Introduction
A gym is only as good as its coaching. A great coach doesn’t just show up to teach a class; they create an environment where members can thrive and feel motivated to reach their goals. They run engaging, effective workouts, and they build connections with clients. Whether you’re a gym owner looking to advance your coaching staff or a fitness coach striving for personal growth, ongoing professional development is essential to success.
Why Professional Development Matters for Coaches
For coaches, developing your skill set means learning how to program more effectively, how to create meaningful client connections, and, ultimately, how to help your clients best. The most successful coaches invest in their career growth and commit to continuous learning.
Why Coach Development Matters for Gym Owners
For gym owners, investing in your coaches means better client experiences, improved retention and more revenue. By providing your coaches with resources to develop their careers, you can ensure they deliver clients great results and stay committed to your gym for the long term.
Types of Coach Development Resources
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive list of resources for fitness coach development. Whether you’re a gym owner looking to support your team or a trainer seeking the next step in your career, these tools will help you build a strong foundation for success. We’ll cover:
- Certification programs
- Programming resources
- Workshops, webinars and other events
- Newsletters and blogs
- YouTube channels and podcasts
- Social media accounts
- Books
Then we’ll talk about how to make the most of these resources and why it’s action—not knowledge—that matters the most.
Certifications for Professional Growth
Why Certifications Matter
Certification programs can provide coaches with valuable knowledge that can help them better serve their clients. They can also enhance a coach’s reputation and credibility in the fitness industry and open up more opportunities for career advancement.
Why Certifications Aren’t Everything
While certifications can be valuable tools for coach development, they are not the sole measure of a coach’s effectiveness. A coach can have a wall full of certifications and still fall short if their clients aren’t getting results and aren’t enjoying their time at the gym.
Top Certifications for Fitness Coaches
Here is an overview of some of the most popular coaching certifications.
NSCA Certifications
A well-respected certification for personal trainers, the NSCA-CPT focuses on evidence-based strength and conditioning principles, programming, and client assessment for general population training. Also through NSCA, the CSCS is designed for coaches working with athletes and emphasizes injury prevention, sports performance, and strength and power development.
NASM Certifications
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers various certifications, with the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) being one of the most popular. It focuses on corrective exercise, movement assessments and individualized programming. NASM also provides advanced specializations in areas such as performance enhancement and corrective exercise.
Functional Movement Screen Level 1 (FMS)
FMS offers live and online courses designed to help fitness professionals understand the importance of functional movement screening and learn how to use an FMS to make effective, individualized programming decisions for their clients.
Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC)
The CFSC emphasizes hands-on coaching and movement quality to ensure trainers can apply what they learn in real-world coaching environments. It focuses on practical skill development rather than just passing a written exam.
CrossFit Certifications
The CrossFit certification path starts with Level 1, an introductory course covering fundamental movements and coaching principles. Level 2 focuses on improving coaching skills, class management and cueing. Levels 3 and 4 are advanced certifications requiring extensive experience, testing and practical assessment.
Nutrition Certifications
Certified nutrition coaches focus on providing general dietary guidance and promoting healthy eating habits. Check out our full guide on choosing a nutrition certification program here.
How to Choose the Right Coaching Certification
Choosing the right coaching certification depends on the coach’s career goals, client base and interests. Some certifications focus on general fitness, while others focus on specialties such as personal training, rehabilitation and nutrition coaching.
Ultimately, gym owners and coaches should evaluate whether a new certification will genuinely help the coach better engage clients and get them to their goals more effectively. The focus should always be on creating real value for clients rather than just accumulating credentials to appear more qualified.
Programming Resources for Fitness Coaches and Gym Owners
Many coaches and gym owners choose to outsource their programming to trusted providers who offer structured, tested workout plans that help coaches deliver high-quality training without spending hours on programming themselves.
NCFIT
Founded by CrossFit Games champion Jason Khalipa, NCFIT offers comprehensive programming for gyms, coaches and individual athletes. Their programming is designed for group classes and planned for the entire year. It includes detailed class plans and coach highlight videos, along with daily development for coaches.
Bonus: NCFIT’s platform Coach Like a Pro offers a five-week professional development course for coaches, which includes live calls with Jason, Matt “MDV” DellaValle, and Gabe Yanez, as well as detailed video modules.
Mayhem Affiliate
Functional fitness and CrossFit gyms that subscribe to Mayhem Affiliate receive the exact, structured programming that CrossFit Mayhem uses, along with warm-ups, cooldowns, coaching videos and programming notes.
Subscribers also have access to programming for the following focus areas: At Home, Bodybuilding, CrossFit Kids, L.I.F.E Class (for older athletes), Pre Teens, Teens, Endurance, Running, Spin and Burgener Strength.
Misfit Affiliate
Misfit Affiliate offers gyms and coaches general physical preparedness (GPP) programming for six days per week. Misfit notes that their programs “don’t shy away from heavy, high skill or odd object movements,” and all workouts include coach’s notes, scaling options, teaching progressions and more.
Affiliates also gain access to “Competitor Extra” training pieces for athletes who want more challenge, as well as specialty class programming, including weightlifting and on-ramp for new clients.
CompTrain
CompTrain provides gyms with weekly lesson plans from world-champion coach Ben Bergeron. All workouts come with video walkthroughs and whiteboard briefs for coaches and are tested a month in advance. A CompTrain subscription also includes a monthly live call led by Ben.
Also included in the subscription are programming philosophy insights and coach development materials from the CompTrain team.
RTS Program Design Mentorship
Led by Mike Robertson, co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (I-FAST), RTS Program Design Mentorship provides personal trainers and coaches with six months of instruction and Q&A calls to refine their training philosophy and learn how to build stronger programming.
Mentorship also includes a one-on-one onboarding call to customize the process to the coach’s needs, as well as an exit call where Mike provides feedback and answers final questions.
Coaching Workshops and Events
Coaches who want to stay ahead in the industry can take advantage of live events, workshops and conferences where they can learn from top professionals and engage in hands-on training.
Two-Brain Summit
Each June, Two-Brain hosts an annual summit in Chicago for fitness entrepreneurs, split into two tracks: one for coaches and one for gym owners. At the summit, coaches are guided through practical exercises by industry experts such as Jason Khalipa, Bill Parisi and the Mayhem Nation team.
Coaches Congress
Held four times a year—in London, Australia, Stockholm and Berlin—Coaches Congress is designed to help coaches take their confidence and knowledge to the next level by providing them with cutting-edge techniques and a supportive network of peers.
Perform Better
Throughout the year, Perform Better hosts three-day functional training summits for coaches, therapists and personal trainers in Chicago, Ill.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Providence, R.I.; as well as specialized seminars such as fascia training.
NASM Events
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) sponsors a variety of live events, including the HFA Show (formerly IHRSA) in Las Vegas and the OPTima Europe Fitness Conference in Serbia.
IDEA Fitness Conferences
IDEA Health & Fitness Association provides personal trainers and group fitness instructors with practical education, trends and research through conferences such as the IDEA & ACSM Health & Fitness Summit in Denver, Colo., and IDEA World in Sacramento, Calif.
NCSA Events
Every year, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) holds an annual conference in the U.S. and Europe. NSCA also hosts several regional events each month to bring the latest research directly to coaches.
Power Monkey Camp and Events
Hosted in the spring and fall, Power Monkey Camp is a week-long camp where athletes, coaches and gym owners learn and train alongside world-class coaches and elite athletes. Power Monkey also leads shorter events—including gymnastics and weightlifting courses—at gyms around the world, which are open to coaches and athletes of all levels.
Newsletters and Blogs for Ongoing Learning
Newsletters and blogs can provide personal trainers and coaches with bite-sized insights that help them stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research.
“Stronger by Science”
“Stronger by Science” is a weekly newsletter that includes summaries of cutting-edge research in exercise science, as well as practical training tips. With a free subscription, readers also receive 28 squat, bench and deadlift training programs.
“Daily Catalyst”
In the “Daily Catalyst,” Two-Brain founder Chris Cooper shares his gym’s day-by-day group class programming, as well as a short podcast each week to preview the workouts.
“The BarBend Newsletter”
In condensed three-minute reads, “The BarBend Newsletter” gives its readers resources and information on strength sports—weightlifting, bodybuilding, strongman and more.
“5 Reps Friday”
Published by Jonathan Goodman, founder of the Personal Trainer Development Center, the “5 Reps Friday” newsletter includes tips on health, marketing and making more money as a fitness professional.
“Morning Chalk Up”
Spearheaded by Joe Genetin-Pilawa, a CrossFit masters coach, “Morning Chalk Up” focuses on the latest news in CrossFit. Premium subscribers also receive access to practical fitness and nutrition information from experts such E.C. Synkowski and Ben Bergeron.
CrossFit’s Learning Library
CrossFit’s learning library includes daily blogs on all things CrossFit, from common movements to training through injuries.
YouTube Channels and Podcasts for Coaches
Podcasts and YouTube videos provide busy coaches an easily digestible way to continue furthering their education while on the go.
“Strength Coach Collective”
Featuring legendary fitness coaches such as Dan John and Mike Burgener, the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast aims to help fitness professionals bridge the gap between new science and proven training methods that get clients results. The podcast is accompanied by a free public Facebook group where coaches can come together to share knowledge.
Jason Brown
On his YouTube channel, strength and conditioning expert Jason Brown breaks down training methods and specific movements, with a focus on the Conjugate Method, energy systems development and full-body training.
“Squat University”
Through ”Squat University,” coach, speaker, author and doctor of physical therapy Aaron Horschig focuses on helping athletes overcome pain and increase strength. His bite-sized videos are full of research-backed information trainers can apply to their coaching practices.
Jeff Nippard
Jeff Nippard, pro bodybuilder and powerlifter, focuses his YouTube channel on helping viewers build muscle through science. He breaks down exercise routines, diets and debunks common misconceptions around muscle growth.
N1 Education
Founded by Kassem Hanson, N1 Education and Training offers certifications and online education for personal trainers and coaches. On their YouTube channel, N1’s videos center around how coaches can better serve clients through individualized programming tailored to their individual goals and needs.
“The Sevan Podcast”
Hosted by Sevan Matossian, former head of media for CrossFit Inc., “The Sevan Podcast” is best known for its unfiltered conversations with a wide range of guests within the fitness industry, such as authors, athletes and business leaders.
Social Media: Who to Follow and Why
Many fitness experts share valuable insights on coaching strategies on their platforms. Following these professionals can help coaches stay informed and inspired.
Mike Burgener
On his social media, Mike Burgener, legendary Olympic weightlifting coach and founder of Burgener Strength, shares video demonstrations as well as updates on his “geezer” training program for older athletes.
John Rusin
Named one of America’s top 50 fitness experts by Men’s Health, John Rusin uses his social media to share proven tips for strength training, as well as short video demonstrations of workouts.
Kevin Carr
Kevin Carr, owner of Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning, posts on a variety of fitness-related topics on social media, including training efficiency, full-body mobility and cardiovascular health. He also shares video demos of common movements along with their coaching cues.
Michael Israetel
Competitive bodybuilder, BJJ black belt and RP Strength co-founder Michael Israetel posts content on hypertrophy training, primarily sharing videos of his and others’ workouts.
Eric Cressey
Eric Cressey, director of player health and performance for the Yankees and president of Cressey Sports Performance, focuses his social content on training for baseball athletes. He also provides general tips on athlete development, nutrition and sleep habits.
Books for Further Learning
For fitness professionals interested in in-depth knowledge on a particular topic, books are a valuable resource.
“The Anatomy of Speed”
Written by Bill Parisi, founder of the Parisi Speed School, “The Anatomy of Speed” dives into the biomotor systems that drive speed and converts this science into application so coaches can tailor training to their athletes’ needs.
“Easy Strength”
“Easy Strength” by Dan John and Pavel Tsatsouline challenges common misconceptions about strength training while exploring the history and principles of effective training. The book aims to help athletes and coaches refine their methods and improve performance.
“Starting Strength”
“Starting Strength” by Mark Rippetoe is a widely respected guide to barbell strength training that offers a simple but effective approach to building strength through fundamental lifts. It includes in-depth instruction, biomechanical analysis and proven programming strategies.
“Conscious Coaching”
Brett Bartholomew’s “Conscious Coaching” emphasizes the importance of relationships when coaching strength and conditioning. Focusing on practical psychology, the book is designed to help coaches build trust and enhance engagement with their clients.
“Advances in Functional Training”
“Advances in Functional Training” by Michael Boyle, co-founder of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, focuses on the evolution of functional training and includes techniques for personal trainers, coaches and athletes.
“Help Best for Coaches”
Written by Chris Cooper in collaboration with several Two-Brain mentors, “Help Best for Coaches,” to be published in late May 2025, provides personal trainers and coaches with a practical framework for getting clients to their desired outcomes more quickly and effectively. The book also equips coaches with the skills and knowledge to move from “good” to “great” and build a sustainable career in fitness.
Tips for Making the Most of These Resources
Set Learning Goals
Start by identifying specific areas of your coaching that need improvement, such as client communication, programming or teaching cues. Then set clear, measurable goals. This will help you prioritize the resources that align with your goals, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
Invest Time and Money Wisely
With so many resources available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on tools that will offer the highest return on investment for your specific needs. Be mindful of your time and finances, ensuring you’re dedicating both to resources that genuinely enhance your coaching practice.
Focus on Application
Knowledge alone won’t make someone a better coach—action will. A coach can read every book, take every course and follow every top trainer on social media, but if they never apply what they learn, their coaching won’t improve. Focus on immediate application in real-world scenarios and adapt as you go. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve.
Don’t Overlook the Fundamentals
As important as coach development is, the best coaches excel at the fundamentals: clear communication, corrective feedback, relationship building and consistency in execution. Showing up prepared and demonstrating professionalism also go a long way when it comes to career growth.
Conclusion
Coaches, your career growth is in your hands. Professional coaches don’t wait for opportunities—they create them. Take ownership of your development, apply what you learn and surround yourself with like-minded professionals who push you to be better. Join the Strength Coach Collective Facebook group to connect with thousands of coaches who are committed to learning, growing and leveling up in their careers.
Gym owners, your coaches are the ones who are delivering your product on a daily basis. Empower them with tools and knowledge to help them deliver more value to your members and grow their careers within your gym. If you’re ready to take this a step further, book a call to learn how mentorship can help you elevate your coaching team.
