How to Become a Successful Personal Trainer
With the ability to design individualized exercise programs, personal trainers have a large deal of job autonomy even at the early stages of their careers. In addition, job outlook is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of fitness workers is expected to increase 29 percent over the 2008--18 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations." Personal training may be an avenue for job-changers to consider, and taking on clients on a part time basis can be a way to supplement current income.
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Instructions
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Become certified by one of the major certifying organizations, such as The American Council on Exercise (ACE), The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
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Earn a degree in Exercise Science and take continuing education classes every few months while training clients. The best trainers are those who are curious about the human body and always seeking ways to make exercise more fun, safe and effective for their clients.
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Obtain liability insurance if you'll be working outside a health club, or other facility. This is often available through your certifying organization.
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Create a structure of products and services that span many price points. Consider books, audio, video, e-books, small group training, boot camps, buddy training, and one-on-one training.
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Charge more for services that provide more one on one access to your expertise. In your conversations and marketing materials, state the benefits to each offering and let your clients make the decision on what works best for them.
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Tell everyone what you do in a respectful way. Don't limit yourself to people who you think might want a trainer.
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Tips & Warnings
Establishing a specific group who you help can accelerate your marketing efforts. State who you help, how you specifically help them, and the specific benefits they receive from working with you.
Do not give away too many free or promotional samplings of your work, as you will devalue your offerings.
Establish the hours you are available to see clients and adhere to them. Some trainers find themselves up at 5 a.m. or earlier, and still working at 9 p.m. They may have only seen five clients all day, and are at high risk for burnout.
Work at one or two locations near each other.
References
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