Did you know that anyone can take an online test or go to a one- to two-day workshop and consider themselves a personal trainer?
Not at Show Up Fitness, a private personal training studio at 1207 4th Street in Santa Monica.
That’s because Show Up Fitness founder Chris Hitchko is also an instructor at the National Personal Training Institute and hand picks the “best of the best” graduates when they complete the extensive six-month, 500-hour personal training school.
Hitchko said he and his team are far more advanced than most trainers.
“We understand the human body whereas most trainers only understand their body,” Hitchko said. “A lot of trainers just prescribe ‘fluff’ workouts that may be fun, but they have no clue about human movement. A lot of trainers implement harmful movements that may cause harm, like bench dips, burpees, lunges, and too much running. These are all common exercises that a lot of trainers perform that typically wreak havoc on the body. Everyone who comes in will get the most premium personal training experience, but most importantly, results.”
Hitchko said he is a big believer in what he calls “winning the week.”
As he writes in his book, “The Vulgar Truth Diet: Fat Loss,” Hitchko said anyone who exercises with weights four days a week is setting the stage to be successful and win the battle against obesity.
“It’s like a basketball series: you only need to win four out of seven games to win,” Hitchko said. “Too many times today, people indulge at a mid-week event and chalk the week up as a loss because they ate fast food or drank themselves into oblivion. That’s not the case at Show Up Fitness. We encourage a fun and happy life style. We even have ‘Chris Talks’ every Thursday at our studio with a happy hour that includes alcohol and wings from Hooters. We educate our clients and let them understand that being human is a necessity. If you drink, have a cheat meal, or miss a workout, we tell them it’s no big deal. We tell them to own their actions and win the rest of the week. As long as you lift weights four times a week and show up, all of our clients succeed.”
So what does a program for a beginner at Show Up Fitness involve?
First, a trainer will spend an hour with the new client to assess their goals, medical, and injury history.
The trainer will then measure blood pressure and body fat to make sure the client’s heart and insides are functioning optimally before conducting a movement screen.
As many people sit while they are at work, Hitchko said this can set the body up for an injury for anyone who begins exercising in an incorrect manner.
“You need to earn the right to run, lift weights, jump, and sprint,” Hitchko said. “We take all clients through our Glute Station and hip thrust machine, which is the best exercise to develop that backside that everyone wants. Seriously, who doesn’t want a better butt? We take them through lots of body weight movements and important exercises such as the bench press, squat, dead lift, pull ups, and presses with lighter weights to own the proper mechanics. Depending on the client’s goals, we set up a package of training sessions that will be realistic for their desired goals.”
Hitchko brings a wealth of knowledge to Show Up Fitness – he has a degree in Kinesiology and has been a trainer for more than 10 years.
He’s developed a web based app, published a book, and is CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certified – the hugest credential in the industry.
As a part-time teacher at the National Personal Training Institute’s Santa Monica location, he said he personally trains up-and-coming trainers and offers jobs to those he sees fit for his studio.
“I take pride in understanding the human body,” Hitchko said. “I tell my students/trainers, if you can’t name at least 14 muscles around the shoulder (there are 17) and 30 of the hip (there are more than 40), I’m not impressed. I challenge people out there to interview trainers and make sure they know their stuff. If they can’t answer those questions, move on. The body is complex, and I don’t settle for fluff or flashy exercises. Unfortunately today, there are greater requirements to operate heavy machinery or be a welder than there is the work with a human body and movement. Scary!”
As for the name of his company and what led to it opening in Santa Monica last October?
Hitchko said Show Up Fitness came about after a few drinks at a bar with his brothers.
He said he was discussing his current clientele base and was sharing that his clients who trained with him the most and “Showed Up” were getting the best and fastest results.
“One of them looked at me and said, ‘you should start a company and call it Show Up Fitness,’” Hitchko said. “Four years ago in December, I opened my first Show Up Fitness in the San Francisco Bay area (Dublin). With the second location here in Santa Monica, the goal is to grow our brand and have private personal training studios with knowledgeable trainers who guarantee clients results.”
Show Up Fitness is located at 1207 4th Street Suite 150, Santa Monica.
For more information, call 530.520.2664 or visit showupfitness.com.
