#459 Dean Somerset - Personal Trainer Career Masterclass

#459 Dean Somerset - Personal Trainer Career Masterclass

Author: Andrew Coates April 9, 2026 Duration: 1:28:07

Author, personal trainer, and prolific fitness industry educator Dean Somerset returns as we film live in person (watch on YouTube or Spotify).


Dean shares his experience with:


Is it reasonable to expect to live completely pain free for life

What acute factors increase injury risk

His best practices to minimize injury risk

How to communicate with clients dealing with pain

How to manage and work around pain and injury

When to refer out to allied health care professionals like physical therapists

Training with injured limbs

And more


Dean also gives a breakdown of many fitness career success thoughts including:


Why he feels starting a career now is completely different than when we started, both challenges and opportunities

Should you start in a commercial gym today

What skills to work on early

In-person and online coaching

Trying different ideas and figuring out what you enjoy

Why he’s still committed to full time in-person training

How he uses semi-private training to expand his capacity

His love for writing

How to approach writing now in a fitness career

And a goldmine of other career success ideas


Dean also shares details about:


His Complete Fit Pro Blueprint seminars with Tony Gentilcore

The NSCA Alberta Provincial Clinic in Calgary May 2nd where Dean, Andrew, Chad Landers, and others are presenting

More info: https://www.nsca.com/events/state-and-regional/alberta-provincial-clinic/

Some early details about his second book


Instagram: @dsomerset1


CHAPTERS


00:53 New Seminar Blueprint

03:20 Pain Is Common

04:22 Pain-Free Expectations

05:31 Sponsor Break – Meal Prep

06:36 Injury Risk Factors

09:09 Pain Perception Talk

21:14 When To Refer Out

22:30 Training Around Injuries

25:19 NSCA Clinic Preview

25:56 Cross Education Rehab

28:12 Modern Trainer Challenges

32:51 Influencers And The Attention Economy

41:17 In Person Vs Online Coaching

44:52 Arnold Expo Encounters

45:42 In Person Training Value

47:06 Scaling With Semi Private

50:11 Delivering Semi Private Well

53:45 Rolling Starts And Flexibility

57:10 Business Systems Mindset

01:02:53 Choosing Projects You Enjoy

01:08:49 Writing Skills And Platforms

01:16:04 Email Lists Over Algorithms

01:24:19 Events, Travel And Wrap Up


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Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
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