Looking Back and Thinking Forward
Podcast

Jason Colley - Looking Back and Thinking Forward

I’d like to welcome Jason Colley back to the podcast. The last time he was here, we recorded the episode entitled Finding Simplicity Within The Complexity. Jason is a Coach, Personal Trainer and Owner of Personal Trainer U, Jason Colley.

With 15 years of unwavering commitment to the fitness industry, Jason brings an exceptional blend of academic expertise and real-world knowledge to every client he serves. Born and raised in Chicago, Jason’s journey toward becoming a premier personal trainer was not only driven by academic excellence but also by a passion for fitness. 

Jason has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Human Performance and Fitness from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. This academic foundation provided him with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the human body, biomechanics, corrective exercise, and injury prevention, which he seamlessly integrates into his training approach.

The crown jewel of his career is PersonalTrainerU (PTU), a fitness institution where he serves as the Owner and Head Personal Trainer in Nashville. Here, his commitment to excellence shines through as he mentors curious minds, nurturing their growth and providing the best possible guidance to their clients and the future of personal training.

Jason, a seasoned coach known for his deep understanding of movement mechanics and respiratory training, opened up about the evolution of coaching education, personal branding authenticity, and the critical importance of continuous professional development. His perspective, shaped by years of hands-on experience and a commitment to advancing the field, offers a roadmap for coaches seeking to elevate both their practice and their impact on the industry.

10 Key Takeaways from Looking Back Facing Forward

Authenticity Over Algorithm: Your Personal Brand is Your Professional Moat

Jason emphasizes that in an era where AI can replicate educational content, your personal experiences and stories become irreplaceable assets. "No one can replace experiences and you cannot replace stories," he notes. Your unique journey, failures, and breakthroughs create a professional moat that protects your business from commoditization.

Target Precision Over Popularity

Rather than attempting to appeal to everyone, Jason advocates for serving a specific population exceptionally well. He acknowledges that his content focuses on intermediate to advanced practitioners, stating, "I am not the coach that's going to be working with a lot of really new beginner-based people." This targeted approach creates deeper connections with the right audience.

Embrace Discomfort as a Professional Growth Catalyst

Jason identifies discomfort-seeking as a critical differentiator between advancing coaches and those who plateau. "The decisions you make today aren't for the person you are today. The decisions you make today are for the person you are tomorrow," he explains. This forward-thinking mindset drives continuous improvement and prevents professional stagnation.

Move Beyond Surface-Level Education

The conversation reveals Jason's commitment to depth over breadth in education. He refuses to produce "surface level fluff," instead focusing on substantial content that challenges coaches to think critically. This approach may limit immediate reach but creates lasting impact with serious professionals.

Balance Content Creation with Educational Integrity

Jason draws a clear distinction between being a content creator versus an educator. He maintains that the message must remain paramount, stating, "I am not going to go beyond a certain point in which it begins to be detrimental to the message at hand." This principle ensures that educational value never gets sacrificed for engagement metrics.

Demonstrate Your Methods Through Personal Application

Jason's strategic sharing of his own training and physique serves a dual purpose: it creates relatability and provides social proof of his methods. "I know my physique content captures a lot of attention. If I can continue to blend those back and forth and start crossing over those people, then they'll make the cross connection that he's not only teaching this, he's doing it."

Question Everything: Critical Thinking as Professional Defence

The discussion reveals Jason's frustration with coaches who accept information without scrutiny. He advocates for developing critical thinking skills that allow coaches to evaluate new concepts within their existing knowledge framework, preventing the adoption of ineffective or potentially harmful practices.

Build Your Education Around Foundational Principles

Jason emphasizes starting with fundamental concepts before advancing to complex applications. "Even just to that level of education would 10x a trainer's education and ability to get results for their client," he explains when discussing primary exercise considerations versus tertiary implications.

Seek Mentorship and Continuous Learning Opportunities

Throughout the conversation, Jason references his commitment to learning from others and seeking uncomfortable situations that promote growth. This includes working with different training crews, asking questions of more experienced coaches, and continuously expanding his knowledge base beyond his comfort zone.

Maintain Professional Humility While Building Authority

Jason demonstrates the delicate balance between confidence in his expertise and openness to learning. He acknowledges areas where he continues to grow while maintaining authority in his areas of specialization. This approach builds trust with both peers and clients while fostering continued professional development.

These insights from Jason's journey offer a comprehensive framework for strength and conditioning professionals seeking to build sustainable, impactful careers. His emphasis on authenticity, continuous learning, and serving others at the highest level provides a blueprint for professional excellence in an increasingly competitive field.

Find Jason

Website: http://www.personaltraineru.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasoncolleyptu/

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