If you dream of helping others reach their fitness goals, then a career as a personal trainer may be right for you. However, there are many do’s and dont’s in this career that can make a significant difference in the lives of your clients. To ensure you provide the beneficial experience for those you work with, it’s essential to understand the role of a personal trainer and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is Personal Training?

Personal trainers undergo extensive training and must pass examinations to work professionally. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and American Council on Exercise (ACE) offer two of the widely recognized certifications in the U.S.

Personal trainers develop customized fitness plans designed to help clients achieve their individual goals. Some trainers specialize in specific populations, such as athletes or seniors, while others work in general fitness settings, such as gyms, where they assist clients with strength training or weight loss goals.

In addition to providing exercise guidance, personal trainers may demonstrate exercises and measure clients’ progress. It is essential to note that personal trainers are not certified nutritionists; although they can offer general nutritional advice, they are not qualified to prescribe diet plans.

What to Do in Personal Training

To succeed as a personal trainer, the first step is obtaining a recognized certification. In addition to certification, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial so you can lead by example.

Once certified, here are some best practices to help you excel as a personal trainer:

• Build Strong Relationships with Clients: Motivation and adherence to exercise can improve when clients feel they have a supportive, trustworthy person on their side. Focus on making clients feel valued, demonstrating that their goals and well-being matter to you.
• Continue Learning Exercise Physiology: Although training programs introduce anatomy and physiology, ongoing learning about how exercise affects the body can enhance your ability to work with diverse clients, including those with specific needs, underlying conditions, or past injuries.
• Adopt a Versatile Training Approach: Avoid limiting your methods to a single training style, as doing so can restrict your effectiveness. Your main objective should be to find the most accessible and beneficial methods for each individual. Expanding your knowledge of various exercises and modifications can help clients safely and effectively pursue their fitness goals.

What Not to Do in Personal Training

One of the biggest pitfalls for personal trainers is attempting to motivate clients through shame. Refrain from using weight, physical ability, or appearance as motivational tools, as this can negatively impact clients’ confidence and deter their commitment to fitness.

Personal trainers should also avoid using overly technical terms when working with clients. While a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology is important, clients typically prefer straightforward explanations. Aim to keep communication clear and conversational, sharing only the information that is helpful to their understanding.

Finally, do not encourage clients to attempt exercises unless you are confident in their ability to perform them safely. Pushing clients too far can be counterproductive; a sustainable approach often involves encouraging them to work slightly below their maximum capacity. This approach allows clients to make progress without increasing their risk of injury.

Published by: Martin De Juan