The Training Table

Nick Habich and Chris Plentus

Welcome to "The Training Table" with Nick & Chris! Dive into the functional fitness world with us, exploring top-notch coaching techniques, gym ownership hacks, and the latest in the box world. We're here to elevate your skills in functional fitness coaching and business, sharing our insights and the latest trends to help you succeed in the fitness industry. Whether you're a coach, gym owner, or fitness enthusiast, join us to stay informed, inspired, and ready to build stronger businesses and bodies together!

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21 episodes
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Avg 32 min
English

Episodes 21

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Thursday · 37 min
66. Don't Do This in Sales
In this episode, Chris and Nick explore ethical sales tactics, the importance of building trust, and how to effectively guide potential clients without being pushy. They share real-world examples from home improvement and gym industries to illustrate best practices for sales and customer relationships. keywords sales tactics, gym industry, trust building, ethical selling, customer relationships, objections handling, sales process, client onboarding, confidence in sales, long-term success, crossfit, functional fitness, nsi, no sweat intro, consultation, free intro
S3 · E14
September 24 · 36 min
65. How Nick Bought a Building for His Gym
In this episode, Nick shares his experience with purchasing a commercial building for his gym, discussing the financial considerations, process, and strategic insights for gym owners contemplating real estate investments. keywords gym ownership, commercial real estate, SBA loans, business financing, gym growth strategies, crossfit, business, small business
S3 · E13
September 3 · 37 min
64. Buying, Starting, and Selling a Gym
Summary In this episode, Chris and Nick explore the ins and outs of buying and selling gyms, including startup costs, valuation, owner financing, and the impact of owner involvement on business value. Perfect for aspiring gym owners and current owners looking to exit or optimize their business. keywords gym ownership, buying a gym, selling a gym, owner financing, gym valuation, startup costs, gym business, gym industry, gym sale, gym entrepreneurship
August 20 · 30 min
63. Free Trials, Free Intros, and Low Barrier Offers (LBOs)
How do you let someone try your services initially? In this episode, Nick and Chris explore the nuances of onboarding and trial offers in fitness gyms, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches based on gym size, training model, and market. They discuss different strategies from free trials to consultative processes, and how these impact member engagement and business success. keywords fitness onboarding, trial offers, gym membership strategies, coaching, gym marketing, member retention, fitness business models, crossfit, personal training, nsi, lbo, free intro, free trial
S3 · E11
August 13 · 40 min
62. How to Handle Cancellations
Cancellations are no fun, but they're part of running a gym. In this episode, we explore effective systems and mindset strategies for managing gym cancellations, emphasizing the importance of clear policies, communication, and empathy to foster long-term relationships and referrals. keywords gym cancellations, membership management, gym owner tips, customer retention, gym policies, cancellation process, member feedback, gym systems, coaching, customer service, crossfit, micro gym, functional fitness
S3 · E10
August 5 · 31 min
61. Does the CrossFit Games Affect Your Local Gym?
Summary In this episode, Chris and Nick explore the relevance of elite fitness competitions like the CrossFit Games for the average gym-goer and discuss how gyms can position themselves in the fitness industry. They analyze marketing strategies, the importance of realistic expectations, and the future of competitive versus general fitness. keywords CrossFit, fitness marketing, gym owner strategies, elite fitness, general population fitness, sports vs exercise, gym branding, fitness industry trends
S3 · E9
July 22 · 26 min
60. The Art of Coaching and Reading the Room
In this episode, Chris and Nick explore the art of coaching, emphasizing the importance of preparation, reading the room, and adapting to different class dynamics to deliver effective and safe workouts in a timely manner. keywords coaching, fitness, workout planning, class management, athlete engagement, training, leadership, gym owner tips
S3 · E8
July 15 · 36 min
59. The Evolution of Nutrition Offerings in Gyms
Summary In this episode, Chris and Nick discuss the evolution of nutrition offerings in gyms, sharing insights from their experiences with group challenges, one-on-one coaching, and the importance of realistic, sustainable nutrition advice for members. keywords nutrition, gym, coaching, challenges, accountability, habits, fitness, behavior change, group challenges, personalized coaching, nutrition coaching
S3 · E7
July 8 · 35 min
58. Marketing Your Gym
Summary In this episode, Nick and Chris explore practical marketing strategies for small businesses, especially gyms. They discuss resource allocation, digital and analog marketing tactics, and the importance of setting realistic expectations to maximize ROI. keywords marketing, small business, gym marketing, paid ads, organic growth, resource allocation, brand awareness, local marketing, ROI, digital marketing
S3 · E6
June 24 · 35 min
57. Going from Coach to Gym Owner
In this episode, Nick and Chris explore the evolution of leadership roles in gym management, emphasizing the importance of systems, delegation, and building a strong second-in-command to scale a fitness business effectively. keywords gym management, leadership, delegation, second-in-charge, business systems, coaching, hiring, entrepreneurship, fitness industry, crossfit, micro gym
S3 · E5
June 16 · 27 min
56. Going from Member to Coach at a Gym
This episode of The Training Table has Nick and Chris talking about going from a member to a coach and what it might take to get there. (hint: it's more than just technical knowledge about olympic lifting). Stay tuned for part 2 next week when we talk about going from coach to GM and/or owner! keywords fitness coaching, gym ownership, member to coach, leadership, industry insights, crossfit, fitness, functional fitness
S3 · E4
June 9 · 30 min
55. Coaching and Client Motivation
Summary This episode explores the common challenges coaches face when clients don't act on their advice, the importance of understanding client motivation, and effective coaching strategies to foster progress. keywords coaching, client motivation, goal setting, fitness coaching, behavior change, coaching strategies, CrossFit, fitness, gym, personal trainer, coach
S3 · E3
June 2 · 33 min
54. Hyrox and Hyrox Specialty Classes
In this episode, Nick and Chris explore the rising popularity of Hyrox, a competitive fitness event originating from Europe. They discuss its structure, appeal, training strategies, and how gyms can incorporate it into their offerings, providing insights for both enthusiasts and fitness professionals. keywords Hyrox, CrossFit, fitness competitions, training, gym programming, endurance, functional fitness, event strategy
S3 · E2
February 4 · 33 min
53. Damon Vincent: Empowering Adaptive Athletes at Train Unique
Summary In this conversation, Damon Vincent, founder of Train Unique, discusses the importance of adaptive fitness for individuals with special needs and disabilities. He shares insights on creating an inclusive gym environment, the training delivery methods for adaptive athletes, and the significance of empathy in coaching. Damon also highlights the certification process for coaches, the pricing of adaptive fitness programs, and how these initiatives can fill gaps in gym scheduling. The discussion emphasizes celebrating abilities over aesthetics and the positive impact of adaptive fitness on both athletes and coaches. https://www.wetrainunique.com/ https://www.instagram.com/damon_vee Keywords adaptive fitness, special needs, inclusive gym, coaching certification, community building, empathy in coaching, fitness for disabilities, gym scheduling, training delivery, fitness programs
January 20 · 31 min
52. Annual Planning
Summary In this conversation, Chris and Nick discuss the importance of planning and organization in gym management, particularly focusing on annual planning, retention strategies, and the significance of understanding metrics. They share personal experiences and insights on how to effectively set up events, manage staff, and create a positive environment for members. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous iteration and adaptation in business strategies to ensure success in the fitness industry. Keywords annual planning, gym management, retention, metrics, events, coaching, community, business strategy, fitness industry, goal setting
S2 · E27
Dec 9, 2025 · 34 min
51. Specialists vs. Generalists
Summary How do coaches take specialties like olympic weightlifting and apply those ideas to gen pop? This conversation with Nick and Chris dives into that topic and also ones about gym culture, and the dynamics between members, coaches, and owners. Keywords gym culture, movement, fitness, coaching, observations, commitment, crossfit
S2 · E26
Dec 2, 2025 · 35 min
50. Coaches Congress and Sales
Summary In this conversation, Chris and Nick discuss their recent travels, particularly focusing on Nick's experiences at Coaches Congress in Europe. They delve into the differences in networking and sales approaches between American and European gym owners, emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections. Nick shares insights from his keynote on sales and coaching, highlighting the need for gym owners to embrace sales as a natural extension of coaching. The discussion also covers the role of Pathfinder Sales Coaching in helping gym owners and coaches improve their sales skills through practice and role play. Finally, Chris recounts an adventurous hiking trip to the Grand Canyon, illustrating the challenges and unexpected turns of their journey. Keywords travel, coaching, sales, fitness, conferences, networking, gym ownership, Pathfinder Sales, role play, Grand Canyon
S2 · E25
Nov 4, 2025 · 24 min
49. Embracing Non-Traditional Schedules in the Fitness Industry
Summary In this conversation, Chris and Nick discuss the unique challenges and experiences of working in the fitness industry, particularly focusing on the non-traditional work schedules that come with coaching. They share personal anecdotes about their transitions from structured jobs to the chaos of gym management, the realities of coaching, and the importance of flexibility in scheduling. The discussion also touches on the mental and physical demands of coaching, the need for effective communication with staff, and the benefits of a more relaxed approach to work-life balance in the fitness world. Keywords fitness industry, coaching, gym management, work-life balance, non-traditional schedules, coaching challenges, gym culture, entrepreneurship, coaching experience, gym owner insights
S2 · E21
Oct 28, 2025 · 22 min
48. Nick Buying a Building and Launching Just Move Gymnastics
Summary In this episode, Nick and Chris discuss the journey of launching a new gym space, the challenges faced during the purchase process, and the logistics of moving to a new location. Nick shares insights on his new business venture, Pathfinder Sales Coaching, and the importance of creating a positive environment for youth gymnastics. They also delve into the complexities of buying a building, navigating SBA loans, and the support from the community during the move. The conversation wraps up with advice for aspiring gym owners and reflections on the experience. Keywords CrossFit gym, gym ownership, business coaching, fitness industry, entrepreneurship, gym relocation, sales coaching, youth gymnastics, small business development, SBA loans, fitness community
S2 · E23
Sep 11, 2025 · 30 min
47. The One All About Coaching
Summary In this conversation, Chris and Nick explore the multifaceted nature of coaching in the functional fitness world. They discuss the various roles a coach must play, from technical instructor to motivator, and the importance of adapting coaching styles to individual needs and goals. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between technique and intensity, the significance of communication, and the necessity of building trust with clients. They also reflect on the challenges of switching between different coaching roles and the overall complexity of effective coaching. Keywords coaching, fitness, technique, intensity, communication, coaching styles, functional fitness, coaching relationships, coaching hats, coaching dynamics

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