Personal Tips from Personal Trainers! - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Elijah Bishop]

In my experience with fitness and training, one thing that I have really noticed is how many trainers don't know the "simple stuff." What I mean by the "simple stuff" is the things that we tend to take for granted after training others for so long such as: being awake with your first client in the mornings! ; Or not taking personal phone calls while you are with a paying client; or not discussing your clients social or personal life with other clients. These simple things come second nature to those that have been on the job for a while but now that I'm in the postiion as a head trainer, managing studios, trainers and clients, I really want to communicate the simpe things that make trainers GREAT trainers that they won't learn in school or through a certification.

So I thought it would be a good idea to post a forum where you can tack on the simple things that you've picked up over the course of your training experience and pass it on so we all can become more effective and encourageing! So here it goes...

1. Make sure YOU don't smell like sweat! Always have a clean shirt on hand in case your previous client sweats like a hog and smells like one too! THIS MEANS YOUR SHOES TOO!!!
2. LISTEN to your client. There usually not paying you to tell them about YOUR problems. They need someone to listen to them with good ears and eyes. A good trainer is always a good listener to the person's words and their body language.
3. Don't explain everything by saying "This is what I do." Your personal experience is influential, but we are all different.
4. When a client calls you, call them back within atleast 30 minutes. This lets them know that they are important (AND THEY ARE!)
5. Train every session like your life depends on it. Your key to encourageing is making the workout a benefit to them, not a nightmare!

SO NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!!! What are some key concepts, ideas, or mistakes that you've made that you can share to help us?

[Sandy]

My clients are very important to me. I always answer my cell phone when they call, and if not able to, then call within 30 minutes. I never give my home phone out since my kids cannot take messages, but also it is NOT professional.
I have to admit, I DO once in awhile smell like sweat because I also instruct classes and have clients right afterwards, but bring a change of Professional clothing with me.
I always listen and take in consideration what my clients say. Whether it is on a professional or personal basis. I keep them on a positive attitude towards their time with me.
I always know when my clients birthdays are so I can share that day with them. It's not just being a trainer to them, but making it fun for them too. I want them to look forward to the time with me and improving what they can do for themselves.
One thing I never do is talk about other clients.

Sandy

[Christina]

Good thread Elijah!

1. Look professional. This isn't the time and place to show off your physique.
2. Don't talk about other trainers or clients behind their backs.
3. Conduct periodic fitness testing so your clients know whether or not they're making progress.
4. Don't talk to other trainers or gym members when you are with a client.
5. Listen to your clients' goals. Not everyone wants to run a marathon or look like a fitness model!

Christina