What is the Show Up Fitness CPT?

Back in 2012, Chris Hitchko, the founder of Show Up Fitness, saw that there was a huge deficit in the fitness industry. Trainers were getting certified but were not being armed with the tools to run a sustainable and prosperous personal training business. So, he came up with The Show Up Fitness Certification (SUF-CPT). The Show Up Fitness CPT teaches trainers how to program, understand anatomy and nutrition, and build a business with daily live calls that are recorded and available on-demand within our app. If you want to become a successful personal trainer, Show Up Fitness CPT is the best fitness certification in the world.

How do I become an SUF-CPT?

You can become an SUF-CPT through one of two paths: the online internship or the in-person internship. Both provide comprehensive, hands-on education with expert instructors to prepare you for success as a certified personal trainer.

Learn about the Online Internship »

Learn about the In-Person Internship »

What is required to become an SUF-CPT?

You’ll need to demonstrate strong knowledge of anatomy and programming, including being able to identify 17 muscles of the shoulder, 20 lower-body muscles, and 8 core movement patterns. This foundational knowledge prepares you to design effective training programs and pass the SUF-CPT assessment.

Where do SUF-certified professionals work?

SUF-CPTs work throughout the United States and internationally at Equinox, Lifetime Fitness, 24-Hour Fitness, Crunch, F45, and Orange Theory. Many also start their own studios and private training businesses. We help with resumes and interview preparation to give you the best chance of success.

How does the billing work?

Upon choosing your subscription, you’ll be taken to a checkout page where the first month’s subscription cost is due upon signup. After that, you’ll be billed monthly on the same date. You can cancel at any time from your account dashboard. The SUF-CPT online content with live calls is $100 per month. The 10-minute certification test with our panel of coaches costs $129.

Where can I work with my SUF-CPT?

SUF-CPTs are highly recruited at Equinox and Lifetime Fitness. We have helped trainers get hired at Crunch, 24-Hour Fitness, and boutique gyms internationally. If you are interested in starting your own business out of your garage or opening your own location, you only need your SUF-CPT and limited liability insurance (we suggest K&K Insurance or NEXT Insurance).

Is the SUF-CPT NCCA approved?

Show Up Fitness is in the process of submitting its NCCA application. This process takes time and resources. At the moment, there is no CPT requirement to become a personal trainer—only limited liability insurance.

Is the SUF-CPT associated with NASM or any school?

No. Show Up Fitness has no relationship with NASM. We provide a study guide to help people pass textbook certifications such as CSCS, ACE, and NASM. Upon completing any textbook certification, we encourage you to enroll in the online or in-person SUF-CPT program to become a qualified CPT. Show Up Fitness is not associated with, nor acting as, a school according to the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) non-exempt form that is required to be submitted.

Why should I choose SUF-CPT over other CPTs like ACE, ISSA, or NSCA?

The average personal trainer quits within 12 months of getting a textbook certification due to a lack of hands-on learning and practical anatomy knowledge. SUF-CPT focuses on anatomy, programming, and practical application to build the foundation and confidence needed to succeed as a personal trainer.

Does SUF-CPT help with resume and interview preparation?

Yes. We host weekly calls with Equinox and Lifetime Fitness trainers who guide SUF-CPTs through the interview process. We also run mock interviews and sales-training calls to help build confidence during client consultations.

What if I can’t make the live classes?

All live calls are recorded and available on-demand within the Show Up Fitness App, so you can learn at your own pace and review material anytime.

Who teaches the classes?

Founder and owner Chris Hitchko, along with a team of experienced instructors and guest speakers—including registered dietitians and industry professionals—teach courses covering anatomy, programming, nutrition, and professional development.

What if I can’t make it for the in-person internship in LA or San Diego?

We offer weekend seminars that can be applied toward your in-person internship. Interns can complete part of their program in Los Angeles and the rest in San Diego to experience different instructors and gym environments.

View our Weekend Seminars »

After I complete and pass my SUF-CPT, what’s next?

We offer continuing education through the SUF-NP Nutritional Coach program (taught by a Registered Dietitian and Chris Hitchko) and the SUF-Mentorship Program, which helps trainers grow their business and client base. We also have our advanced programming class SUF-CSCS, and we’ll be launching SUF-OC (Online Coach) to help trainers optimize virtual training and programming.