Common sense tips for PT's

[PerFit]

Hey folks.

I'm compiling a list of common sense/ street smart tips for new PTs. Essentially things they don't teach you in PT courses which go a long way in regards to becoming a successful PT. I would we could all add some things and maybe even learn a few things ourselves. It could be things to do with actually training people or how to get clients. Not everyone will have the same view of things so lets not make a debate over this. Here are a few to start off

- When training larger clients or clients with body image/self esteem issues, be mindful of what you are getting them to do and where you are doing it. For example, an overweight lady is probably going to feel a little uncomfortable doing any bent over exercises with her butt out for the world to see in an area with other people around. If you need to do these exercise maybe go to a more quiet are or do them with her back to the wall

- You can either compete of price or compete on quality

- Never bring your phone onto the gym floor. It looks unprofessional and onlookers will view it as though you are not being an attentive trainer


what are yours?

[WoofieNugget]

* Networking and face to face marketing will get you way more clients than any social media, video or stupid meme you post online.

* Always start (and end) sessions on time, and give yourself 5-15 minutes in between so that you aren't rushed.

* Always remember that everything you do is about the client, and you need to speak their language, whatever that may be. Don't assume just because one client hears things and talks to you a certain way that the next one will too.

[KyleAaron]

Your clients will not be top athletes.

Your job as a trainer is to take people from A to B, from where they are now to where they want to be. Athletes are really focused on where they want to go, but have no clue where they are now, "I want to beat Usain Bolt later this year... yes, I did have a knee reconstruction last month, so?" Everyone else is crystal clear on where they are now, but have no idea where they want to go. "Uh... I want to get fit... lose weight... tone up..." You'll be training everyone else.

Other trainers care a lot about how you train people and will have strong opinions about it, regardless of whether the method gets results or not. Gym managers want you to do everything - barbells, kettlebells, bodyweight, bosus, zumba, everything. Clients don't care how they're trained so long as they progress.

There are two jobs we do. A gym instructor's job is to care and clean, since the things that make people stay at or leave a gym are overcrowding, cleanliness of the facilities and friendliness of the staff. A personal trainer's job is to teach correct movement. These jobs help each-other, while being a gym instructor you pick up PT clients.

Teaching correct movement requires repetition. They should keep doing a movement over enough sessions to get better at it.

Wherever you are, if you rely on others to get clients for you, you'll fail. Move your arse out onto the gym floor and into your community and talk to people. Get your own clients.

Getting and keeping clients requires that you demonstrate competence, establish trust and rapport. Different aspects will be more important to different people.

Most people don't need one-on-one training, small group is fine. They may want one-on-one, charge them accordingly.

Clients are not your friends, no matter how friendly they may be.

If you can coach a proper pushup, and a squat of some kind, if you show up on time, record their workouts and progress their efforts over time, congratulations you're in the top 10% of trainers.

Don't be scared to just try things. If nobody got injured and they show up next time, the session was a success. If they progress over time, the programme was a success.

Don't injure anyone.

If you do a seminar, don't make everyone do that stuff Monday morning. Give it a couple of weeks for things to digest.

Whatever you do, if you put enough time and effort into it you'll get some results. The question is: what's optimal? And that's what all the training arguments are about.

Personal, and trainer - both matter. You need personality or brains to be a PT. Just one will do.

[penafitness]

- 'When training larger clients or clients with body image/self esteem issues, be mindful of what you are getting them to do and where you are doing it. For example, an overweight lady is probably going to feel a little uncomfortable doing any bent over exercises with her butt out for the world to see in an area with other people around. If you need to do these exercise maybe go to a more quiet are or do them with her back to the wall'

Not just heavy women but women in general. Also be careful on stretching female clients. Try not to look like a pervert.

[Endevorforever]

Don't work at a commercial gym unless you want to work part time.

[JontheAtheist]

-. Try not to look like a pervert.

Basically don't be this guy.