The Fitness Business Owner Journey: 5 Stages of Skill Development For Success

R7 Approach to Program Design

Football is evolving fast, and the coaches who keep pace are the ones who control what they can and win the little details. Ted Rath, Director of Sports Performance for the New Orleans Saints, reflects on over 15 years in the National Football League (NFL). He explains how training times, availability, and sheer athleticism have shifted with the game's expansion. Rath makes the case for gaining a well-rounded experience by coaching different sports, seeking knowledge, and being patient on your path. He also shares his linear progression approach to sport science that keeps new tools actionable and avoids technology overload. With players now arriving more educated and invested in their data, creating understanding and buy-in remains essential. Rath reveals that his coaching philosophy and culture starts with “leading yourself,” emphasizing ownership and helping others. Apply his perspective to protect availability, dial in the little details, and integrate sport science with purpose. Reach out to Ted on Instagram: @tedrathstrengthcoach | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Catch Ted’s session, “The Future of Training in Professional Football,” at the 2026 NSCA National Conference in New Orleans, July 8–11. Sign up early and save at NSCA.com/NSCACon.

In this presentation from the NSCA's 2013 TSAC Conference, Police Commander Thor Eells discusses how to develop and implement a fitness culture across your whole department.

One of the universal challenges in running a small fitness business is finding new ways to generate traffic. In this session from the 2015 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference, Josh Leve reviews the results of a survey of thousands of owners, fitness professionals, and coaches to identify best business practices. There is no better strategy to grow a business than leveraging the combined experiences of others.

Joe Kenn, MA, CSCS,*D, RSCC, spoke at the NSCA's 2012 National Conference choosing the appropriate exercises to develop athletes and design programs.

Evidence-Based Program Design for Durability and Performance

During the NSCA's 2012 TSAC Conference, Danny McMillian, CSCS, took the stage to speak about extreme conditioning programs and how to evaluate and manage their inherent risk.

PT 2019

This infographic reminds coaches of the importance of in-season strength training programs for maintaining physical capabilities and sport performance, while decreasing the overall risk of injuries in athletes.