Body Design University

You’ve got this, Brandon! 💥👏

Cheering on all of our new students as they dive into their coursework and start transforming lives!

Brandon joined the BDU program with a powerful mission: to elevate his own fitness journey while inspiring others to do the same. 💪✨ His dedication is already shining through, and we can’t wait to see how far he’ll go!

Let’s show Brandon some love as he takes on this incredible challenge! 🚀

Inspired to become a certified personal trainer? Learn more about BDU here: https://bodydesignu.com/apply

25-Year Diary of a Personal Trainer
How you can use it to significantly improve your health, fitness, and overall quality of life.

Over the past 25 years of training clients and mentoring other personal trainers, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons. Here are the top 10 characteristics of those who started unfit, became very fit, and stayed that way:

1. Clear Purpose:
They identified their deeper “why”—not just “to feel better” or “to look better,” but the real reason behind it. This clarity kept them driven and prevented backsliding, making long-term transformation possible. I helped them uncover this purpose, but it was their commitment that brought it to life.

2. Strong Self-Belief:
They developed a belief in their potential to be strong, healthy, and fit. While I provided encouragement and support, the real change came from within them. Even if they started with doubts, they gradually embraced the idea that their bodies were built for strength and health.

3. Commitment to the Long-Term:
They focused on delayed gratification, viewing fitness as a lifelong journey rather than a quick fix. I emphasized that permanent change takes time—3-6 months for many, but up to a year or more for others. We celebrated wins together, but it was their determination that kept them going, no matter the challenges.

4. Meal Plan Compliance:
They made nutrition a priority, consistently following a balanced meal plan that included high protein intake. They also committed to weekly meal prep, ensuring their meals were ready in advance so they weren’t vulnerable to poor food choices. I created the meal plans, but they were the ones who followed through and made it part of their daily lives.

5. Consistent Sleep Hygiene:
They established strong sleep routines, ensuring around 8 hours of rest each night. I suggested strategies like limiting screen time and creating a sleep-friendly environment, but they put in the effort to make quality sleep a habit.

6. Proactive Stress Management:
They actively identified and removed stressors, creating a healthier mental and emotional state. I helped them pinpoint sources of stress, but they were the ones who made changes to achieve balance and maintain consistency in exercise and nutrition.

7. Personal Accountability:
They held themselves accountable for their progress. While I provided initial guidance and check-ins, they gradually took ownership of their actions. It was their internal drive that turned accountability into a lasting habit.

8. Supportive Relationships:
They built strong, positive relationships that uplifted them and reinforced their efforts. While I aimed to be one of those positive influences, they leaned on family, friends, and peers who played an even bigger role in their success.

9. Inspiring Others:
They inspired others who were just starting their fitness journeys. I encouraged this mindset, knowing that supporting others often strengthens one's own commitment. It was their willingness to help others that fueled their own motivation.

10. Positive Work-Life Balance:
They approached work with a positive mindset and managed to balance their careers with consistent exercise and healthy eating. They recognized fitness as an essential part of their overall success, rather than something to squeeze in when convenient.

I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life: from the clinically obese and post-stroke survivors to professional athletes, pageant queens, fitness models, the super wealthy, Fortune 500 executives, and hardworking individuals making ends meet. Despite their different backgrounds, these are the characteristics they all shared.

I know there’s a lot here, but if you want to make a positive change to your fitness, start by incorporating one characteristic at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have made lasting improvements. As the saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

I truly believe that anyone can achieve great health and exceptional fitness.

Corey Ritter

Would you like to hear from or read some of their stories for a little extra motivation? Here you go: https://bodydesignpt.com/reviews

Helping Our Senior Parents Stay Strong & Mobile! 💪

As our parents age, especially those over 70, it's important to keep them moving. Sitting for long periods can be harmful to their health, leading to reduced mobility and other complications. Keeping them active is key to maintaining their strength and independence. This post was inspired by Elijah King's Dad, who just turned 80! Here's a simple 20-minute routine they can do 3 times a week to improve balance, flexibility, and overall health!

Top 5 Exercises:

1. Seated Marches (2 mins) – Warm up the legs.
2. Sit-to-Stand (10 reps) – Strengthen the legs for easier movement.
3. Step-Ups (10 each leg) – Build strength and balance for stairs.
4. Heel Raises (15 reps) – Improve balance and calf strength.
5. Wall Push-ups (10-15 reps) – Strengthen arms and chest.

Detailed Instructions:

1. Seated Marches: Sit in a sturdy chair with feet flat on the floor. Lift one knee at a time like you’re marching, alternating legs. This warms up the hip flexors and improves circulation.

2. Sit-to-Stand: Sit on a chair and stand up slowly, using your legs to push up. Sit back down slowly. This strengthens your legs and mimics movements needed for everyday activities like getting up from a chair or climbing stairs.

3. Step-Ups: Use a sturdy step or the bottom stair. Step up with one foot, then bring the other foot up to meet it. Step back down and alternate legs. This strengthens leg muscles and helps with balance.

4. Heel Raises: Stand behind a chair for support. Slowly lift your heels off the ground, standing on your toes, then lower back down. This helps improve balance and strengthens the calves.

5. Wall Push-ups: Stand facing a wall with your hands at shoulder height. Lean in towards the wall, then push back to standing. This strengthens the arms, chest, and shoulders.

A quick search on YouTube will provide video demonstrations of each exercise if you need a visual guide! Encourage your senior parents to give this routine a try, and let me know how it goes!

Corey

World Teachers Day...

Doug Blake and Corey Ritter, often called the "Dynamic Duo," have been dedicated to helping personal trainers become industry leaders for over 20 years. From the science to the business of personal training, they cover it all as Head Instructors at Body Design University, taking pride in every student's success. On this World Teachers' Day, we celebrate their passion and commitment to education. With over 5,000 active students and live sessions offered every quarter, enroll today to experience what sets us apart. To learn more and join our supportive community, check out our Facebook group or apply today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodydesignuniversity

"I’ve not only exceeded my personal goal but finished at the TOP OF MY CLASS! 🙌🏾

A huge thank you to Body Design University for giving me the opportunity to be part of this phenomenal program.Your support has given me the knowledge and confidence to absolutely crush the NASM exam! I’m ready to take it on, with a different mind set and rejuvenated motivation!

If you’re aspiring to become a personal trainer and struggling with where to start or how to study, I can’t recommend BDU enough! The community, the energy, and the guidance are second to none. Thank you all for your support…this milestone is only the beginning! 🚀❤️ 🙌🏾" - Alfye Gore

Ready to get paid for what you love? Apply to BDU and become a certified Personal Trainer >> https://bodydesignu.com/apply

When your instructors have walked the path you're on, their knowledge, passion, and love for teaching create an unparalleled learning experience.

Body Design University Become A Nationally Certified Personal Trainer in 6 Weeks! Live In-person or Online Self-paced.

We had the opportunity to spend the week with an amazing group of students in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn’t without its challenges, but seeing everyone push through, grow, and create new connections made it a truly rewarding experience. These students came in person to learn valuable skills and build confidence—things you can’t gain just from a textbook or an online certification. With the support of our dedicated team, we’re proud to help guide them on this journey. Today, we wrapped up the course and are already preparing for the next one coming up next quarter! https://bodydesignu.com/apply

We had the opportunity to spend the week with an amazing group of students in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn’t without its challenges, but seeing everyone push through, grow, and create new connections made it a truly rewarding experience. These students came in person to learn valuable skills and build confidence—things you can’t gain just from a textbook or an online certification. With the support of our dedicated team, we’re proud to help guide them on this journey. Today, we wrapped up the course and are already preparing for the next one coming up next quarter! https://bodydesignu.com/apply

"Hi Everyone!
I’m FINALLY ACE Certified. I am so excited to embark on this new journey of being a personal trainer!
I would like to thank Doug and the BDU team for helping me get to this point. The study sessions, the online videos, and the hands on help really helped me succeed on this exam!
Don’t sleep on BDU! They are a great resource to start on your career as a personal trainer ☺️" - Sohinee Adhkary

"Passed my NASM exam. Thank you BDU. Trust the process." -DeMario Scott

This pass came after he attempted on his own with only the NASM-provided materials.

We are very proud of him getting to the finish line!

"I have the workbook printed out, and I’m starting module 1 tonight!!! Let’s do this!! 😁" -Melaine Jones


NASM and ACE Prep School

Some of the incredible people we get to work with every day!

Congratulations, Roxi! We are so happy you chose us too. Thanks for being one of our valued Personal Trainer students.

"A lifelong passion, and finally able to share it with the world!!! Thank you for everyone who helped make this possible." -Katie Brunson

Start helping others achieve their fitness goals!

Incredible group Sept 2023!

Onwards and upwards.

"Hi, my name is Rebecca Bumphus and I am excited to start this journey with BDU becoming a certified personal trainer. I just got accepted today with the military scholarship. I reside in San Diego, CA. I can’t wait to help others reach their personal fitness goals and be confident while doing it!" -Rebecca Bumphus

"I passed my NASM CPT exam!! I failed my first two attempts but when I found body design university, I finally passed! I am so grateful to Doug for sharing his knowledge; he is a fantastic educator! Thank you so very much!  I am nine months pregnant and about to have my baby boy!  If I can do it, you can do it, too!" - Laura Rivera 💪😁

Please help us congratulate Laura below!

We're looking for 100 fit people 🔥🔥 who want to become nationally certified personal trainers with our 10 Week Challenge!

Here’s the deal: We can take on 100 new students to partake in our 10 Week Challenge!

This is not a 4-year degree or 2-year degree.

This isn’t a “overnight certification” …but in 10 weeks you will be AMAZED with the knowledge and credentials you will gain.

If you are a highly motivated individual, get started now to see what you can accomplish.

What you get:

🔥 Learn Exercise Science, Advanced Nutrition, Human Behavior, and Strategic Business.

🔥 Help Friends, Family, and Others in NEED Achieve Their Fitness Goals.

🔥 Student Success Coach
PLUS! Weekly Study Sessions.

and much more!

This is for THE MOTIVATED FITNESS PEOPLE ONLY.

If you have gotten to that point where you’ve waited to get certified long enough, we want to help.

If you're still reading this, you are the people we want.

Click Link in Bio and Let's Get Started!

"I literally just passed my PT Certification exam about three hours ago. I really appreciate the support and how this group helped me to organize the material for studying. There’s so much information and BDU really made studying a lot less painful. I passed my first time and I credit BDU with facilitating my studies as well as giving me insight to what to expect on the test." -Robert Booker