In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, Chris Liddle sits down with longtime coach and family man Zach Pello to unpack two decades of insight in fitness, mental health, personal growth—and how redefining success in midlife reshapes the way you coach.
We talk about:
Getting unstuck professionally and personally
Mental health challenges as a coach
Reigniting passion after burnout
Real Coaches Summit as a networking catalyst
Unconventional wins from clients that made it all worth it
🔑 Trending topics: Fitness coaching, mental health for trainers, Real Coaches Summit, online coaching balance, sustainable goal setting.
🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 - Zach’s origin story in fitness
01:45 - Catalyst moments that reshaped his coaching
03:00 - Balancing personal health with business goals
06:15 - Identity, injuries, and rebuilding purpose
08:00 - Real Coaches Summit & investing in relationships
12:00 - Changing your mind as a seasoned coach
15:50 - Client environment & social support success
18:00 - Navigating unsupportive environments with empathy
20:30 - Training for long-term functionality
23:30 - Making NEAT activity sustainable
27:00 - Creative ways to make strength training stick
30:00 - Long-term goals in your 40s and beyond
35:00 - Breathwork, blood pressure & staying vital
40:00 - Reconnecting with hobbies and friendships
44:00 - Self-reflection, identity, and living fully
📌 Zach Pello's Links:
Instagram: @pellofitness
📌 Chris Liddle’s Links:
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
🎧 Spotify: Listen Here
📺 YouTube: @christianliddle
🏋️♂️ Training: InvigorateTraining.com
🎥 Video Editing (CapCut Academy): Enroll Here
📝 Podcast Course: Build A Podcast You Won’t Quit
