When Edward Nichols first stepped into the fitness world, it was a very different landscape.
“I got my first certification right when I turned 18,” he recalls. “Back then, it was the wild west. You could do everything online, open book, and be in a gym the next day.”
Like many trainers starting out, Edward had the fundamentals—rep ranges, progressive overload, basic nutrition—but lacked the real-world application needed to truly impact clients. Fast forward to today, and he’s now a Regional Personal Training Manager overseeing multiple markets, with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Yet even with all that experience, one thing still stood out to him: not all education is created equal.
Having gone through numerous certifications over the years, Edward admits he usually “speed runs” through most courses.
“It’s typically a lot of review,” he says. “I can get through them in a few days.”
That wasn’t the case with the Lionel Certified Personal Trainer program.
“With Lionel, after a couple of nights, I realized—this is different. It’s more in-depth, more interactive. It took weeks, not days.”
What made the difference wasn’t just the depth of the material, but how it was delivered.
“I’m an oral and kinesthetic learner. I learn by doing. The interactive elements—moving things around, matching concepts—those helped me actually retain the information and understand how to use it with clients.”
One of the most surprising aspects of the course for Edward was where it started.
“You begin with the history of fitness—ancient Greece, Rome, the pioneers, even Schwarzenegger,” he explains. “It sets a foundation. You understand how the industry evolved before you start applying it.”
From there, the curriculum builds in a way that mirrors real client interactions.
“It’s very logical. Each chapter stacks on the last, just like working with a client. You start with the basics, then layer in more advanced concepts.”
This structured approach stood out compared to other certifications, which often focus heavily on isolated concepts without tying them into the full client journey.
For Edward, the biggest differentiator wasn’t programming—it was psychology.
“In this industry, we spend a lot of time talking about sets, reps, and correcting imbalances,” he says. “That’s important. But it’s not the whole picture.”
He points out a reality every trainer knows:
“You might train a client three hours a week. That leaves over 160 hours where they’re on their own.”
That’s where Lionel University stands apart. As outlined on their About Us page, the program is designed to go beyond technical knowledge and focus on real-world impact.
“It really emphasizes behavioral change—how to influence what clients do outside the gym. That’s what drives real, lasting results.”
Instead of focusing solely on workouts, the course dives into how to help clients build sustainable habits—turning fitness from something they try to do into part of who they are.
Another key takeaway? Meeting clients where they are.
“Most clients aren’t trying to live like a professional athlete,” Edward says. “They don’t want to train six hours a day or follow extreme diets.”
Instead, they want something sustainable:
“The real skill is designing a program that fits their life,” he explains. “Something that delivers results and keeps them engaged long-term.”
That balance—between optimization and realism—is what separates good trainers from great ones.
According to Edward, the answer is simple: almost everyone.
“It’s perfect for someone just starting out—someone who’s passionate and wants to make an impact. It gives you everything you need to be successful from day one.”
“It’s also great for veterans like me. It reconnects you with why you got into this industry in the first place.”
As trainers move into management roles, it’s easy to become disconnected from the people they’re helping. For Edward, the course served as a powerful reminder.
“It brought me back to the core: helping people change their lives.”
So, would he recommend Lionel University?
“100%,” Edward says. “I’ve already recommended it to trainers in my region.”
But he’s clear—it’s not just for anyone.
“It’s for people who want to take their craft seriously. Who want to go from being an average trainer to someone truly impactful.”
Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up, understanding the financial aid process can make taking that next step more accessible.
Because at the end of the day, great training isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about care, connection, and the ability to change lives.
“When your clients meet with you, they should feel that you’ve done the work,” Edward says. “That you know what it takes to help them succeed.”
And if you’re ready to take that next step, Lionel University makes it easy to get in touch and start your journey.