How to become A Personal Trainer

For many, being lazy is an easier choice than being active. That is where a Personal Trainer steps in as a certified fitness expert, working with clients at varying levels of fitness and motivation levels to improve their physical well-being and boost their willpower. By helping them build muscle and lose excess weight through customised exercise plans and by offering nutritional tips, Personal Trainers help clients lead healthier lives.

• Fitness Trainer
• Fitness Coach
• Fitness/Gym Instructor
• Health and Fitness Instructor

What do Personal Trainers do?

A Personal Trainer would typically need to:

• Design customised and comprehensive fitness programs and deliver them individually or in groups to help clients get fit and in shape and stay healthy
• Perform fitness assessments to determine your clients’ health, skill and fitness levels, and objectives; identify potential areas for improvement
• Analyse the information for each client to help them set clear and realistic goals
• Develop suitable and personalised exercise routines and schedules for each client, detailing the frequency, intensity, time and type of exercises they must perform to achieve their individual fitness goals
• Explain exercise routines and provide alternatives to suit any specific needs clients may have
• Explain gym safety and hygiene guidelines in terms of technique and form; demonstrate the safe use of gym equipment; educate clients on correct posture and safe lifting procedures
• Conduct training sessions, ensuring that the workouts are exciting and challenging enough to keep clients engrossed and driven
• Monitor clients’ progress, improvement in fitness levels, and physical condition, adapting the program as needed to help them achieve their specific goals
• Advise clients on how to modify their nutritional and lifestyle choices to support the personal training plan and foster overall well-being; encourage them to keep a food diary
• Give and take constructive feedback and foster accountability in clients for their progress; encourage them to maintain a workout journal
• Build a relationship of trust with your clients; be courteous, professional and a role model; answer their questions reliably and knowledgeably; constantly support, educate and motivate them to reach or maintain their fitness goals
• Regularly check in with clients to ensure they understand how to carry out the fitness routines
• Assign simple exercise routines and breathing exercises to clients to perform on their own beyond training sessions, either in the gym or outside; teach them to practise better ways of standing to improve balance and posture
• Document training sessions and take care of the paperwork and other administrative tasks; maintain confidentiality when handling personal information
• Provide CPR and first aid or use the AED in case of emergencies
• Ensure that the gym runs efficiently by collaborating with management and other staff members; contribute to implementing client retention strategies
• Carry out marketing activities for the gym, such as promoting fitness packages, to build clientele
• Maintain their personal website, social media and blogs and market their business, if self-employed
• Stay current with the newest techniques, trends and equipment used in personal training

Personal trainers operate in various settings, such as private or community gyms, fitness centres and health clubs. However, other professionals might operate in different environments and train clients in their homes, workplaces, or even outdoors. You may also work in the educational sector, providing services in sports facilities at schools, colleges or universities.

Travel with clients on trips to various destinations is possible.

Be prepared to work with various fitness equipment, such as free weights, ellipticals and treadmills.

Even though independent work is the norm, you may collaborate with other fitness professionals, including dietitians, physical therapists and massage therapists, to create comprehensive fitness and diet programs for your clients.

You must always present a professional image by dressing well and appropriately. Most trainers dress in activewear or may tuck a collared shirt into khakis to present an air of authority. At all times, however, make sure your clothing is fresh, neat and clean.

Working hours vary depending to some extent on whether you work for a gym or are self-employed. In either case, you must maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate your clients' needs, even if it means working early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. You may spend up to 12 hours a day in the early years while developing a clientele.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Personal Trainers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Once you have built a solid clientele and reputation, you may consider becoming self-employed and freelance in a gym or client's home or running your own facilities.

Personal Trainers are generally employed by: 

• Leisure Centres
• Gyms
• Personal Training Studios
• Health Clubs
• Hotels, Resorts & Spas
• Cruise Lines
• Health Care Charities
• The Armed Forces
• Self-employed/ Freelance Work in a Gym/ Client's Home
• Organisations with Workplace Fitness Facilities

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), are crucial for Personal Trainers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Working irregular hours and on weekends and holidays to accommodate clients' schedules; poor work-life balance and missing out on socialising with family and friends
• Avoiding burnout amidst training clients and keeping fit yourself; inadequate energy arising from not getting enough sleep and rest
• Last-minute cancellations or cancellations without notice; creating a schedule that factors in the likelihood of cancellations or charging a cancellation fee, which can deter customers or make them attend sessions when contagious
• Risk of injury due to lack of coordination and fatiguing workouts
• Dealing with clients who have unrealistic expectations, those who blame you for their inability to meet their fitness goals or those who need to be pushed hard and constantly motivated to achieve their goals
• Attending to emergencies and performing CPR when needed
• Helping clients make behavioural adjustments to shed off unhealthy habits; facilitating change in areas such as food, fitness and attitude
• The risk of launching your business; earning minimal compensation during the first few weeks or even months; the likelihood of unpredictable or irregular income for freelancers
• Keeping business steady through the year, particularly during the holiday season

Any academic program that a potential Personal Trainer takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

You may become a Personal Trainer even without experience if you undertake a relevant training course or apprenticeship. Training programs may range in duration from a few weeks to a few months and cover essential aspects of personal training, such as safe exercise methods, nutrition and client interaction. A certification programme might take a few months to a year to finish.

However, several employers and potential clients prefer that you possess experience in the fitness industry as it helps you gain a more in-depth understanding of the industry. In addition, you get to network with industry experts and potential clients. 

Spending time in the gym also helps you build familiarity with exercise routines and operating gym equipment. Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in the fitness field to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. Make sure to ask relevant questions and get useful tips from them. Observing other trainers to pick up different approaches and training with them as a client can give you a perspective from both sides.

It is also helpful to take up other roles in a gym before or in addition to working as a Personal Trainer to familiarise yourself with gym procedures and guidelines and build a rapport with current clients. A front desk job will help you develop client relations skills and give insights into what people look for when they join a gym or seek a Personal Trainer’s services.  

In addition to being physically fit and strong, you must also gather experience engaging with and encouraging clients. Hence, employers also value sales experience as it indicates your skills in acquiring new clients. You will naturally be expected to deliver results once you are hired, in terms of expanding the clientele through promotional efforts as well as by delivering excellent personal training to build the reputation of the gym you work for.

Educational requirements for aspiring Personal Trainers are quite flexible. 

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum requirement to enter the field. You may break into the industry even by taking just a few relevant classes or training with an experienced Personal Trainer. 

However, some gyms and companies may prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in fitness-related fields, including personal training, exercise science, sports science, physical education, kinesiology or personal training. Such programs equip you with the requisite knowledge and skills to develop safe, effective and individualised exercise plans for your clients of all ages and also further your career.

A degree in psychology may prove handy to understand and improve a client’s motivation, while a business qualification can prove handy for you to run your own business, provided you take hands-on lessons in personal training from experienced professionals. 

High school courses in biology, nutrition, psychology and physical education are useful for aspiring Personal Trainers.

Certification, whether mandatory or voluntary, demonstrates a Personal Trainer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement and become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Pursuing an AFPA Certified Advanced Personal Trainer credential or other relevant AFPA certification programs will help you develop the authority and self-assurance to create goal-oriented training plans for a variety of clients. You will also gain access to higher education through this program, which will equip you with the information and skills to progress professionally.

ISSA ( International Sports Sciences Association) certification is available in various relevant fields, including personal training, fitness nutrition and health & wellness. Other than these, you may also choose from several specialist areas, such as strength and conditioning, corrective exercise or recovery from exercise or group fitness or the type of clients, such as young people, the elderly or those who require weight management.

Certification in delivering first-aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and using an AED (automated external defibrillator) is crucial to tackling life-threatening situations and may sometimes be a prerequisite to earning credentials in personal training.

An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

With the necessary education and experience, trainers working at a gym may be qualified for managerial roles, thereby advancing their careers and earning more.

After gaining significant expertise in the fitness business and having built a solid network of clients, you may also launch your career as a Specialist or Consultant, helping specific sports teams or famous athletes develop strategies or techniques to improve their performance.

As part of therapy and rehabilitation, you may also take up the specialised role of assisting athletes in bouncing back as fast as possible from injuries that can hamper their performance. Your assistance can be critical in ensuring they continue competing for a long time and delivering optimal performance.

Additionally, you may choose to specialise in sports nutrition, dietary supplements or human anatomy biomechanics relevant to fitness. You may also develop expertise in training beginners, older people, or those with specific health issues or injuries.

Once you have learnt the ropes, acquired enough experience, established a reputation, and built up a clientele in the fitness industry while working for employers, you may start your own fitness business independently.

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, training, certifications, high fitness levels, flexible schedules and strong interpersonal abilities have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Personal Trainer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Acquiring relevant Personal Trainer and other certifications will equip you to train clients individually and in small groups, developing your own workout and nutrition programs.

Specialisation and diversification are the chief paths of professional development and career progression in personal training. You can learn and teach a variety of skills, including Yoga, Pilates, kettlebells, aerobics, pre- and post-natal exercises, circuit training and workout advice. You may also train in nutrition or other aspects of mind and body fitness to guide your clients knowledgeably.

Take classes to build outstanding interpersonal skills to effectively coach, mentor, motivate and even discipline your clients, as and when required.

Enrolling in a course that makes you eligible for membership in an accredited organisation can also help you further your professional development.

Take courses to learn or finetune your business skills if you wish to start your own business, studio or gym or take up management positions.

Some Fitness Trends

With some semblance of normalcy returning in the aftermath of the pandemic, online exercise routines continue to trend, but gym-goers are also headed back to their gyms. The evolution of the fitness sector is expected to depend on consumer behaviour, market demand and technology, with sustainable fitness being the overarching aim rather than get-fit-quick programs. 

• Hybrid gym subscriptions - Gyms that offer hybrid memberships are multiplying because members now typically seek the convenience of choosing between online or in-person fitness routines as and when they wish.
• Inclusive exercise - Gyms, fitness studios and even fitness apps continue to develop a diverse and inclusive fitness industry in terms of exercise styles, trainers and the number of people who can access fitness services.
• Training outdoors - Personal training outdoors through activities such as hiking, running, cycling, and outdoor workouts is a growing trend, given its advantages of small groups, social distancing, fresh air and closeness to nature. Interestingly, reverse running, and stroller fitness are also gaining popularity. 
• Mental health - The psychological impact of lockdowns and the pandemic have intensified the focus on holistic wellness, which includes mental health. Mind-body practices, such as yoga, tai chi and meditation, are expected to continue being popular as consumers seek ways to beat stress while achieving their fitness goals.
• HIIT training - High-intensity interval training (HIIT) HIIT training continues to be popular. It has the advantage of allowing you to complete an intense workout through short bursts of activity in a brief amount of time interspersed with periods of rest. The benefit of HIIT is that you may do bodyweight exercises without specific equipment and customise the workouts to accommodate a range of skill levels.
• Wearable health-tracking technology - Activity trackers and wearable technology continue to be popular but are expanding their features to include monitoring body temperatures, stress levels, sleep and heart rate. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers incorporate metrics-focused features that track body temperature, stress levels, sleep and heart rate. 
• Smart home gyms - Trending even in pre-pandemic times, smart home gym equipment caught on in popularity during the lockdowns. The cost and size of smart home gym equipment are significant deterrents for many consumers, but manufacturers are already addressing these issues.
• Short workouts - For those who cannot spare a chunk of time for fitness routines, quick and simple but effective workouts, such as five- or ten-minute long bodyweight exercises or strength training routines with free weights, can serve the purpose of keeping them motivated and moving.
• Low-impact workouts - Yoga, Pilates and rowing are excellent strengthening exercises that are also quite gentle on the body. Low-impact but effective workouts will remain popular as more people want to improve their daily functional motions and lead healthier lives. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Personal Trainers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, full-time Personal Trainers have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

Endorphins are hormones that help relieve pain and stress and uplift mood. Regular exercise can boost productivity due to the number of endorphins it releases into the body.

A win-win career option for those committed to taking active steps to get and stay fit and help others do so, too, personal training can be financially and personally gratifying. It is currently a flourishing field that improves your physical and mental health and opens many doors for professional advancement.

Be highly cautious about posting material from training sessions with clients. You must respect their confidentiality and also abide by your employer’s social media policy guidelines