Why You Feel Like a Fraud: Imposter Syndrome in Fitness Professionals

Coaching, Education, Personal Training, Resources, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Imposter syndrome in the fitness industry is far more common than personal trainers, strength coaches, and gym owners realize, with research showing roughly 70% of professionals will experience it during their career. In this episode of the THIRST More Podcast, Brandon Smitley breaks down the five types of imposter syndrome, why fitness professionals are uniquely vulnerable, and the evidence-based REALS framework you can use to manage self-doubt, raise your rates, and grow your coaching business with confidence.

Fitness Industry Trends: What’s Actually Science vs. What’s Just Marketing

Coaching, Education, Personal Training, Podcast, Sports Performance, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Every year the fitness industry rolls out new “revolutionary” trends, but separating real science from marketing hype takes a clear evaluation framework. In this comprehensive breakdown, THIRST Gym owner and strength coach Brandon Smitley analyzes the biggest fitness trends of 2026 across velocity based training, blood flow restriction, zone 2 cardio, HRV wearables, biohacking protocols, and more, identifying what’s legitimate, what’s overhyped, and what’s complete nonsense. Learn how to filter fitness trends through peer-reviewed research, effect size, and cost-benefit analysis to make smarter training, nutrition, and recovery decisions.

Training Older Adults: Why Everything About “Senior Fitness” Is Probably Wrong

Coaching, Education, Personal Training, Podcast, Update, VideoLeave a comment

The traditional “senior fitness” model — light weights, resistance bands, and Bosu ball balance drills — is not just ineffective for older adults; research shows it may actually be accelerating their decline. In this post, Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym breaks down the physiology of aging, dismantles the most damaging myths in senior fitness, and delivers a research-backed framework for programming high-quality strength and power training for clients over 60. Whether you are a personal trainer looking to better serve your older clients or an older adult who wants to train with real intention, this is the resource you have been waiting for.

The Youth Travel Sports Reality Check: A Guide for Coaches AND Parents

Coaching, Education, Podcast, Sports Performance, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Youth travel sports are producing more overuse injuries, early burnout, and athletic dropout than ever before — and the research makes clear that early single-sport specialization is a primary driver. In this post, strength coach Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym breaks down what the science actually says about youth athletic development, long-term athlete development (LTAD), and how coaches and parents can work together to make better decisions for young athletes within the travel sports system. Whether you’re a parent investing in club sports or a coach training youth athletes, this is the data-driven framework you need to hear.

2025 Year in Review: Real Talk on Content Growth, Gym Ownership & What’s Next

Education, Podcast, Success, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym recaps the 2025 year across YouTube, the THIRST More Podcast, Instagram, and online coaching, sharing real analytics, business challenges, and what is changing heading into 2026. From hitting YouTube monetization and growing to 6,000 subscribers to navigating a gym relocation due to eminent domain, this post covers the full story behind a year of growth and hard lessons for a working strength coach and small gym owner. If you are a strength athlete, powerlifter, wrestler, or coach looking for honest insights from someone in the trenches, this is the recap worth reading.