In this episode, Larry and Cody break down why assessments—not workouts—are the most powerful sales tool a coach can use. They explain how gathering meaningful data creates clarity, certainty, and trust, especially for clients willing to invest in premium services.
The conversation walks through the hierarchy of assessment—flexibility, mobility, competence, tolerance, and strength balance—and why meeting clients where they are matters more than making them sweaty. Coaches will hear real examples of how “workout assessments” often miss the mark and can even undermine confidence.
Finally, the episode connects assessment findings to outcomes clients actually care about. Instead of impressing prospects with jargon, Larry and Cody show how simple explanations turn confusion into buy-in. If you want to stand out, charge appropriately, and sell ethically, this episode lays out the blueprint.
This episode walks coaches through one of the most important pieces of client education Active Life uses: load versus capacity. Larry teaches the concept exactly as he would to a real client, using simple language, analogies, and a whiteboard explanation that makes complex biomechanics easy to understand.
Listeners will hear how anatomical history, recovery, and functional ability stack together before life stress and training are even added. The conversation shows coaches how pain isn’t mysterious or random—it’s what happens when total load exceeds current capacity, often at the worst possible moment.
The episode finishes by reframing the coach’s job: not just shrinking the “boxes,” but raising the capacity line itself through intelligent programming. If you’ve ever struggled to explain pain, setbacks, or inconsistent progress to clients, this episode gives you a repeatable framework you can use immediately.
In this episode, Larry and Cody do something rare: they run a fully unscripted mock discovery call so coaches can hear what a real consult sounds like—not a perfect script, not a role-play where the client rolls over, but an authentic conversation with resistance, uncertainty, and nuance. Larry plays a skeptical, achy 55-year-old client, while Cody navigates the conversation exactly as he would in real life.
As the call unfolds, Cody demonstrates how to ask better questions, slow the conversation down, and help a client feel understood without prematurely pitching solutions. Coaches will hear how to uncover goals like confidence, longevity, and “not paying the price tomorrow,” while avoiding common traps like over-explaining or defending value too early.
The episode closes with a breakdown of why the call worked: how Cody determined fit, framed the next step, and created clarity without pressure. If you struggle with discovery calls, handling objections, or moving conversations forward naturally, this episode is a masterclass in consultative selling done right.
In this episode, Larry and Cody deliver a complete plug-and-play framework for coaches who struggle to build offers that actually land with clients. They break down the two prerequisites every coach must meet before crafting an offer: knowing exactly who your ideal client is, and having a product or service that genuinely solves their problem. Without these two pieces, even the best marketing copy in the world won’t save you.
From there, the hosts walk through the “Why This / Why You / Why Now” framework and apply it in real-world language that any coach can implement immediately. They illustrate how to articulate the specific problem your offer solves, why you’re uniquely qualified to deliver the solution, and why the client should start now. They also show how stories—not statistics—drive real buying behavior and how testimonials should reflect the avatar you’re trying to reach.
Finally, Larry and Cody reveal the value equation behind every high-converting offer: dream outcome, proof of likelihood, fast first win, and low perceived effort. They connect this directly to Active Life’s assessment process, helping coaches understand how to structure, name, and deliver an offer that passes every prospect’s logical and emotional filters. If you’re a coach trying to sell responsibly, clearly, and confidently—this is a masterclass.
In today’s episode, Larry and Cody expand on last week’s discussion about trust and move into the next critical phase of every professional conversation: certainty. Once a client trusts you, they still need clarity around four specific dimensions before they feel ready to commit their time, money, and emotional energy to a meaningful process. This episode breaks down each of those certainties—what they mean, why they matter, and how to address them directly instead of hoping they resolve themselves.
They start with certainty in themselves, exploring why clients often doubt their ability to follow through and why coaches must help them uncover their past successes, failures, support systems, and obstacles. From there, they move into certainty in the plan, walking listeners through the four-phase Active Life method—Assess, Develop, Ascend, Freedom—and how to tailor detail or simplicity depending on personality type. This proactive clarity helps clients visualize the journey and understand what long-term success will require.
Finally, the conversation moves to certainty in support and certainty in the decision. Larry and Cody unpack how clients evaluate the professional and the environment: Do they trust the team? Do they understand the support structure? Is the timing right? They highlight how the best coaches stay calm during this phase by being agnostic to the outcome, genuinely committed to helping people find the right fit—not just making a sale. This episode gives professionals a complete blueprint for guiding clients through confident, aligned decisions.
In this episode, Larry and Cody break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in sales and coaching: trust. Before any certainty can be built — before someone can believe you, follow your guidance, or buy from you — they must trust you. The conversation begins by clarifying why trust must precede certainty, and why even the most logical clients won’t hear you until they first believe in your intentions.
They then dive deep into the Four Pillars of Trust: propriety, commonality, credibility, and intent. Using detailed examples — from the impression your clothing makes, to how you relate authentically to clients, to knowing when to confidently say “I don’t know” — the hosts show exactly how coaches, trainers, and service professionals can earn trust intentionally rather than hoping it forms by accident. These are the same interpersonal skills that separate average coaches from professionals capable of leading meaningful behavior change.
Finally, Larry and Cody discuss the real-world application of these pillars inside Active Life’s coaching and enrollment systems. They talk about how intent shapes energy, how desperation can be sensed even subconsciously, and how the best sales conversations come from unbiased advocacy — guiding people toward the right solution, not just a sale. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: mastering human connection isn’t just good for business — it’s essential for becoming a true professional.
In this episode, Larry sits down with Mary to break down one of the biggest problems facing the United States today: the chronic pain epidemic. Even with over a million personal trainers, hundreds of thousands of clinicians, and countless medical institutions, people are still falling through the cracks — stuck between incomplete medical discharge and a fitness industry unprepared to handle their limitations. Mary and Larry explain how this “gray zone” traps millions, leaving them unsure where to turn next.
They discuss why so many people are told “this is as good as it gets,” and why that message is almost never true. From painkillers to braces, orthotics to modified gym routines, they outline how tools meant to be temporary often become permanent when there is no professional capable of guiding people out of pain. The pair break down the Active Life view that chronic pain resolution requires active participation — physical, mental, and environmental changes that create adaptations, not dependency.
Finally, Mary shares the larger vision: a world in which people understand that living with chronic pain is a choice — but only when supported by professionals trained to guide the full journey. They explore the need for thousands more ALPs (Active Life Professionals), the gap after physical therapy where most people regress, and how Active Life’s dual mission (education + brick-and-mortar locations) will reshape the future of pain resolution.
Many professionals fall into the trap of competency pride — believing that because they’ve “earned it,” they no longer need help. In this episode, Larry and Cody unpack how this quiet arrogance can limit progress for even the most skilled coaches, clinicians, and leaders.
They explore why the smartest people often struggle most with objectivity, how pride in one’s knowledge can hide blind spots, and why the best professionals consistently seek external perspective. Through examples like “Coach Alan,” they show how identity, ego, and fear of being seen as “incompetent” can quietly sabotage both client outcomes and professional growth.
Listeners walk away with frameworks to identify their own blind spots, practical methods to invite feedback, and a refreshing reminder: true mastery isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about knowing when to ask for help.
In this episode, hosts Larry Gaier and Cody Ringle dive deep into the psychology of decision paralysis — the all-too-common state where smart, capable professionals find themselves endlessly researching, comparing, and planning… but not actually taking action. They unpack why, in an age of infinite information, more knowledge can often lead to less movement, and how to break the illusion that learning is the same as progressing.
Larry and Cody explore how over-analysis, fear, and perfectionism fuel indecision. They use the fictional “Jennifer” — a client who knows everything about her problem but remains stuck — to illustrate how excessive preparation creates the illusion of safety while slowly eroding confidence. The conversation also digs into the neuroscience of dopamine, explaining how our brains reward anticipation instead of action, making endless learning feel productive even when it isn’t.
The hosts offer practical frameworks like the Decision Deadline, Information → Criteria → Action phases, and questions coaches can use to guide clients toward clarity. They close with the reminder that confidence follows action, not the other way around — and that the antidote to uncertainty is movement. Whether you’re a coach or someone stuck in your own loop of “almost ready,” this episode shows how to stop thinking and start deciding.
In this conversation, Larry and Cody break down the true nature of “value uncertainty” — the mental equation clients subconsciously run every time they’re asked to invest in coaching or care. It’s rarely about money; it’s about perceived return. Cody explains how professionals often project their own lens of value instead of first understanding what the person across from them actually wants, needs, and fears.
Through a detailed role-play, they demonstrate how the right questions — not persuasion — reveal what matters most to clients: health, longevity, and the ability to show up for family and life. Cody shares a striking story about a business owner who remained “stuck in the rowboat” because fear outweighed opportunity, and how recognizing that moment allows coaches to ethically let go instead of discounting or convincing.
They close by redefining what it means to “sell” — not as pushing but as aligning. The pros who thrive are those who find their “peach buyers”: the people who already value what they uniquely provide and are ready to invest fully in change.
In this episode, Cody Ringle and Larry Gaier dive into one of the most common yet misunderstood challenges for both clients and coaches — why smart people stay stuck. They kick off a four-part series exploring the different forms of “objections,” starting with the time objection: the belief that “now just isn’t the right time.” Through real-world stories and examples, Cody and Larry dissect how this mindset keeps people looping in familiar discomfort instead of taking action.
Larry illustrates how biological and psychological patterns lead people to preserve what they already know — even if it’s painful — because uncertainty requires energy and effort. Together, they explore why chronic problems rarely resolve on their own, why change becomes harder over time, and how waiting only compounds the emotional and physical costs. They introduce the story of “Sarah,” whose post-surgery shoulder pain symbolizes how hesitation often masquerades as logic.
By the end, the hosts model how practitioners can skillfully handle timing objections in client conversations, taking listeners through a live role-play of how to move from hesitation to clarity. They reveal why clients are never more ready than the moment they seek help, how to recognize self-delusion versus readiness, and how professionals can respect their own time while empowering those who are ready to take action. The conversation ends with a call to all coaches: master the process, challenge the stories, and help people turn pro.
In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody unpack a powerful question: “Why do smart people stay stuck in pain?” Whether it’s physical discomfort, professional stagnation, or emotional resistance, the duo explores why even the most capable people often fail to take meaningful action toward change.
They break the problem down into three core drivers — lack of awareness, lack of ability, and fear — with fear emerging as the hardest to overcome. Through real-world stories, including clients who delay action for the “perfect time” and those stuck in familiar pain despite better options, Larry and Sean reveal the hidden biases and neurological patterns that keep people in place. They discuss concepts like homeostasis, negativity bias, and the sunken cost fallacy, illustrating how humans often choose comfort in suffering over the uncertainty of growth.
Listeners will walk away with practical insights on how to guide clients (or themselves) through resistance, reframe fear into action, and understand the “readiness paradox” — the truth that there is no perfect time to change. This is a must-listen for coaches, practitioners, and anyone looking to finally move past what’s been holding them back.
In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody dive deep into one of the most important questions in modern wellness: why do one in five U.S. adults still struggle with unresolved pain despite the abundance of doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and trainers? They reveal that the issue isn’t a lack of personnel—it’s a lack of systems built to solve the root cause of dysfunction rather than manage symptoms.
The hosts explore the stark divide between healthcare and fitness, explaining why the current healthcare model is reactive and symptom-driven while fitness, at its best, is proactive and empowering. They define the concept of “fitness as healthcare”, a model where coaches become the first line of defense, bridging the gap between discharge and full recovery, guiding clients toward autonomy, strength, and a fulfilling, pain-free life.
Listeners will learn how to shift their mindset and career from fitness entertainment to meaningful, transformative practice. The episode outlines the pillars of education, exercise, and mentorship, emphasizing proactive solutions, personalized data tracking, and helping clients view training as a non-negotiable form of healthcare. This is a call to action for coaches who want to be part of a cultural shift—turning fitness into a respected, credible, and sustainable profession that truly changes lives.
In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody unpack the four most impactful lessons that came out of their recent in-person Active Life seminar. These insights aren’t just for attendees—they’re universal principles for any coach or fitness professional who wants to elevate their craft, create better outcomes for clients, and build a more respected career.They begin with a powerful truth: “Good enough is the enemy of great.” Coaches often stop short of mastery, settling for 95%—but that final 5% is what separates top performers from the pack. From there, they dive into the necessity of continual growth, recognizing that everyone has room to improve, even in areas they already excel. The hosts discuss the importance of focus—choosing one area at a time to level up—and the value of momentum in overcoming overwhelm.The conversation continues with two critical reminders: don’t major in the minors—return to the fundamentals like sleep, stress, and recovery—and embrace the concept that iron sharpens iron. Surrounding yourself with peers, being open to feedback, and participating in structured in-person learning accelerates growth in ways that digital learning alone can’t match. This episode is a masterclass in professional development, mindset, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Most coaches think their value lies in the workout, but programming is only 20% of what clients truly need. In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, we explore five overlooked areas that set great coaches apart and make them irreplaceable. From rest to resilience, boundaries to community, the conversation dives deep into actionable tools that extend far beyond sets and reps.
You’ll learn how to help clients integrate strategic rest into their week, how to foster emotional pre-regulation rather than just stress management, and why healthy selfishness is not only acceptable but essential for growth. The hosts also break down how coaches can intentionally create community and connection experiences, and how to guide clients toward courageous growth—the kind that changes lives inside and outside the gym.
Whether you’re a gym owner, personal trainer, or health coach, this episode will shift your perspective on what truly makes a difference for your clients. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with clarity, compassion, and courage.
In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we take a deep dive into the lessons that only come from failure, setbacks, and unexpected turns. Instead of treating failure as the end of the road, we explore how to use it as the clearest indicator of what’s not working—and a stepping stone to what comes next.We break down why failure feels so personal, the difference between quitting and making a better decision, and the trap of attaching your identity to outcomes. Through honest reflection, this episode highlights how to reframe “losses” as feedback, ask better questions when things don’t work out, and move forward with clarity.Whether you’re a coach, business owner, or simply someone navigating change, this conversation is a reminder that growth doesn’t come from avoiding failure—it comes from learning to work with it.
In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we reflect on the top seven lessons learned after ten months of recording, coaching, and connecting through conversations. These insights are not just about podcasting—they’re powerful takeaways that apply directly to coaching, business, and personal growth.
We cover everything from cursing less and slowing down, to focusing on the 80/20 balance of education and entertainment. We also dive into the power of speaking to one person, why imperfect action beats waiting for perfection, and the importance of making decisions for your future rather than for a handful of current clients. Finally, we explore why personal development will always take you further than the latest programming method.
Whether you’re a coach, trainer, or entrepreneur, these seven lessons can help you communicate more clearly, build stronger client relationships, and step confidently into your next chapter of growth.
In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we sit down with Jess to explore her journey from military service to becoming a full-time coach at Active Life. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her—joining the Air Force at 19, discovering CrossFit, and moving across the country for an opportunity she once thought was out of reach.Jess shares how she transitioned from admin roles in fitness companies to hands-on coaching, and how Active Life’s immersion course gave her the foundation to thrive with one-on-one clients. She reflects on the truths that shaped her, the importance of accountability, and why education is just as valuable as exercise in transforming lives.With inspiring client stories, lessons learned about growth, and her personal leap into a new chapter, Jess highlights what it truly means to help people live more and hurt less while continuing her own evolution as a coach.
When faced with the choice between staying comfortable or moving 2,500 miles to pursue a dream, most people play it safe. Not Sam. In this inspiring episode, Sam shares her journey from a small town in Indiana to the flagship Active Life location in Long Beach, NY, building a career focused on helping people live pain-free, without compromise.
From her early days as an overweight athlete sweating through grueling workouts, to coaching at multiple gyms, to making the bold leap across the country, Sam reveals the challenges and turning points that shaped her career. She talks openly about overcoming personal injuries, weight struggles, and the mental battles that come with change — and how these experiences made her a better coach.
Whether you’re a fitness professional considering a big move, someone living with chronic pain, or just looking for motivation to make a major life change, Sam’s story offers a blueprint for resilience, self-awareness, and career fulfillment.
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence in the fitness industry—and why simply selling “sets and reps” will no longer cut it. Sean and Cody discuss how AI is already capable of building personalized training programs, tracking progress, and even providing habit-based coaching. The conversation highlights why the middle tier of fitness professionals is most at risk, and how those who integrate technology into their practice will thrive in the years ahead.
The discussion takes a practical turn, outlining real-world ways coaches and gym owners can leverage AI today—like streamlining SOP creation, speeding up programming, and role-playing tough client conversations. It’s not about fearmongering—it’s about identifying where AI can free up your time so you can focus on the human side of coaching that technology can’t yet replace.
You’ll also hear a forward-looking take on how advancements in pharmaceuticals, haptic technology, and automation might change what “fitness” even means over the next 50 years. The episode ends with a challenge: pursue excellence relentlessly, because that’s the last thing to be replaced—and the skillset that will help you pivot to any new opportunity the future brings.