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Change Maker: Turn Your Passion for Health and Fitness into a Powerful Purpose and a Wildly Successful Career
The health and fitness industry is huge, highly competitive, and often confusing to navigate. This one-of-a-kind book helps you make sense of the chaos, laying out a clear roadmap for career success—for both established professionals and anyone just getting started.
With thousands of certifications, seminars, websites, and gurus promising advice, it's difficult for even the best pros to turn their passion for health and fitness into meaningful—and measurable—success.
Enter Change Maker.
In this definitive career guide, John Berardi—co-founder of Precision Nutrition, founder of Change Maker Academy, and one of the most successful people in the history of the health and fitness industry—shares his blueprint for becoming the ultimate change maker, one with a powerful purpose, an enthusiastic client base, and the ability to fund your own ideal lifestyle.
Whether you're new to the industry and looking for a head-start, or you're already an expert but need a fresh approach, consider this your go-to career guide.
With six helpful steps, this book covers the range of logistical, financial, psychological, and practical issues that every health and fitness pro needs to know, including how
Choose your specialty based on your unique strengths
Identify what your clients really want and deliver it every time
Build new relationships and become a next-level coach
Get new clients, make more money, and manage a thriving business
Nurture and protect your most precious asset, your reputation
Create a life-long, growth-oriented continuing education plan
If you work as a trainer, nutritionist, functional medicine doctor, group instructor, rehab specialist, or health coach—or you eventually want to—this step-by-step guide will help you turn your passion for health and fitness into work you find joy in, your clients into raving fans, and your career into something powerful, meaningful, and change-making.
With thousands of certifications, seminars, websites, and gurus promising advice, it's difficult for even the best pros to turn their passion for health and fitness into meaningful—and measurable—success.
Enter Change Maker.
In this definitive career guide, John Berardi—co-founder of Precision Nutrition, founder of Change Maker Academy, and one of the most successful people in the history of the health and fitness industry—shares his blueprint for becoming the ultimate change maker, one with a powerful purpose, an enthusiastic client base, and the ability to fund your own ideal lifestyle.
Whether you're new to the industry and looking for a head-start, or you're already an expert but need a fresh approach, consider this your go-to career guide.
With six helpful steps, this book covers the range of logistical, financial, psychological, and practical issues that every health and fitness pro needs to know, including how
Choose your specialty based on your unique strengths
Identify what your clients really want and deliver it every time
Build new relationships and become a next-level coach
Get new clients, make more money, and manage a thriving business
Nurture and protect your most precious asset, your reputation
Create a life-long, growth-oriented continuing education plan
If you work as a trainer, nutritionist, functional medicine doctor, group instructor, rehab specialist, or health coach—or you eventually want to—this step-by-step guide will help you turn your passion for health and fitness into work you find joy in, your clients into raving fans, and your career into something powerful, meaningful, and change-making.
Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 20, 2019
So, I'll start with a little background. I first came across John Berardi and Precision Nutrition almost a decade ago, and I was immediately impressed with everything I saw. Unlike many voices in the nutrition field, John struck me as someone who had mastered both the art and science of nutrition. His education is solid, especially in a field where many people who are giving advice have little to no real training in the nutritional or biochemical sciences. Yet despite his formal training in the sciences, he exudes an openness to what some might deem the "unscientific." You get the sense that he's not going to write something off simply because we don't have a bunch of studies to support it. In that sense, I sensed he valued the scientific method and has a healthy amount a skepticism, but he is still open-minded.
From everything I read and heard, I could see he was on the cutting edge of the field. And I appreciated his analytical, scientific approach to the process. Based on the info coming out of PN, he did not strike me as someone who jumps on bandwagons. Instead, he was/is the type of person who sees the bandwagon, inspects the bandwagon, and asks questions about where the bandwagon is going, and then after some thought and reflection might take a test drive in the bandwagon. Again, in the nutrition field this is a rare and admirable trait.
Basically, I liked him. I appreciated his intellectual curiosity, his respect for the scientific process, and his ability to distinguish good information from bad information.
And then at a time in my life when I've decided to leave health care after working 25 years as a physical therapist (I also have a degree in nutrition and multiple fitness certifications) to pursue health coaching, I see that he has written a book about becoming a health coach. I didn't even blink. I ordered "Change Maker" Kindle addition right there on the spot.
Anyway, back to the book.
Parts of the book are phenomenal. John has a tremendous amount of insight. And one need only take a glimpse at my goodreads account to see that I share his passion for reading and learning. He is absolutely someone I admire, not because of what he's achieved, but because of who he is.
Unfortunately, I also feel like this book suffers from an identity crisis. It doesn't quite know what it wants to be. At times is feels like a memoir, at others an introduction to the coaching industry, and still at others it resembles a self-help...you can build a billion dollar company too if you just really believe and work hard enough.
There were parts of the book that felt as if they were the book John wanted to write, and there were other parts of the book (like the "what you need to know about hiring and firing") that seemed like they were chapters someone told him he needed to write, so he did.
I mean is this book for someone who is just starting off in the health coaching industry, a relatively young industry, that many people still don't even recognize as being a legitimate thing, or is this a book for an established business (health or otherwise) that is looking to grow or currently experiencing growing pains? The book vacillates between how to get your first client to managing 100 employees. In that sense, I'm not sure this book knows who its audience is.
For me, this book was like a movie that has you bored senseless for periods of time, only to have you on the edge of your seat at others.
Personally, I think the health coaching industry is very similar to what the personal training industry was and still sometimes is. There are a ton of people with a passion for health and fitness who are unhappy with their current job, want out sooner than later and thus get lured into the idea of a fresh start doing something they love. The certifications are appealing because they are a short investment relative to many other career paths (it took me seven years of higher education and ten of thousands of dollars to get licensed as a PT), and most people can do them while still working or meeting other life demands.
The problem is the background and training of those entering both fields are so diverse. You could have a coach/trainer who in addition to becoming a certified coach/trainer also has a nursing or other medical background, or maybe they have a degree in kinesiology or exercise science. Maybe they are a PT with decades of experience like me. And then you have others who have a lot of enthusiasm and passion, but a very superficial understanding of the life and health sciences that provide the basis for the foundational principles of the health and wellness field.
So you have all these newly certified, eternally hopeful health coaches, all dreaming of becoming the next John Berardi, and ironically no shortage of "coaches" for health coaches who are out there selling these new "grads" their proven method, sure-fire-way, how-to packages. But the truth is building a practice in an unestablished, unregulated field like health coaching is hard. For every 1 person that succeeds, another 999 fail. So what do you do with your new certification? You join a facebook page...usually one that has been created by one of those same people trying to sell you their plan for success.
You build a website. You come up with your elevator speech. "I help people blank." You open an Instagram account and post inspiring memes. You trade likes with other wanna-be coaches. And you start your own mini 5-day facebook challenge so you can build that essential and coveted email list...because that's what everyone else in the health coaching group tells you you're supposed to do to be successful. Maybe you read John's book. And then you wait and wonder why you still don't have any clients.
The problem is John Berardi is the exception not the rule. He has a tremendous education. He has incredible instincts. And he has by all accounts won the health coaching lottery. But reading his story, I was reminded of another book I recently read about these freak athletes who literally have won the genetic lottery and have amazing success in their sport. Famous, they then sell their programs, "The Secret to My Success: This is what I did, now you try it." But the thing is these lucky few aren't necessarily successful because of what they did, they were able to do what they did because they are just exceptionally gifted.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that to be a successful personal trainer or health coach, you have to have a solid education-through experience or formal training, an admirable work ethic, good business instincts, endurance, patience, a lot of support (family, friends, and maybe even financial) and even some good old fashioned luck. Many will try, some will achieve adequate success, and a few will excel. Most will fail and move on.
I think this book could have been better if it would have focused on the average health coach who more than anything needs motivation and a healthy dose of reality that inspires them to continue to pursue their dream in a field where most of us won't survive let alone enjoy the success achieved by the John Berardis of the world. I also wish it would have provided more insight about what we're doing wrong and how to get it right. Honestly, it's when he shares these insights that the narrative shines. It's like he pulls back for fear of narrowing his audience, which is sad, because the health and wellness field is in desperate need of real "Change Makers" and real leadership.
Alas, 3 stars.
From everything I read and heard, I could see he was on the cutting edge of the field. And I appreciated his analytical, scientific approach to the process. Based on the info coming out of PN, he did not strike me as someone who jumps on bandwagons. Instead, he was/is the type of person who sees the bandwagon, inspects the bandwagon, and asks questions about where the bandwagon is going, and then after some thought and reflection might take a test drive in the bandwagon. Again, in the nutrition field this is a rare and admirable trait.
Basically, I liked him. I appreciated his intellectual curiosity, his respect for the scientific process, and his ability to distinguish good information from bad information.
And then at a time in my life when I've decided to leave health care after working 25 years as a physical therapist (I also have a degree in nutrition and multiple fitness certifications) to pursue health coaching, I see that he has written a book about becoming a health coach. I didn't even blink. I ordered "Change Maker" Kindle addition right there on the spot.
Anyway, back to the book.
Parts of the book are phenomenal. John has a tremendous amount of insight. And one need only take a glimpse at my goodreads account to see that I share his passion for reading and learning. He is absolutely someone I admire, not because of what he's achieved, but because of who he is.
Unfortunately, I also feel like this book suffers from an identity crisis. It doesn't quite know what it wants to be. At times is feels like a memoir, at others an introduction to the coaching industry, and still at others it resembles a self-help...you can build a billion dollar company too if you just really believe and work hard enough.
There were parts of the book that felt as if they were the book John wanted to write, and there were other parts of the book (like the "what you need to know about hiring and firing") that seemed like they were chapters someone told him he needed to write, so he did.
I mean is this book for someone who is just starting off in the health coaching industry, a relatively young industry, that many people still don't even recognize as being a legitimate thing, or is this a book for an established business (health or otherwise) that is looking to grow or currently experiencing growing pains? The book vacillates between how to get your first client to managing 100 employees. In that sense, I'm not sure this book knows who its audience is.
For me, this book was like a movie that has you bored senseless for periods of time, only to have you on the edge of your seat at others.
Personally, I think the health coaching industry is very similar to what the personal training industry was and still sometimes is. There are a ton of people with a passion for health and fitness who are unhappy with their current job, want out sooner than later and thus get lured into the idea of a fresh start doing something they love. The certifications are appealing because they are a short investment relative to many other career paths (it took me seven years of higher education and ten of thousands of dollars to get licensed as a PT), and most people can do them while still working or meeting other life demands.
The problem is the background and training of those entering both fields are so diverse. You could have a coach/trainer who in addition to becoming a certified coach/trainer also has a nursing or other medical background, or maybe they have a degree in kinesiology or exercise science. Maybe they are a PT with decades of experience like me. And then you have others who have a lot of enthusiasm and passion, but a very superficial understanding of the life and health sciences that provide the basis for the foundational principles of the health and wellness field.
So you have all these newly certified, eternally hopeful health coaches, all dreaming of becoming the next John Berardi, and ironically no shortage of "coaches" for health coaches who are out there selling these new "grads" their proven method, sure-fire-way, how-to packages. But the truth is building a practice in an unestablished, unregulated field like health coaching is hard. For every 1 person that succeeds, another 999 fail. So what do you do with your new certification? You join a facebook page...usually one that has been created by one of those same people trying to sell you their plan for success.
You build a website. You come up with your elevator speech. "I help people blank." You open an Instagram account and post inspiring memes. You trade likes with other wanna-be coaches. And you start your own mini 5-day facebook challenge so you can build that essential and coveted email list...because that's what everyone else in the health coaching group tells you you're supposed to do to be successful. Maybe you read John's book. And then you wait and wonder why you still don't have any clients.
The problem is John Berardi is the exception not the rule. He has a tremendous education. He has incredible instincts. And he has by all accounts won the health coaching lottery. But reading his story, I was reminded of another book I recently read about these freak athletes who literally have won the genetic lottery and have amazing success in their sport. Famous, they then sell their programs, "The Secret to My Success: This is what I did, now you try it." But the thing is these lucky few aren't necessarily successful because of what they did, they were able to do what they did because they are just exceptionally gifted.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that to be a successful personal trainer or health coach, you have to have a solid education-through experience or formal training, an admirable work ethic, good business instincts, endurance, patience, a lot of support (family, friends, and maybe even financial) and even some good old fashioned luck. Many will try, some will achieve adequate success, and a few will excel. Most will fail and move on.
I think this book could have been better if it would have focused on the average health coach who more than anything needs motivation and a healthy dose of reality that inspires them to continue to pursue their dream in a field where most of us won't survive let alone enjoy the success achieved by the John Berardis of the world. I also wish it would have provided more insight about what we're doing wrong and how to get it right. Honestly, it's when he shares these insights that the narrative shines. It's like he pulls back for fear of narrowing his audience, which is sad, because the health and wellness field is in desperate need of real "Change Makers" and real leadership.
Alas, 3 stars.
November 18, 2020
This book... So hard to rate! All the information it has is golden, but then again, it is also irrelevant, based on where you are in your business journey.
What I expected to get: a good, clear way to work with clients. Did I get it? Not really. There is a really nice chapter on working with clients, but the majority of the book has nothing to do with that. Instead it focuses on the business side of things... Which would be fine, if this book is to be read by already establishes businesses. At the same time I doubt any such business will profit much from a beginner-marketed book.
Honestly, if you follow Precision Nutrition, read their blogs and go through their free courses, this book will not give you anything new. Not even motivation (it is actually kind of demotivating, because Berardi just throws you into depths you are not ready for).
Patrick Bet-David has a good mantra - focus on the next 5 steps. Don't focus on your business 15 or 20 steps ahead, you might not even get there. Get your next 5 steps in. This book focuses on everything from step 1 to step 101 and it actually meanders its way through it all. Meaning that you will hear something very basic, then go into business stuff, then back to basics, then back to large scale business, then to middle scale and so on. Sooooo frustrating to read.
That being said, if my business ever grows (because I am not even sure I want it to grow that much), I will re-read parts of the book. Though the business parts I will only use for reference, as the author references quite a lot of books that he gets his ideas from.
What I expected to get: a good, clear way to work with clients. Did I get it? Not really. There is a really nice chapter on working with clients, but the majority of the book has nothing to do with that. Instead it focuses on the business side of things... Which would be fine, if this book is to be read by already establishes businesses. At the same time I doubt any such business will profit much from a beginner-marketed book.
Honestly, if you follow Precision Nutrition, read their blogs and go through their free courses, this book will not give you anything new. Not even motivation (it is actually kind of demotivating, because Berardi just throws you into depths you are not ready for).
Patrick Bet-David has a good mantra - focus on the next 5 steps. Don't focus on your business 15 or 20 steps ahead, you might not even get there. Get your next 5 steps in. This book focuses on everything from step 1 to step 101 and it actually meanders its way through it all. Meaning that you will hear something very basic, then go into business stuff, then back to basics, then back to large scale business, then to middle scale and so on. Sooooo frustrating to read.
That being said, if my business ever grows (because I am not even sure I want it to grow that much), I will re-read parts of the book. Though the business parts I will only use for reference, as the author references quite a lot of books that he gets his ideas from.
February 8, 2020
JB has contributed so much to my understanding of the world. He's been a colleague/friend for years, and I always get excited to read his thoughts about, well, anything really. :)
Here are my favorite excerpts:
There's currently a 40% annual turnover rate among health and fitness professionals.
Spend about 80% of your time asking questions and listening and 20% of your time guiding or giving instructions (as a health coach).
Exploring questions:
What things are important to you, and how does exercise and eating fit into this?
If things were better with your eating/exercise, what specifically would be different?
Imagining questions:
Imaging you are already doing more of X. What would that feel like?
5 S's formula for goals.
1. Simple
2. Segmental
3. Sequential
4. Strategic
5. Supported
When a coach argues for change, clients argue against it. So don't argue for change! Instead, get clients arguing for themselves. Bonus points if you help them propose their own solutions too.
Even if you're busy knocking off to-dos at an alarming pace, you won't be accomplishing anything important if those to-dos aren't worth doing.
Effective vs. efficient
Productivity is not:
Sleeping less, working more, and hustling harder
Multitasking social media on your phone while doing invoices and responding to emails on your desktop
'Productivity hacks' that are supposed to make you more efficient but scramble your thinking instead
Trying to do everything that could make a difference because you're afraid of missing out
Productivity is:
Organizing and prioritizing your time ruthlessly
Ditching many low-leverage tasks and replacing them with a few high-leverage tasks
Automating the things that can be automated
Focusing the rest of your time on your unique abilities
In my calendar, 'Thinking' is blocked off from 9am to 1pm every Friday. I use this time for brainstorming, journaling, mind-mapping, interviewing experts, reading, and more.
7 strategies for giving better feedback:
Give feedback when things have calmed down
Speak slowly and quietly
Be neutral, curious, and focus on the relationship (e.g., "I noticed that...)
Be specific and as objective as possible
Always put your feedback in context
Share lots of positive feedback too
Ask for permission
It's why one of my mantras comes from 'Takeover' by Jay-Z: A wise man told me don't argue with fools. 'Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who.
Wisdom is a thinking process that integrates knowledge, experience, deep understanding, common sense, and insight.
People have either already consumed all the information they need, or they know how to get it. Yet they don't know how to make sense of it, prioritize it, or put it in action.
Pride doesn't come from merely 'being yourself,' though. Rather, it comes from 'being your best self.'
Here are my favorite excerpts:
There's currently a 40% annual turnover rate among health and fitness professionals.
Spend about 80% of your time asking questions and listening and 20% of your time guiding or giving instructions (as a health coach).
Exploring questions:
What things are important to you, and how does exercise and eating fit into this?
If things were better with your eating/exercise, what specifically would be different?
Imagining questions:
Imaging you are already doing more of X. What would that feel like?
5 S's formula for goals.
1. Simple
2. Segmental
3. Sequential
4. Strategic
5. Supported
When a coach argues for change, clients argue against it. So don't argue for change! Instead, get clients arguing for themselves. Bonus points if you help them propose their own solutions too.
Even if you're busy knocking off to-dos at an alarming pace, you won't be accomplishing anything important if those to-dos aren't worth doing.
Effective vs. efficient
Productivity is not:
Sleeping less, working more, and hustling harder
Multitasking social media on your phone while doing invoices and responding to emails on your desktop
'Productivity hacks' that are supposed to make you more efficient but scramble your thinking instead
Trying to do everything that could make a difference because you're afraid of missing out
Productivity is:
Organizing and prioritizing your time ruthlessly
Ditching many low-leverage tasks and replacing them with a few high-leverage tasks
Automating the things that can be automated
Focusing the rest of your time on your unique abilities
In my calendar, 'Thinking' is blocked off from 9am to 1pm every Friday. I use this time for brainstorming, journaling, mind-mapping, interviewing experts, reading, and more.
7 strategies for giving better feedback:
Give feedback when things have calmed down
Speak slowly and quietly
Be neutral, curious, and focus on the relationship (e.g., "I noticed that...)
Be specific and as objective as possible
Always put your feedback in context
Share lots of positive feedback too
Ask for permission
It's why one of my mantras comes from 'Takeover' by Jay-Z: A wise man told me don't argue with fools. 'Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who.
Wisdom is a thinking process that integrates knowledge, experience, deep understanding, common sense, and insight.
People have either already consumed all the information they need, or they know how to get it. Yet they don't know how to make sense of it, prioritize it, or put it in action.
Pride doesn't come from merely 'being yourself,' though. Rather, it comes from 'being your best self.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2021
So insightful and definitely a book with some good advice and one I’ll come back to in the future. It gave a new perspective on priorities and I loved Berardi’s balanced approach to building your experience and career. He put emphasis on the fact that mastery is ongoing and shouldn’t be overwhelming. I dunno, I thought it was really fun to read too! Recommend ✌️
April 1, 2021
Very nicely illustrated book, covers a broad range of basic marketing and business concepts and principles. In general good intentioned and with some takeaways for anyone - even if not going in a fitness career direction.
February 20, 2024
Phew. Took me awhile to get through this one 🤣
There’s a lot of good info in here, especially when you really it down and right out everything JB is suggesting. Toward the end of the book it felt like he was talking about accomplishments more than advice and while I’d agree it was relevant, I was looking for more of the advice aspect.
There’s a lot of good info in here, especially when you really it down and right out everything JB is suggesting. Toward the end of the book it felt like he was talking about accomplishments more than advice and while I’d agree it was relevant, I was looking for more of the advice aspect.
January 1, 2021
Good thought exercises - will be referring back to this book as I continue to build my nutrition coaching business
December 30, 2021
Helped me apply what I learned in my precision nutrition certification and grow my business exponentially
January 20, 2023
väärtuslike ja tihti väga praktiliste tööriistadega karjäärinõustamise raamat "health and fitness" tööstuses töötavatele inimestele
July 29, 2023
As a PN certified coach I was familiar with Berardi and interested to see what this book entails. There appeared to be some reasonable takeaways. The book's own jacket description describes it as, "[A] one-of-a-kind book [that] provides a clear roadmap for success in the health and fitness industry - for both established professionals and those just getting started...If you work as a trainer, nutritionist, functional medicine doctor, group instructor, rehab specialist, or health coach - or you eventually want to - this step-by-step guide will help you turn your passion for health and fitness into a powerful, meaningful, and change-making career."
Unfortunately, this book description is either disingenuous (at best), or a flat-out lie (at worst). Throughout the book Berardi uses personal examples of the points raised from himself using data from his many past and current clients to inform future decisions and direction. Occasionally, he'll patronizingly state that his process still works without clients, but usually with no further explanation on how. On the very few occasions where there is a brief explanation of how to implement the idea without current or past clients (for the new coaching entrant) he uses ideas that I have experienced to be wholly ineffective.
In the book Berardi talks about professionalism, guarding your reputation, and doing what you say you're going to do. Yet this flies in the face of advertising a book as able to help new health and fitness carer entrants in being successful - which depends on accumulating clients - without actually providing any real help to those who do not yet have data from a collection of clients. Reading this book alone has significantly degraded my reputation opinion of Berardi.
If the intent of this book included an illustration of what not to do in light of the points it attempts to make then job well done! I don't believe this to be the case, and as a result, the book deserves negative stars. As this is not possible, 1-star it is.
Unfortunately, this book description is either disingenuous (at best), or a flat-out lie (at worst). Throughout the book Berardi uses personal examples of the points raised from himself using data from his many past and current clients to inform future decisions and direction. Occasionally, he'll patronizingly state that his process still works without clients, but usually with no further explanation on how. On the very few occasions where there is a brief explanation of how to implement the idea without current or past clients (for the new coaching entrant) he uses ideas that I have experienced to be wholly ineffective.
In the book Berardi talks about professionalism, guarding your reputation, and doing what you say you're going to do. Yet this flies in the face of advertising a book as able to help new health and fitness carer entrants in being successful - which depends on accumulating clients - without actually providing any real help to those who do not yet have data from a collection of clients. Reading this book alone has significantly degraded my reputation opinion of Berardi.
If the intent of this book included an illustration of what not to do in light of the points it attempts to make then job well done! I don't believe this to be the case, and as a result, the book deserves negative stars. As this is not possible, 1-star it is.
July 30, 2020
I’ve been in the fitness industry for two decades. I spent the first half as a trainer. Thanks to Dr. John Berardi and Precision Nutrition (and now The Change Maker Academy), I’ve spent the second half becoming a coach.
Because of what JB and PN have meant to and done for me, my career, and now my clients, admittedly, I’ll read ANYTHING he writes, even if on the back of a cocktail napkin.
JB and Change Maker did NOT disappoint. My first recommendation is to purchase this book . . . NOW. My second is to read it through its entirety and then reread it, completing the exercises. Why? My first time through I tried completing each of the exercises before continuing on. But they involve thought AND participation from others. I felt like was losing steam.
Another reason to read it through is “want versus need”. I felt the early chapters were what I needed. The later chapters were what I wanted. Once I read it through, I was energized/motivated/inspired/stoked to return to what I needed. And I’m glad I did.
What I would’ve thought was one of my least favorite parts of the book quickly became one of my favorites: finding my Unique Abilities. This exercise was a Godsend. In short, if you need a shot of encouragement, DO this exercise!
I’m still learning so much from this book as I continue to work through it. Although I’ve not yet implemented much, the impact it’s had on my mindset alone is invaluable. If you’re serious about making change, buy Change Maker.
Because of what JB and PN have meant to and done for me, my career, and now my clients, admittedly, I’ll read ANYTHING he writes, even if on the back of a cocktail napkin.
JB and Change Maker did NOT disappoint. My first recommendation is to purchase this book . . . NOW. My second is to read it through its entirety and then reread it, completing the exercises. Why? My first time through I tried completing each of the exercises before continuing on. But they involve thought AND participation from others. I felt like was losing steam.
Another reason to read it through is “want versus need”. I felt the early chapters were what I needed. The later chapters were what I wanted. Once I read it through, I was energized/motivated/inspired/stoked to return to what I needed. And I’m glad I did.
What I would’ve thought was one of my least favorite parts of the book quickly became one of my favorites: finding my Unique Abilities. This exercise was a Godsend. In short, if you need a shot of encouragement, DO this exercise!
I’m still learning so much from this book as I continue to work through it. Although I’ve not yet implemented much, the impact it’s had on my mindset alone is invaluable. If you’re serious about making change, buy Change Maker.
July 24, 2020
There is no way to begin to do this review justice, but here goes. I received both Level 1 and Level 2 certifications from Precision Nutrition, and it was the greatest educational (and, I might add, life-altering) experience of my life. So when Dr. Berardi’s book came out, I didn’t hesitate to pre-order a copy because I believe in everything that he and this company offer with every bone in my body. “Change Maker" exceeded my expectations on so many levels. Despite feeling like I received the best possible tutelage from PN, I was super intimidated to start practicing as a wellness coach because I had zero business experience. So I putzed around for several years and practiced PN’s methods on people I know. But when “Change Maker” arrived in the mail, it contained the most practical and supportive strategies for actually setting up a business that it inspired me to get back to trying. I am only now beginning to put “Change Maker” into action, but I feel so much better equipped to keep going because of this incredible book, its actionable steps, its superior wisdom and advice. Whether you’re a super experienced coach and could use some techniques to become more client-centered, or you’re just starting out in the coaching arena, Dr. Berardi’s book is THE first place to begin your journey!
August 23, 2020
I have been following Dr. John Berardi and Precision Nutrition ever since I underwent a career change to become a Personal Trainer. So when released his first book catered towards those wanting to thrive in the health and fitness space, it was a no-brainer to get hold of it.
JB offers a lot of insights into the struggles and challenges he and his partner have gone through to establish Precision Nutrition in the early days. And he offers various strategies that have worked successfully for him. Each chapter is filled with knowledge bombs that will go a long way to helping anyone establish a fulfilling career in whatever industry they seek to thrive in.
I especially received more clarity on what I wanted out of my career and how to go about it in great detail. I learned a lot about active listening in coaching calls as this was something fairly new for me. Implementing this has seen a rise in my confidence levels when taking on calls with prospects and clients.
Establishing your unique abilities is another great task to undertake that will see anyone focus on their strengths to make their career fulfilling. Each chapter has something in it for everyone and JB wants you to implement rather than just read and move on.
JB offers a lot of insights into the struggles and challenges he and his partner have gone through to establish Precision Nutrition in the early days. And he offers various strategies that have worked successfully for him. Each chapter is filled with knowledge bombs that will go a long way to helping anyone establish a fulfilling career in whatever industry they seek to thrive in.
I especially received more clarity on what I wanted out of my career and how to go about it in great detail. I learned a lot about active listening in coaching calls as this was something fairly new for me. Implementing this has seen a rise in my confidence levels when taking on calls with prospects and clients.
Establishing your unique abilities is another great task to undertake that will see anyone focus on their strengths to make their career fulfilling. Each chapter has something in it for everyone and JB wants you to implement rather than just read and move on.
November 18, 2019
GET THIS BOOK!
I am a fitness professional, I have been in this industry for close to 20 years and I always thought there was a gap missing, as soon as you get certified, there is a lot of hands pulling you in different directions, if you are anything like me and love to learn this could actually be more harmful than good, especially if you blow your education budget by $11,000..
JB does an excellent job here connecting all the dots from getting clients, (I learned something fascinating here even when went through Net Profit Explosion all those years ago and a few other business coaches) to finding your unique abilities, hiring quality staff to what I explained in the first paragraph. How to pick the right continuing education for YOU.
I struggle reading between business/leadership books to political thrillers because I LOVE TO READ.
I just find with business/leadership books, what is the point, if you don't APPLY.
This book though, has everything you can apply as soon as you read it. The worksheets that come with it, help you with more clarity.
This will be a cornerstone book that everyone needs to get in the fitness industry..
Well done J.B.!!
I am a fitness professional, I have been in this industry for close to 20 years and I always thought there was a gap missing, as soon as you get certified, there is a lot of hands pulling you in different directions, if you are anything like me and love to learn this could actually be more harmful than good, especially if you blow your education budget by $11,000..
JB does an excellent job here connecting all the dots from getting clients, (I learned something fascinating here even when went through Net Profit Explosion all those years ago and a few other business coaches) to finding your unique abilities, hiring quality staff to what I explained in the first paragraph. How to pick the right continuing education for YOU.
I struggle reading between business/leadership books to political thrillers because I LOVE TO READ.
I just find with business/leadership books, what is the point, if you don't APPLY.
This book though, has everything you can apply as soon as you read it. The worksheets that come with it, help you with more clarity.
This will be a cornerstone book that everyone needs to get in the fitness industry..
Well done J.B.!!
July 30, 2020
I picked this up after catching wind of it while studying for my Pn1 certification (which is from the same organization). I've been reading John Berardi's stuff for over a decade now, and I've always appreciated how his views have evolved over time, rather than sinking into dogmatism. As to why I got this book, well, a few years ago I chose to make a career change, from cubicle jockey to strength coach. I've been certified as a strength coach for awhile now, but recently branched out to start building my own coaching business. I chose Pn1 because I'm interested in nutrition and felt that another certification would make me more desirable to prospective clients. When I heard about this book's release I was excited enough to pre-order the book, then the audio book (on audible). I haven't quite gotten through it yet, but from what I've seen so far this book is an excellent guide to building a career in the fitness industry, and it couldn't have come at a better time for me.
Overall I'm very pleased with this book.
Overall I'm very pleased with this book.
October 28, 2020
John Berardi is arguably one of the change makers in the fitness world today. Along with Jon Goodman, this Canadian duo has revolutionized what it means to be a health and fitness professional.
In Change Maker, Berardi lays out the simple (but not easy) steps that it will take to truly make a difference in others' lives - no matter which branch of the fitness profession you decide to go down. His advice is more about making it purposeful rather than prosperous but maintains that once you have the former, the latter will follow.
Two things kept this from being a five star review - the first is about formatting. The main points are laid out at the end of each chapter - and the lack of punctuation and "font fun" made some of them difficult to figure out. It was irritating enough that I stopped reading the synopses midway through. The second is that his experiences, while excellent, are still those of someone at the current apex of his career - more introductory or intermediate advice would have been beneficial.
But, all in all, definitely worth the read.
In Change Maker, Berardi lays out the simple (but not easy) steps that it will take to truly make a difference in others' lives - no matter which branch of the fitness profession you decide to go down. His advice is more about making it purposeful rather than prosperous but maintains that once you have the former, the latter will follow.
Two things kept this from being a five star review - the first is about formatting. The main points are laid out at the end of each chapter - and the lack of punctuation and "font fun" made some of them difficult to figure out. It was irritating enough that I stopped reading the synopses midway through. The second is that his experiences, while excellent, are still those of someone at the current apex of his career - more introductory or intermediate advice would have been beneficial.
But, all in all, definitely worth the read.
August 24, 2020
If you're looking for tips and hacks to maximize your Instagram followers, write sales copy, or run a fitness class, this isn't your book.
Change Maker is more of a guidebook for a coaching practice than it is a how-to. If you complete the exercises, Q&As, worksheets, and other aids that come with it, the book serves as the textbook for your own career rewrite, taking you back to your base values and purpose and working you through the big questions: why am I doing this? What do I need to learn? How do I know what people want? Who should I coach? What should I do next?
Changemaker is the kind of book you keep for a long time, refer back to, and give to friends when you can. I got the book when it first came out, took months to get through the exercises and application, and now I work through those exercises with coaches that I work with to help them navigate their coaching journey.
Change Maker is more of a guidebook for a coaching practice than it is a how-to. If you complete the exercises, Q&As, worksheets, and other aids that come with it, the book serves as the textbook for your own career rewrite, taking you back to your base values and purpose and working you through the big questions: why am I doing this? What do I need to learn? How do I know what people want? Who should I coach? What should I do next?
Changemaker is the kind of book you keep for a long time, refer back to, and give to friends when you can. I got the book when it first came out, took months to get through the exercises and application, and now I work through those exercises with coaches that I work with to help them navigate their coaching journey.
Read
August 13, 2020After completing Precision Nutrition's Level 1 Certification this book gave me actionable steps for considering how to break into this space. Easy to read with thought-provoking exercises. The PDFs provided for free were a bit cumbersome to fill out but there is a Facebook Group online The Book Club For Health and Fitness Professionals that made reading this book and answering the questions easy.
I would highly encourage taking your time with this book, it's not something to read in a week. The book club itself took 14 weeks to go through all the material and actually put into practice what the chapters were discussing. It made such a difference and I even got an extra client from one of the suggestions.
I will be referring to this book and its concepts for many years to come! Take your time with it!
I would highly encourage taking your time with this book, it's not something to read in a week. The book club itself took 14 weeks to go through all the material and actually put into practice what the chapters were discussing. It made such a difference and I even got an extra client from one of the suggestions.
I will be referring to this book and its concepts for many years to come! Take your time with it!
July 15, 2020
So far, I really love this book to the point, I consider it one of the PT / coaching business essentials.
There are a lot of exercises in the book that will help you navigate through the noise and take actionable steps towards building your PT or similar coaching business. There are a lot of insights in the book and I believe it is suitable for novices as well as seasoned veterans, who have a running business. Everyone can learn or refresh basic principles that always apply.
I am writing this review right now as an answer to John's incentive. You know the stuff works when they walk the talk ;)
There are a lot of exercises in the book that will help you navigate through the noise and take actionable steps towards building your PT or similar coaching business. There are a lot of insights in the book and I believe it is suitable for novices as well as seasoned veterans, who have a running business. Everyone can learn or refresh basic principles that always apply.
I am writing this review right now as an answer to John's incentive. You know the stuff works when they walk the talk ;)
July 26, 2020
This book is a MUST read not only if you'd like to pursue a life in the Health and Fitness Industry, it also gives you the tools to help you find your life's purpose and how to use your unique abilities to stand out from the rest, as how to prioritize your values and live accordingly.
As a Precision Nutrition L1 student I started reading it because of my desire to turn my passion of making a positive impact in people's lives into my career, but I am happy that it surpassed my expectations.
I am still currently reading it and I cannot wait on how much more I will learn from it.
Thank you JB for giving so much value to this Industry!
As a Precision Nutrition L1 student I started reading it because of my desire to turn my passion of making a positive impact in people's lives into my career, but I am happy that it surpassed my expectations.
I am still currently reading it and I cannot wait on how much more I will learn from it.
Thank you JB for giving so much value to this Industry!
July 29, 2020
I am PN level 1 Certified health coach. Change Maker is a must read for anyone starting a career in nutrition and fitness industry. Mr. Berard's PN nutrition and exercise program is incredibly well done and thought out and this book is following in the same quality. There are a lot of insights in the book and I believe it is helpful for those who are new to nutrition and fitness industry as well as seasoned veterans, who have a running business. Everyone can learn or refresh basic principles that always apply. This book will help you set a clear and productive route forward. This book is like a road-map and will help to create a successful career in nutrition and fitness.
August 4, 2020
Can not rate this book highly enough. As someone who is entertaining the idea of entering the fitness and wellness industry this book inspires beyond anything I could have ever hoped and resonated with me and what I want to achieve on my journey. So much of it can also be translated into real life, not just in fitness. I didn't actually make the connection that John Berardi was the founder of Precision Nutrition. I have been looking at their certificate for a few years now and always putting it off because I keep thinking life is in the way. NO LONGER. You can be sure that I will be following that up. Never stop learning friends
August 6, 2020
If you are trying to get a head start or take your coaching, communication, time management, business approaches to a next level through practical and applicable steps then this is for you.
I personally read this with the health professionals book club so my review is a little bias because I enjoyed speaking to some of the people involved in writing this book.
The most useful parts of the book I found to be the communication section, the unique abilities and identifying your skills section, the CEU evaluation section and freeing up your time section.
I can’t see a reason why any new or experienced health professional/ sports med professional wouldn’t benefit from this book!
I personally read this with the health professionals book club so my review is a little bias because I enjoyed speaking to some of the people involved in writing this book.
The most useful parts of the book I found to be the communication section, the unique abilities and identifying your skills section, the CEU evaluation section and freeing up your time section.
I can’t see a reason why any new or experienced health professional/ sports med professional wouldn’t benefit from this book!
April 6, 2021
This was... okay. There was some valuable information, but overall disjointed and I had some issues:
-Berardi encourages telling your client to compare themselves to other people
-There is less discussion about scope of practice than I'd like
-The Q&As are just given the question, then you have to look up the answers on their website?? Just give me the answer!
-I did like that it included the basics of MI, they just didn't call it what it is.
Overall, I might not read this again with all the other literature available, but I hope it helps some other health professionals.
-Berardi encourages telling your client to compare themselves to other people
-There is less discussion about scope of practice than I'd like
-The Q&As are just given the question, then you have to look up the answers on their website?? Just give me the answer!
-I did like that it included the basics of MI, they just didn't call it what it is.
Overall, I might not read this again with all the other literature available, but I hope it helps some other health professionals.
January 25, 2022
This book was admittedly a little hard to get into. I think I started it three different times. But once I sat down and committed to actually reading it all the way through and doing any relevant exercises that it offers, it was an amazing resource. We're talking an "immediately change some things about the way you do business" kind of resource. I just finished a few minutes ago and I already plan on going through it again at a later date. I could see it becoming a book that I reference multiple times throughout the year and at least partially re-read every year or two.
July 30, 2020
Having joined the fitness industry recently, I decided to upgrade my skills in nutrition by joining the renowned Precision Nutrition certification program.
Having seen the quality of the program, it was but a formality to purchase Dr. Berardi's book and having now read it, I can say it's truly a change-maker in terms of how one approaches the launch of a new business. Has helped me formulate a better launch proposal and surely a higher probability of success.
Having seen the quality of the program, it was but a formality to purchase Dr. Berardi's book and having now read it, I can say it's truly a change-maker in terms of how one approaches the launch of a new business. Has helped me formulate a better launch proposal and surely a higher probability of success.
September 24, 2020
This has been one of, if not - the best - non-fiction book I've read in the last year.
It is either a self-help book disguised as a marketing book for coaches and trainers or a marketing book that has a ton of "hidden" self-help ideas within the marketing ideas.
Highly recommended for anyone that owns a business, coaches clientele, has a strong social media presence (and wants to get better at it), or is thinking about any of the above.
It is either a self-help book disguised as a marketing book for coaches and trainers or a marketing book that has a ton of "hidden" self-help ideas within the marketing ideas.
Highly recommended for anyone that owns a business, coaches clientele, has a strong social media presence (and wants to get better at it), or is thinking about any of the above.
September 5, 2022
This has been one of, if not - the best - non-fiction book I've read in the last year.
It is either a self-help book disguised as a marketing book for coaches and trainers or a marketing book that has a ton of "hidden" self-help ideas within the marketing ideas.
Highly recommended for anyone that owns a business, coaches clientele, has a strong social media presence (and wants to get better at it), or is thinking about any of the above.
It is either a self-help book disguised as a marketing book for coaches and trainers or a marketing book that has a ton of "hidden" self-help ideas within the marketing ideas.
Highly recommended for anyone that owns a business, coaches clientele, has a strong social media presence (and wants to get better at it), or is thinking about any of the above.
May 22, 2020
A MUST READ for anyone in the health and fitness world. This book got me so motivated to change lives. Even after being in the industry for 10 years, I still learned new ideas from this book. I especially liked how it taught to encourage goal making and achieving...something that can be used across any goals in your life, not just health and fitness.
July 15, 2020
This is a must read for anyone starting a career in nutrition and fitness industry (and is great for any other industry actually..)
It's packed with wise advice and great tools to get to know oneself better, thus making it easier to find the right niche and the right clients, prioritize the right things when just starting out, further development, networking etc.
Great mentorship.
It's packed with wise advice and great tools to get to know oneself better, thus making it easier to find the right niche and the right clients, prioritize the right things when just starting out, further development, networking etc.
Great mentorship.
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