What makes a GOOD personal trainer?

A good friend suggested I write a post about what makes a good personal trainer? Here it is. The way I approach personal training is always from the perspective of the customer. If I was hiring somebody to train me I would want to know firstly.....

Do I know them. Or have I at least heard of my potential new trainer?

Do I like them? Do I feel I would really like working with you and have confidence in you?

Do I trust you? Do I believe you can get my fitness aim reached? What do people say about you?

A fact is this. Many potential new clients can take months to make a decision on hiring you. They will check you out, watch your social media activities if you use social media, read any reviews and ponder.

So. Know, like and trust. That is an age old saying and it never changes. Lose one, the whole thing collapses. ✅

The next thing and in all honesty is the number one factor in what you do. A personal trainer should have a passion for fitness instruction. It has to be in the blood. It is not just a career but a lifestyle. I've known trainers 'play at it' then go off and do something else after a couple of years. They realised how committed you have to be. If you can't stake your life on your skills as a teacher then maybe it isn't for you?

Communication..... is vital. Verbal and non-verbal. I've seen potential trainers fail assessments because they just cant communicate. There is no way a member of the public will tolerate any nonsense when they are paying you their hard earned cash.

Can you answer client questions with a straight answer? If you don't know the answer because maybe it is outside your scope of practice then whatever you do don't waffle or make it up. That is how myths start and mis information. ✅

Go away and ask someone who does know. Then get back to your client. Contrary to belief, a customer will NOT hate you for that.

None of this is difficult. A lot should be common sense! Remember the primary focus is your customer. Not yourself. A client is the most important person in your life during that session they have hired you for. Simply, just do your job and do it well. Take pride in your work. 🔶