This fitness and personal training industry has never been bigger with some estimates of the global wellness industry worth north of $4.4 trillion in 2021. This means that it’s also never been a better time to become a personal trainer. Do you have what it takes to be a fitness champion and cheerleader for your clients? In this article we explore everything you need to know to get certified, get in the industry and get your first clients.
What are the characteristics of a good personal trainer?
Every personal trainer is, of course, different, but there are a few general traits that could mean that you’re well suited for a career in the industry. These can include:
- Being good with finances
- A keen eye for detail and the ability to stay organised
- A total passion for health and well-being
- Exceptional fitness levels
- Skills in instructing and teaching
- Always the motivator in your group of friends
- You believe that great customer service is essential
- Able to keep a calm attitude under stress
- You’re a social person who loves conversation
It’s also important to also keep ahead of trends and any new research in the fitness industry. The best personal trainers are able to incorporate new exercises and approaches for their clients.
Where do personal trainers work?
Established personal trainers may have a good pool of regular and one-off clients. However, when you’re just getting started, it may be a bit tougher to obtain your first few clients. This is why working for a gym or fitness centre might be advantageous.
Aside from gyms or fitness centres, you may also find employment at corporate fitness centres, spas or resorts, medical rehabilitation facilities or specialised studios such as for pilates or yoga. For some of these you may need to get further certification or training.
As you can see, there are a wide range of areas and places you may find employment as a personal trainer. This is what makes this such a dynamic and interesting field.
What do personal trainers do each day?
Your core goal will be to help others achieve their fitness and health goals. You may be designing workouts for individuals and groups, or you may even be required to organise meal plans and carefully monitor nutrition.
When working with individuals, you’re likely to be on a fitness journey with them for many months, if not years. This is where the job can be incredibly rewarding as you watch them achieve their goals and targets.
If you’re running a group class, it’s essential to design a programme that caters to the different levels of fitness of the attendees. While classes will be structured between beginner, mid and expert; there will still be variations within these groups.
If you’re not working for an organisation, it can be incredibly useful to use personal trainer software to keep on top of your admin and manage your clients. This can help your clients book sessions and even make payments easily. It can also help you keep on top of new trends and research in the industry. Providers like PTMinder have every feature you may need to get your business up and running.
What qualifications do you need to be a personal trainer?
With the information above you’ve hopefully been able to decide whether becoming a personal trainer is the right career for you. Training and certification are important no matter how much you already know or enjoy the health and fitness industry.
It is imperative that you do your research and choose the appropriate fitness certification for your personal career goals as there are several national and international choices. Courses can also range from several weeks to months and may be conducted online or in-person. You need to find the option that works best for your current lifestyle and circumstances.
If you’re going to take a course, be sure it’s recognized by the appropriate bodies, has comprehensive course materials, and offers enough good student support. When in doubt, try to find reviews from people who have already done the course, or even reach out to your network to see if anyone else has also studied it.