Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:50 — 32.7MB)

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In this episode, I break down the core principles that separate real training from the typical “group class” model found in CrossFit and group fitness gyms.

I explains why my gym doesn’t run classes it runs sessions.

Why the coaching model is built on personalization, not scaling.

And why progression and regression systems create a training environment where every athlete feels seen, challenged, and supported.

If you’re a coach, gym owner, or trainer who wants to elevate your standards and deliver a more professional, intentional training experience, this episode will challenge the way you think about programming, coaching, and session structure.

What we discuss:

1. Sessions Over Classes

How language shapes expectations, standards, and the overall training experience. Why “class” lowers the bar and why “session” elevates it.

2. We Personalize We Don’t Scale

The key difference between scaling (reactive, generic, often diminishing) and personalization (intentional, targeted, stimulus-preserving).
How personalization builds trust, unity, and higher quality coaching.

3. The Power of Progressions & Regressions

Why coaching isn’t improvisation.
How progression/regression systems create structure, consistency, and individualized development inside a group environment.

4. What a Professional Training Environment Actually Looks Like

How clarity, systems, and intentional language turn group training into a unified, purposeful session instead of chaos management.

TAKEAWAYS FOR COACHES & GYM OWNERS:

• Language can elevate or erode your perceived professionalism.
• Scaling is not the hallmark of good coaching; personalization is.
• Systems create consistency, consistency creates trust, and trust creates retention.
• Progression and regression frameworks allow coaches to deliver individualized training at scale.
• A session should feel like everyone is doing the right version of the workout not the “easy” or “scaled” version.

If you haven’t yet be sure to Subscribe!!!

Follow us on Social:

Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmith

YouTube: The Channel

Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswa

Gym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling

Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnessboise

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:14 — 34.7MB)

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In this episode, Cody breaks down what it really means to be a great coach. It is not just about running workouts or following programming. It is about hosting an experience.

Cody shares how the best gyms in the world create energy, belonging, and connection.

You will learn how to shift from being an Coach to being a true leader who builds a culture that feels good to be part of and hard to leave.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Host Mindset
Every session is a hosted experience. A great coach sets the tone, builds anticipation, and creates an environment that feels alive. The job is not just to lead training but to welcome people into a culture.

2. Setting the Environment
Coaches control the energy of the room. From the music to the greeting to the transitions between movements, every detail matters. People move and perform better in an intentional environment.

3. Connection is the Currency
The best coaches connect with every client during every session. A name, a fist bump, or a personal cue tells someone they are seen and valued. Connection drives retention far more than programming alone.

4. Building Micro Communities
Every gym naturally forms smaller groups. Instead of ignoring them, great coaches lean into these communities. Celebrating teams, creating small rituals, and building camaraderie deepens the culture and keeps people coming back.

5. Coaching Energy and Leadership
Energy is leadership. Great coaches do not have to be loud, but they do need to be intentional. They create momentum, keep energy high, and lead with presence.

6. The Virtuous Coaching Framework
Host. Experience. Connection.
This simple structure helps coaches deliver a world class session every time. Greet with purpose, lead with energy, and finish by connecting personally.

Takeaway:
Coaching is more than teaching movement. It is about creating moments people never forget. When you coach like a host, your workouts become experiences, your gym becomes a community, and your clients become family.

Listen to this episode if you want to:

• Build stronger connections with clients

• Improve class energy and engagement

• Create a culture people love being part of

• Develop leadership beyond sets and reps

Call to Action:
If this episode hit home, share it with another coach who needs to hear it. Then go out and host the best workout experience your people have ever had.

If you haven’t yet be sure to Subscribe!!!

Follow us on Social:

Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmith

YouTube: The Channel

Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswa

Gym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling

Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnessboise

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:21 — 54.1MB)

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In this Episode I break down the truth about nutrition and especially for hybrid athletes…aka people who want to be strong, look good, and perform at a high level without falling into the trap of diets or extremes.

I dive into the most common nutrition myths, what the science actually says about carbs, fats, and protein, and how to build a long term fueling strategy that supports performance, muscle, and longevity.

If you train hard but feel like your nutrition isn’t keeping up this episode will reframe how you eat, think, and recover.

If you haven’t yet be sure to Subscribe!!!

Follow us on Social:

Personal Instagram: @coachcodysmith

YouTube: The Channel

Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnesswa

Gym Instagram: @virtuousgrappling

Gym Instagram: @virtuousfitnessboise