How to Become a Successful Personal Trainer

In today’s fitness industry, anyone with nylon wind pants, a certification and a pair of well-defined biceps can claim to be a personal trainer. However, it takes more than your outward appearance to be a successful trainer. You need determination, intelligence and a knack for communicating with different types of people.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Have a nationally recognized certification. Agencies like the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) look more professional than a certification you received after taking a three-hour online course.
2. Show your face. Walk around the gym, start conversations with members and offer advice when necessary. If you work outside a gym, hand out flyers or build your own website. Your body and mind are your resume, so showing your expertise in the field will help you to attract new clients.
3. Talk to your clients. Start conversations that are not fitness related. If you a show an interest in their lives, your clients will feel comfortable and be more likely to train with you in the future.
4. Be flexible with your schedule. If a client cannot make a certain time or date, work with them to reschedule. This shows your client that you are dedicated to helping them reach their specific goals.
5. Switch the workouts. Clients will get bored and tired quickly if they are given the same routine for each body group. Variations will keep them interested and excited to finish the workout.
6. Keep textbooks and guidebooks handy. Clients always have questions, so have the resources to look them up if you are unsure of the answer.
7. Know the location of equipment in your gym in case a client wants to keep exercising after your session and have alternate exercises ready in case a client is uncomfortable doing something in your routine.
8. Stay updated with relevant information. Seminars and workshops constantly offer new studies, exercise tips and key speakers in the industry. Being knowledgeable with the latest information benefits you, and your clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Although it is important to be friendly with your clients, maintain a business relationship. Asking for information that is too personal may make your client feel awkward.