Transcript:
Host (Coach Chris):
Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Legion Fitness Show. I’m your host, Coach Chris, and today I’ve got a real treat for you. We’re welcoming one of our newest Pathway Team members to the show—Evan Carter.
Now, for those of you who don’t know, the Legion Fitness Pathway Team is our elite group of trainers hand-picked to help guide clients through every stage of their fitness journey. These aren’t your average trainers—they’re people who live it, breathe it, and bring real-world experience to the table.
Evan, my man, welcome to the show!
Evan Carter:
Chris, thanks so much. Man, it’s great to be here and part of the team. I’ve been following you for a while, so it’s kind of surreal to be on the other side of the mic.
Host (Coach Chris):
I love it. Let’s get into it—tell our listeners, who is Evan Carter? What are your credentials, and what’s your specialty?
Evan Carter:
Absolutely. I’m a certified personal trainer through NASM and a certified nutrition coach. I specialize in functional fitness and strength training for clients over 40. I also do a lot of work with people rehabbing injuries—getting them moving safely and building confidence again.
Host (Coach Chris):
I love that you focus on the over-40 crowd. It’s such an underserved group in the industry. What sparked your passion to become a trainer?
Evan Carter:
Honestly, Chris, it was hitting my own rock bottom. I was in my early 30s, working a corporate desk job, eating fast food, stressed, overweight, and had chronic back pain. My wake-up call came when my doctor told me if I didn’t make changes, I’d be looking at surgeries and meds for life.
Host (Coach Chris):
Wow, man, that’s powerful. And relatable, right? So many of us come to this because we’ve been through it ourselves. What was the turning point for you?
Evan Carter:
Yeah, for me, it was walking into a gym for the first time in years and feeling completely out of place. I hired a trainer, and that accountability, that plan—it changed everything. Within a year, I was down 50 pounds and pain-free. That’s when I knew I wanted to help others who felt lost like I did.
Host (Coach Chris):
I love that, Evan. Okay, let’s bust some myths. What’s one fitness myth that still drives you crazy?
Evan Carter:
Oh man—”You have to go hard or go home.” That old-school mentality of crushing yourself every workout. It’s just not sustainable, especially for people over 40. More isn’t always better. Smarter is better.
Host (Coach Chris):
Yes! I always say, consistency over intensity. Speaking of over-40—what do you say to folks who think they’re too old, too broken, or it’s just too late?
Evan Carter:
First, I say, “That’s a lie.” I’ve worked with people starting at 60, 70—even 80. The body adapts at any age. You might have to approach it differently—more focus on mobility, proper progressions—but it’s never too late.
Host (Coach Chris):
Amen. And what about those moments when progress stalls? Scale’s stuck, motivation dips—how do you coach clients through that?
Evan Carter:
That’s where I get them to zoom out. I ask them to look beyond the scale—better sleep, more energy, improved strength. Those are wins too. I also encourage them to journal their progress—it helps to see the little changes that add up.
Host (Coach Chris):
Absolutely. Now, what’s one small daily habit you recommend for people wanting to improve their health?
Evan Carter:
Walk. Seriously—15 to 30 minutes a day. It’s low-impact, good for your joints, your mind, and it adds up big time.
Host (Coach Chris):
Simple is powerful. And for the folks on a tight budget—no fancy gym, no Peloton—what’s your advice?
Evan Carter:
Bodyweight is king. Push-ups, squats, walking lunges. Parks have benches, stairs. YouTube has free workouts. Fitness doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be consistent.
Host (Coach Chris):
Love it. Now let’s touch nutrition. What’s your take on keto, intermittent fasting, plant-based—these trendy diets?
Evan Carter:
They can all work—but they’re not magic. I focus on what’s sustainable. If you love carbs, keto probably isn’t your jam. I teach clients to eat more whole foods, more protein, and fewer processed things. Keep it simple.
Host (Coach Chris):
Man, we speak the same language. Ok—let’s lighten it up. You gotta have a funny gym moment, right?
Evan Carter:
Oh yeah. First week as a trainer, I tried to demo a box jump in front of a full class… totally missed. Landed flat on my back. Humbling, but I got a laugh and moved on.
Host (Coach Chris):
[Laughs] Hey, if you’re not falling, you’re not trying, right? What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve learned coaching clients?
Evan Carter:
That I can’t do the work for them. I can guide, coach, cheer—but they’ve got to do the reps, the work. That was tough at first, but it made me a better coach.
Host (Coach Chris):
Yeah, letting go of that “fixer” mindset is key. How do you handle clients stuck in the social media comparison trap?
Evan Carter:
I remind them Instagram is a highlight reel. I encourage them to focus on their journey and progress photos—not someone else’s airbrushed pics.
Host (Coach Chris):
Perfect. Now, when working with clients over 40, dealing with joint pain, old injuries—how do you adjust training?
Evan Carter:
Modify, modify, modify. Low-impact movements, resistance bands, pool workouts. And I always remind them—pain is not part of the process. Listen to your body.
Host (Coach Chris):
Love it. Ok, trends—any you love? Any you think are total hype?
Evan Carter:
I love strength training becoming mainstream. But those “10-minute shred” workouts? Total hype. There’s no shortcut to consistency.
Host (Coach Chris):
Preach. Last one, Evan—what’s your message to someone listening right now who feels stuck?
Evan Carter:
You’re not stuck. You’re standing still—and that’s different. Take one small step today. Drink more water, take a walk, prep a healthy meal. Momentum is built by doing.
Host (Coach Chris):
Mic drop, Evan. I love it. Welcome officially to the Pathway Team, brother—we’re excited to have you helping our clients crush their goals.
Evan Carter:
Thanks, Chris. Can’t wait to get started.
