I love to ponder, from time to time. Over the most pressing questions of men and women in the 21st century. “Cluster set or Giant?” “Crossfit or Yoga?” “Which is the best toilet roll?” “Apple or Android?” Rather pressing indeed. None more so than – “Why can’t I do what I know I’m supposed to do…
Everyone is in need of physical activity for favorable health, including people with disabilities. According to the CDC, 53 million adults in the USA are living with a disability. However, nearly 50% of those who are capable of being physically active does not get nearly enough physical activity. As a fitness professional, it is always good to be armed with as many skills and certifications as possible as it will allow you to stand out in an intensely competitive field. Obtaining the necessary certifications that will enable you to provide all-inclusive training to the disabled will not only allow you to cater for a niche market but will see you render an invaluable service to the community as well.
Every personal trainer worth their salt knows that fad diets and exercise programs don’t work. According to a Business Insider report by Chris Weller, this is primarily because in most cases, the science behind these so-called revolutionary fitness hacks have been either blown way out of proportion or optimized to make a certain eating plan or workout appear more effective than they actually are. Unfortunately, these quick fixes are what sell and some personal trainers have started using them to build a solid client base more quickly. But is sacrificing your integrity for the sake of getting more clients really a good idea? Well, the short answer is no—and here’s why:
I believe that at some point in everybody’s life, we have that “thing” that forever changes the lens through which we see life. For some, it’s a loss, an accident, bankruptcy, or “rock bottom.” If you don’t know what yours is, then it hasn’t happened yet. But, it will. For my wife and I, that “thing” was the entire year of 2016. I won’t get into all the details because it’s not fully my story to share. Let’s just say it was a series of losses that forced my wife and me to say “F*ck it. Life is too short and too fragile. We’re going on the offensive.”
“It’s not my job to sell people, it’s my job to train people”
With words like pushy, annoying, sleazy and yuck springing to most peoples minds when they think of a salesperson, it’s little wonder personal trainers hate being associated with this label.
And with the rise of more and more people becoming personal trainers in today’s already saturated market, getting reoccurring paying clients can be almost as difficult as getting a perfect squat.
So can you really be a successful personal trainer with lots of paying clients without being the ‘pushy’ salesperson?
Have a look at the top reasons why personal trainers aren’t salespeople and what can be done about it to create the perfect balance between the two titles.
Being a personal trainer and working with clients is much like being in a relationship – you see each other multiple times during the week; you share intimate details of personal lives with each other; you go through some difficult times together (albeit it may be a challenging workout session). Over time these relationships grow and change. You learn more about each other, you share new stories and experiences, and you begin to see someone for what they really bring to the table. Sometimes all this is for the better, other times for the worst.
The Honeymoon period is over…
The beginning of any relationship is great – you get along well, sessions are going as planned, and you think this is the “perfect client” for you. Once that honeymoon period is over though and true personalities begin to shine, you may realize this person you once thought was the “only one for you”, is now your biggest nightmare.
What does a basic strength program look like with different Periodization systems?
There is currently scientific literature on 4 different periodization systems:
Linear periodization
Reverse Linear periodization
Daily Undulating Periodization
Block Periodization
It is important to understand that these systems are all examples of the application of Periodization.
As a general manager or owner of a facility, you are responsible for everything that happens or does not happen within the 4 walls of your facility.
You have no one to blame but yourself so you must take personal responsibility for everything. Does that mean you must do everything?
No, and it’s impossible so please do not try?
What you must learn to become great at managing everything within your 4 walls are 4 things:
John C. Norcross is an internationally recognized expert on behavior change, the author of “Changeology” and an undisputed authority on New Year’s resolutions!
Unlike most self-help books, John’s book “Changeology” has a strong scientific foundation and is best suited to those who want to alter negative habits. It springs from three decades of scientific exploration and uses behavior modification tactics that have worked successfully with tens of thousands of people.
However, that said, before starting, any client should meet these three criteria:
There are several things that are critical to your success when deciding to start your own fitness business. From my personal experience and through years of working in large, small, corporate, and independent facilities experience is crucial. Do not rush and take that leap until you are confident that you have to abilities to run every dynamic of a fitness facility.
Experience & Education
First, ensure that you are proper educated with at least 1 credible certification but hopefully more since you are interested in your own facility. Education is the line between success and failure. Not only should you have education in personal training, but you need to educate yourself in business management, finance, marketing, leadership, and many more roles that you will need to fill. Experience along with education is just as important. The hands on experience you can learn from working in a variety of positions in a variety of facilities is invaluable. I contribute a large majority of my success to having worked every department in a facility from the front desk, kids club, membership sales, management and more. Not only are these skills critical for you to understand but you will also have to teach these skills to your future employees and you cannot teach what you do not know.
Fitness Professional Online (FPO) is the online hub for fitness professionals, personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and others working in the fitness industry.
We provide information on continuing education, how to be a trainer, training a trainer, and getting a personal training certification.
Fitness Professional Online
529 E. Gutteriez
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 500-6893
