10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Personal Trainer – Erin’s Inside Job

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Personal Trainer – Erin’s Inside Job

So you’ve decided to become a personal trainer and are ready to embark on your fitness journey. You’ve probably done your research, received your certification, and are eager to start working with your clients. But, as with any profession, there are certain things that you may not have considered before diving in headfirst. Below are 10 things that I wish I knew before becoming a personal trainer, and I’m sharing them with you to help make your transition smoother.

1. The Business Side

• Because I was planning on working for myself, I needed to put in a LOT more work
• Luckily I had my teaching job at Sweat and some other side gigs to help support me

2. The Reality of Teaching

Many people think that being a personal trainer involves simply teaching a few classes and that’s it. In reality, there is a lot more that goes into this job than many people realize.

3. The Importance of Marketing

Even if you are working for a gym or a studio, marketing yourself is incredibly important. You are essentially your own brand, and it’s important to make sure that people know about you and the services you offer.

4. Finding Clients

Building a solid client base takes time and effort. It’s not something that happens overnight, and you need to be prepared to put in the work to attract and retain clients.

5. The Emotional Toll

While helping others achieve their fitness goals is incredibly rewarding, it can also be emotionally taxing. You need to be prepared to handle clients who may be frustrated or struggling with their progress.

6. Continuing Education

As a personal trainer, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest fitness trends and research. Continuing education is key to providing the best possible service to your clients.

7. The Need for Boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries with your clients to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. You need to take care of yourself in order to effectively take care of others.

8. Dealing with Rejection

Not every potential client will want to work with you, and that’s okay. It’s important to not take rejection personally and to keep pushing forward.

9. The Physical Demands

Being a personal trainer can be physically demanding. You need to be prepared to be on your feet for long hours and to have the strength and stamina to lead multiple classes each day.

10. The Importance of Community

Building a community of fellow trainers and fitness enthusiasts can provide a strong support system and a network of like-minded individuals who can share advice and resources.

FAQs

1. Do I need a certification to become a personal trainer?

Yes, most gyms and studios require personal trainers to hold a valid certification from a reputable organization.

2. How long does it take to build a solid client base?

Building a client base can vary depending on many factors such as location, marketing efforts, and personal connections. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more.

3. What are the best ways to market myself as a personal trainer?

Utilizing social media, networking with other fitness professionals, and offering free workshops or classes are all effective ways to market yourself.

4. How often should I seek continuing education as a personal trainer?

It’s important to stay updated on the latest trends and research, so seeking continuing education at least once a year is recommended.

Erin’s Inside Job