What I WISH I Knew Before Becoming A Personal Trainer

Summary

In this video, Jeff from 'Sort of Healthy' shares 10 crucial insights for aspiring personal trainers. He emphasizes the importance of simple programming, focusing on general population clients, aligning with client goals, and the significance of appearance and communication. Jeff also highlights the demanding work hours, the gradual path to financial success, and the art of sales as a conversation. He clarifies misconceptions about nutrition coaching and asserts that accountability is the personal trainer's most powerful tool, ultimately shaping their client's success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Personal training is often misunderstood, with many entering the field with unrealistic expectations, leading to high dropout rates.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Keep your workout programming simple and focused on compound exercises for general population clients, and progress them gradually.
• 📝 Maintain good workout records to track client progress and ensure consistency in their training routines.
• 🤔 General population clients are typically the best to work with due to their need for help, disposable income, and sheer numbers compared to niche markets.
• 🎯 Prioritize your clients' goals over your own preferences in their training programs; customization is key.
• 💪 Your appearance does matter, but professionalism and a fit look are more important than looking like a bodybuilder for general clients.
• 🗣️ Communication and customer service are crucial; being personable and responsive to clients' needs is a significant part of the job.
• 🕒 Be prepared to work unconventional hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, to accommodate clients' schedules.
• 💰 Understand that making a high income quickly is not typical in personal training; it's a career that often requires time to build.
• 💬 Sales is an integral part of the job, but it's more about having genuine conversations and presentations rather than aggressive tactics.
• 🥗 You can provide nutrition coaching to clients within legal boundaries, which can be a valuable service in addition to training.
• 👤 Accountability is a superpower in personal training; being able to keep clients on track is as important as your training skills.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video by Jeff from Sort of Healthy?

The main purpose of the video is to share 10 things Jeff wishes he knew before becoming a personal trainer to help clear up misconceptions about the profession and potentially prevent people from entering the field if it's not suitable for them.

Why does Jeff emphasize the importance of keeping programming simple for personal training clients?

Jeff emphasizes this because typical clients should be doing compound exercises on a weekly basis, and trying to make long-term complicated plans usually ends up being a waste of time due to the inconsistency of the average person when it comes to exercising.

What does Jeff suggest about the type of clients personal trainers should focus on?

Jeff suggests that general population clients are the best to work with because they often need help the most, have disposable income, and there are more of them compared to niche clients like athletes or bodybuilders.

Why is it crucial for personal trainers to focus on their clients' goals rather than their own?

Focusing on clients' goals is crucial because their workouts and needs will differ from the trainer's. Trainers should avoid pushing their own agendas and instead tailor programs to help clients achieve their specific objectives.

How does Jeff perceive the role of a personal trainer's appearance in their professional success?

Jeff believes that a trainer's appearance matters but less than one might think. Being fit, professional, and knowledgeable is important, but looking like a bodybuilder can be intimidating to some clients.

What aspect of personal training does Jeff highlight as being most of the job?

Jeff highlights good communication and customer service as being most of the job. Trainers spend a lot of time with their clients, so being personable and responsive to their needs is essential.

Why does Jeff warn about the potential for burnout due to the working hours of a personal trainer?

Jeff warns about this because most clients want to train outside of typical work hours, which can lead to split shifts and working on weekends. This schedule can be a grind and lead to burnout if not managed properly.

What is Jeff's advice on the financial expectations for someone getting into personal training?

Jeff advises not to get into personal training for the money. It's hard to make a lot of money right away, and the barrier to entry is low, which typically means lower pay. He suggests getting into it because of passion for fitness or helping people.

How does Jeff define the misunderstood aspect of sales in the context of personal training?

Jeff defines sales in personal training as more of a conversation or presentation rather than aggressive tactics. It involves being genuine, positive, confident, and listening more than talking to understand the client's needs and goals.

What are Jeff's thoughts on nutrition coaching within the scope of a personal trainer's role?

Jeff believes that nutrition coaching is a part of a personal trainer's role, as long as it's legal in their state and they avoid giving advice to clients with health issues or writing meal plans. He suggests guiding clients to resources created by dietitians instead.

Why does Jeff consider accountability as a personal trainer's superpower?

Jeff considers accountability a superpower because it's a key factor in helping clients stay on track with their fitness goals. Many clients are successful and busy, so having a trainer to hold them accountable is invaluable.