How to Become a Better Personal Trainer

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Being a successful personal trainer requires the mastering of knowledge and skill. It is important to stay on top of the most recent research and translate it into action to safely help your clients achieve their goals. There are a few steps you can take to improve your skill as a personal trainer, which can increase your clientele base and improve your reputation.

Things You'll Need

• Personal training certification
• Web-based or university course
• Local library
• Subscription to peer-reviewed journal
• Outgoing personality

Instructions

1. Invest in a personal training certification from a well-known fitness organization. In addition, take advantage of regular continuing-education courses to stay informed of cutting edge trends and training methods.

2. Sign up for a university or Web-based course about the psychology of motivation and behavior. Learn the theories of health promotion and what drives your clients. If a course is not an option, check out books on the topic from a local library.

3. Conduct your own research reviews. Purchase subscriptions to reliable peer-reviewed journals that focus on exercise physiology. Translate new findings on exercise technique and safety into training programs for your clients.

4. Practice your people skills in and out of the gym. Clients are drawn to more outgoing individuals who are friendly and helpful without being overbearing.

5. Respect your clients. Offer them the most up-to-date information for achieving their goals and show up for appointments on time. If the client is seeking a specific goal that is not your specialty, refer them to someone who can help them more and ask fellow trainers to do the same.

Tips & Warnings

• The more educated you are in the field, the better. If you do not have a degree in exercise science or a related field, consider taking a few courses to learn the basics of exercise physiology and kinesiology.

• Don’t get caught up in fitness fads without adequate scientific support. You risk the safety of your clients and damage your own reputation as a trainer.

Resources

• American College of Sports Medicine
• The Cooper Institute
• National Strength and Conditioning Association