Want to start your career as a personal trainer?
Are you thinking of becoming a Personal Trainer? Starting any new career venture can be daunting, but if you have a passion for fitness and helping others, you’re in the right place! Careers in Personal Training can seem challenging to get into, and there’s so much information out there that it might be difficult to know where to start. We hope that this post can help give you all of the most critical information you need, along with the confidence to kickstart your new career!
#1: Get qualified
If you haven’t already, you need to make sure you’ve had all relevant Training and are fully qualified to become a PT. We offer an extensive range of PT courses at Body Aid which you can take a look at here.
Even if you have undertaken qualifications already, further certifications can really help you stand out from the crowd (especially if you’re planning on starting your own Personal Training practice), such as our Level 4 Strength and Conditioning or Level 2 Kettle Bell Instructor courses.
It’s always worth looking to expand your qualifications and the services you’re willing to offer; it could be the difference between securing a client or not!
#2: Increase your network, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Once you’re qualified and want to get your career going, getting started and building a reputation in the industry can seem like a daunting task, so the best place to start is by putting yourself out there and making some friends in the industry. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from already established PTs in your area, whether they’re self-employed or working for a gym.
Not only will this be a great way to get your name out there in the PT community, but it can give you a fantastic insight into what clients in your area like and what works for them. You can use these tools to help build yourself up and establish a niche. Ask yourself if there are any services you can offer that you think there would be a demand for? Or maybe if there are any parts of your local area where you could offer your services that aren’t currently covered? Getting as much information to base your brand and career on will only help you, and you never know what connections you might make!
#3: Be as available as possible
Being a Personal Trainer is all about helping people achieve their own fitness goals and milestones. Being available and easily contactable is key in providing this service for a client as best as possible. Personal Training is often considered a premium service. Hence, most clients expect a truly dedicated approach from the provider they choose, meaning you’ll be more favourable the more available you can be.
Keeping your contact details up to date with all of your clients goes without saying, but the key is constantly working with your client to provide a schedule that works for them, especially as their availability may well change whilst they are working with you. Nobody’s expecting you to be available to your clients 24 hours a day, but setting too rigid a schedule of availability might out some potential clients off.
#4: Practice your listening skills
Personal Training isn’t just about your knowledge of health and fitness but also about how you interact with your clients. Due to the nature of your relationship with your clients, you will be spending time with them regularly, and it’s perfectly normal to form close friendships. You never know what you might learn about the people you’re training, so it’s always good to be prepared to listen and be a support anchor if needed.
Your first priority with your clients is always to ensure they are comfortable and in a good mindset; otherwise, their training and your communication with them will suffer. You will encounter people from many walks of life as a PT, and the ability to listen and learn from them yourself can really help make your clients feel valued and appreciated. This only does good things for your reputation, and your clients will all be happy too!
#5: Start building your portfolio ASAP
As soon as you get started and have your first clients, start building up a personal portfolio for your business. Attend fitness expos and events, encourage your clients to give testimonials and (with client permission, of course) get some results and progress images to put to your name. Having your own website and/or social media pages to promote yourself and showcase all of your achievements is a must when establishing yourself in the industry.
Suppose a potential client hears about your services and is interested. In that case, the best thing for them to see when they try and look you up is a glowing portfolio of happy clients, excellent qualifications and a PT who is genuinely invested in the fitness world. As well as this, people will want to see if you seem like someone who is easily approachable and friendly as well as being skilled and qualified, so make sure this comes across too!
#6: Embrace every moment
Personal Training isn’t just about your knowledge of health and fitness but also about how you interact with your clients. Due to the nature of your relationship with your clients, you will be spending time with them regularly, and it’s perfectly normal Our final tip is to embrace every moment of your PT career and enjoy it! Being a Personal Trainer is hard work, but with the right attitude and passion for working in the fitness industry, you’ll have a very rewarding career. Good luck!
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