Personal Training 101: Building Simple, Effective Workout Programs with Joe Drake

On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, welcomes featured guest, Joe Drake, CEO and founder of Axiom Fitness Academy, for an essential deep dive into one of the biggest questions new personal trainers face: “How do I actually build a program for my first client?” Rick and Joe pull back the curtain on this universal struggle, sharing real experiences from their own journeys both in training and educating fitness professionals.

You’ll learn practical, confidence-building steps for taking your knowledge from NASM’s OPT model and applying it in the gym—without overcomplicating things or falling into the trap of trying to impress with flashy exercises. Instead, Rick and Joe stress the importance of mastering the basics, focusing on major movement patterns (squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, and hinging), and building repeatable templates tailored to each client’s frequency and needs.

The discussion is packed with actionable tips, including how to keep programming simple, when and how to individualize, and why tracking progress (like keeping a PR chart) matters more than constant variety. Rick and Joe also discuss finding the balance between what clients want and what they need and highlight resources inside NASM’s new Membership platform—NASM1—for trainers seeking further step-by-step programming guidance.

If you’re a new or aspiring trainer feeling stuck between theory and practice, this conversation is for you. Tune in and take the guesswork out of your programming journey—one authentic trainer story at a time.

Joe Drake, MS, NASM-CPT, CES, PES is a veteran personal trainer, educator, and the founder of Axiom Fitness Academy—a leading certification prep and mentorship platform for aspiring and certified fitness professionals. With nearly 20 years in the industry and over a decade training trainers, Joe helps coaches build confidence in programming, master client relationships, and turn their passion into a sustainable business.

He is also the author of The Complete Guide to Landmine Training and a trusted voice on strength training for longevity, continuing education, and bridging the gap between certification and real-world success.

Whether you’re a new trainer or scaling your career, Joe offers powerful frameworks that simplify programming, elevate your coaching, and help you stand out in a crowded fitness industry.

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The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

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