears, and habits that often manifest as excuses or delayed action—whether it’s waiting to get fit before calling a trainer, feeling paralyzed by too many choices, or holding off until the last minute to take action. Wendy and Ken share anecdotes from their own lives and training careers, highlighting how recognizing these procrastination patterns can be the key to overcoming them. Listeners will walk away with practical, actionable strategies specifically tailored to each procrastinator type. These include simplifying goals for the overwhelmed, focusing on effort and consistency for perfectionists, translating dreams into manageable steps, and providing a calming, supportive environment for the anxious. Plus, trainers will learn the importance of communication and empathy in helping clients move forward. Tune in for an honest, relatable conversation—packed with insights that can help you, your clients, or anyone struggling to get started, break through the cycle of putting things off, and finally act towards healthier habits. 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