Becoming a successful personal trainer is about more than just gaining a qualification. Qualifying is the first step in your journey and here are our tips for becoming the best PT you can be.
- Communicate
Communication is key; our Harrogate-based Fitness Garage Academy tutors were unanimous in saying that the key to strong trainer-client relationships lies in your ability to communicate. Clients don’t just come to you to train, you’re a point in their week when they can unburden about their work and personal stresses. You may catch them at a particularly low moment and your session is as much about them leaving feeling mentally stronger as it is about their physical training. Active listening is key and following up at your next session to ask how things worked out will go a long way to establishing a trusting relationship. - Organise
Many trainers are so pleased to qualify that they go straight out and secure clients and start building their business straight away. Of course, this is great, but before you launch full pelt into the practical side, spend some time getting the basics of your business on track. Think about how you will onboard new clients, the data you will require, what your policies will look like, what will happen if a client cancels a session etc. Our tutors all said they wished they’d spent a bit more time on the business side of working as a PT from the start, as it would have saved time later on. - Learn
Make the most of every opportunity to learn while you’re completing your personal training qualification. You’ll be surrounded by a network of qualified fitness professionals during your training in Harrogate. Make the most of their knowledge and experience and ask them about the reality of running a fitness business; what worked for them and what they wish they had known at your stage. The learning doesn’t stop once you qualify either; keep attending relevant courses to deepen your knowledge and tap into your local fitness network to keep abreast of developments in the fitness industry. - Be Yourself
It’s a cliche but there’s truth in the old adage that “your vibe attracts your tribe”. Recognise that you can’t be all things to all people so stay true to your core beliefs, focus on your own unique skills as a PT and the rest will follow. You will find like-minded clients whose life outlook mirrors yours and who share your core beliefs. - Adapt
Running your own fitness business isn’t a linear process. The joy of being your own boss is that you can adapt and take your business in the direction that most interests you. Our Fitness Garage Academy tutors all have different areas of focus for building their business over the next twelve months, from developing an online platform as a secondary source of income to building their in-person client base through a referral programme. Embrace the uncertainty!
If you’re interested in qualifying as a personal trainer and studying with the Harrogate-based Fitness Garage Academy, read more at www.fitnessgarageacademy.co.uk, email hello@fitnessgarageacademy.co.uk or call 01423 317 117.