Rick Richey, DHSc, MS, LMT
Owner and Fitness Expert
With over two decades in the industry, Rick Richey is a trainer, educator, and business mentor helping personal trainers build, grow, and thrive independently. From coaching and content creation to hosting the award-winning NASM CPT Podcast, Rick shares his expertise to empower fitness professionals worldwide.
My Background
My Background
With a Doctor of Health Science and a Master’s in Exercise Science, Rick has spent over 20 years shaping the fitness industry as a trainer, educator, and mentor.
An experienced personal trainer, orthopedic massage therapist, and strength coach, he has taught at universities, presented at global conferences, and contributed to leading NASM textbooks.
Before finding his passion for fitness, he moved to NYC to model and act—only to realize his true calling was in coaching and education.
Rick is the host of the award-winning NASM CPT Podcast, where he shares expert insights on exercise science, business growth, and coaching strategies.
When he’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find him traveling, training in BJJ, boxing, and MMA, or cheering on Alabama football (Roll Tide!) with his family.
As the owner of Independent Training Spot in NYC, he is committed to helping personal trainers take control, grow their businesses, and succeed on their own terms.
Expertise
- Strength & Conditioning
- Corrective Exercise & Rehabilitation
- Movement & Mobility Optimization
- Business & Career Development for Trainers
- Fitness Education & Curriculum Design
- Podcast Hosting & Content Creation
Higher Education
- Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
- Master’s in Exercise Science (MS)
Key Roles
- Educator & Subject Matter Expert for NASM
- Owner of Independent Training Spot
- Co-Owner of ReCOVER
- Host of the NASM CPT Podcast
Fitness Education & Certifications
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
- Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
- Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
- MMA Conditioning Specialist
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Specialist Skills
- Fitness Industry Presenter – Over 100 conferences worldwide
- Award-Winning Educator – IDEA World Personal Trainer of the Year (2022)
- Media & Thought Leadership – Featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Oprah.com, and more.
As Featured In:
TV Engagements
- Good Morning America (GMA) – Fitness Segment, May 2024
Media Articles
- The New York Times – Presidential Fitness Test for Adults
- Forbes – Recovery Technology for Travelers
- Oprah.com – Weight Loss & Wellness Strategies
- Self Magazine – Best Home Gym Equipment
- PopSugar – 75 Soft Challenge Insights
- The Healthy – Gentle Flexibility Exercises
- Well+Good – ReCOVER Studio Launch
- Athletech News – Exclusive Trainer Interview
Podcasts
- Host of the NASM CPT Podcast
- Winner 2023 Marcom Gold Award for Informational Single Episode
- Winner 2021 Sharecare Award for Social Storytelling
- Better Than Fine with Darlene Marshall
- Peak Physique Podcast with Andre Adams
- The Future of Fitness with Eric Malzone
Speaking Engagements
Rick is a globally recognized speaker, having delivered over 100 presentations at leading fitness and wellness conferences across the USA, Canada, Mexico, India, Thailand, South Korea, China, Indonesia, UAE, and more.
Client Reviews
We Get It – Finding the Right Personal Trainer is Hard
Choosing a personal trainer can be overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know who’s truly right for you?
It’s not just about expertise; it’s about finding someone who understands your unique goals, fits your lifestyle, and motivates you to succeed.
At ITS, we simplify the process by hand-picking trainers who align perfectly with your needs.
Let us handle the search so you can focus on what really matters—achieving your fitness goals.