The Key to Successful Adult Fitness Programming with Jess Tollman

In episode 413 of the Strength Coach Podcast , we chat with Jess Tollman , head of adult programming at MBSC, to uncover " The Key to Successful Adult Fitness Programming ” Brought to you by PerformBetter.com , this episode is packed with insights for coaches, therapists, and fitness enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level. **Highlights of the Episode** - We spoke about the fundamental differences between adult and athlete fitness programming, focusing on risk vs. reward calibration. - Jess shares her “recipe” for successful adult fitness, emphasizing mobility, strength, power, and conditioning while addressing common challenges like previous injuries and chronic pain. - A deep dive into the progression and regression system: how to tailor exercises for diverse client needs within a group setting. - Strategies for maintaining variety without sacrificing consistency, ensuring clients stay engaged and make measurable progress. - The importance of coaching individuals within a group, creating a personalized experience even in a shared environment. - Practical tips on fostering retention, tracking progress, and meeting adults where they are to build long-term fitness habits. - Jess’s unique perspective as both a mental health counselor and strength coach, incorporating mindfulness and observation into coaching. We also discussed: - Coaching philosophies for adult clients and how MBSC balances elite athletic training with a growing adult population. - How to keep fitness engaging and sustainable year-round for adult clients. - The role of continuing education and communication in building a successful fitness business. ------------------------------------------------------------------- A special thanks to Perform Better , the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out ⁠ Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, including this summer's Functional Training Summits. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Get ready to learn practical, actionable strategies to enhance your approach to adult programming. Whether you’re a coach, trainer, or just someone passionate about fitness, this episode delivers valuable takeaways. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to check out more episodes for expert advice and inspiration. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 03:42 - Jess Tollman Interview 05:48 - Successful Adult Programming Strategies 08:51 - Risk vs Reward Calibration 13:41 - Coaching Individuals in Group Settings 17:10 - Tracking Progress Effectively 21:20 - Variation in Training Methods 27:10 - Importance of Tracking Progress 33:20 - Mental Health Counseling Impact on Coaching 39:34 - Get Back Into It Workout Tips 40:40 - Consistent Coaching Message 43:38 - Workout Intensity Guidelines 46:10 - Selling Quality of Life Benefits 50:34 - Her Journey to Current Position 53:17 - Entry into the Industry 55:20 - Client-Centered Focus 57:50 - Being Present in Coaching 01:01:44 - Acknowledging Mistakes 01:03:40 - Wrapping Up Discussion ------------------------------------------------------------------- Next episode will feature the " Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay, " packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs. Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom? Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com): **Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE - (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book) **Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm) **Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/) **Subscribe to Mark's channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing) -------------------------------------------------------------------