SpksWrld Presents: Less Brunches More Crunches with CmartyFit
Passion often shapes our lives, guiding us toward a path we might not initially expect. Chris Martin, once an extraordinary basketball player and a McDonald’s All-American nominee, has embraced this journey of self-discovery. After excelling in college basketball, Chris found his true purpose beyond the court—transforming lives through fitness. Today, under the brand CmartyFit, he has become a rising force in the fitness world. Through personal training, nutritional guidance, and hosting his own podcast, Chris has built a reputation for his expertise and dedication, earning recognition as one of the best trainers in the industry. This exclusive interview offers a closer look into CmartyFit and the principles that fuel its success.
1. What made you want to become a personal trainer?
After my basketball career ended unexpectedly, I went through a tough phase of depression. Fitness became my savior during that time. It wasn’t just about physical transformation, but the mental clarity and confidence it gave me. I realized I wanted to help others experience that same shift, guiding them to become the best versions of themselves. As for the transition from basketball to fitness training?
The transition wasn’t easy. Basketball had been my life and when that chapter closed I had to figure out who I was beyond the sport. Fitness helped me rebuild my identity. The discipline from basketball carried over into training and that drive to push myself on the court now fuels how I approach workouts and my clients’ progress.
2. What is your Personal training philosophy?
I believe that fitness parallels every aspect of life. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about mental toughness, discipline, and pushing through obstacles. My philosophy is simple: Hard work pays off, no excuses. Your body and mindset are reflections of your daily habits, and you must commit fully to both to see lasting results.
3. Can you teach any fitness classes? If so What types?
Yes, I teach a variety of classes ranging from strength training to HIIT. I also offer specialized sessions focused on mobility and conditioning. It’s not just about one style of training—it’s about keeping the body and mind engaged with new challenges.
4. Which is more important to you: physical fitness or nutrition?
They go hand in hand. You can’t out-train a bad diet, but nutrition without fitness won’t get you where you need to be either. If I had to pick, I’d lean slightly toward nutrition because it lays the foundation for your performance and results. Your nutrition fuels the workouts and recovery.
5. How would you create a new client's nutrition plan?
It starts with understanding their goals and current eating habits. I focus on clean, whole foods, ensuring they’re getting the right balance of macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbs). We also incorporate flexibility to make the plan sustainable. The goal is to avoid extremes and build a healthy relationship with food.
6. How would you design a new client's workout plan?
For workouts, it’s all about their current fitness level and long-term goals. We begin with foundational movements to ensure proper form, then gradually increase intensity. I mix strength training with conditioning work, always focusing on progressive overload. It’s not about killing yourself every session but consistently improving week by week.
7. What is your definition of big back?
Big back is more focused on the actions/habits that don’t align with your goals. A lot of people associate this with a body type but it’s more so a catchy name that grabs attention room and it’s easy to say.
I have plenty of big back moments to share! The one that comes to mind is a client leaving the bar and coming straight to the gym! She knew if she skipped, I was going to yell at her for being a big back….but I had to give her some constructive criticism anyway!
8. How do you keep your clients motivated?
I keep it real with my clients—results take time. I remind them that the process is just as important as the outcome. Accountability is key, whether it's checking in with them or providing a challenge to push their limits. I also celebrate the small wins, which keeps them hungry for more.
9. What if you had a client who was insecure on how they looked and who is afraid to work out in front of others. How would you encourage and help them break out of that way of thinking?
I help them build their confidence through getting stronger and developing discipline. I know I get a lot of heat for my coaching style, but my clients will tell you I’m more supportive, encouraging, and understanding than anything. Don’t let social media fool you. Confidence is built through consistent action and earned. A lot of people don’t realize that. I’m just here to guide people to that great feeling.
10. What are your biggest goals as a trainer?
My biggest goal is to continue changing lives through fitness, helping people see that they’re capable of more than they realize. On a larger scale, I want to expand beyond personal training, creating a brand that inspires people in different ways—through fitness, mindset coaching, and even business.
11. Tell us about your podcast and what can listeners expect to gain from it?
On my podcast, I dive into everything from fitness to business to mindset. It’s all about the bigger picture. I bring in guests from various industries to talk about discipline, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of staying accountable. Listeners can expect practical tips, motivation, and real conversations.
12. Is it hard to find time for yourself to workout daily? How often do you work out?
I won’t lie—sometimes it’s tough to get my own workouts in with a packed schedule, but I make it happen. I aim for five to six workouts a week, combining weight training, cardio, and recovery sessions. Staying fit is not just about looking the part, it's about being a leader by example.
13. How can one sign up to be your client?
You can go to my website or DM me on social media. I would like to have an initial consultation with all new clients to understand their goals and ensure we’re a good fit for each other.
14. What made you want to not only be a personal trainer, but also a social media influencer?
It wasn’t something I planned initially, but I realized how much impact I could have beyond the gym by sharing my journey online. Social media gives me a platform to educate, motivate, and inspire people on a larger scale. The more people I reach, the more lives I can potentially change.
15. What has been the toughest situation you’ve been in so far when helping a client reach their goal?
The toughest situations often come when clients struggle with consistency or have setbacks due to injuries. It’s hard when someone is so close to their goal but gets derailed. My job is to help them navigate those challenges and remind them that the journey is just as important as the destination.
16. There are a lot of trainers who have clients doing a lot of pointless exercises in the gym and you point that out. How do separate from those type of trainers?
A few ways: Consistency: I post daily whether it’s IG, TikTok or YouTube. That level of consistency shows my experience, background, education, discipline and dedication to my craft.
The type of content I post I’m not just posting for like and clicks (though people think otherwise). The videos are funny but there is always a message if you actually listen. It’s never to belittle or make fun of people. I’m constantly putting effort in to help people get better.
I've got my style and my way of doing it. You can’t duplicate! Folks try it everyday!
17. Fill in the blank: My name is Chris Martin and I’m a __?
Fitness Coach. I help people transform their lives, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
What sets CmartyFit apart is Chris’s unwavering commitment to teaching and training clients the right way. His focus on education and personalized support ensures clients achieve their best results. By following CmartyFit across social platforms, you can access his regular content and join a community dedicated to health and wellness. Chris Martin is not just a trainer—he’s an innovator and motivator, making a significant impact in the fitness world every day.
You can find all of Cmartyfit links and social media accounts with the link below.