5 Reasons Why Personal Trainers Struggle becoming Successful (#4 might shock you)
I am inspired to give these tips away because my biggest pet peeve is wasting time. You can always make money, but time is something you can not get back. I love the fitness industry! Yes, it has it’s flaws, but those flaws are what motivated to create a career of being a Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning coach and Nutritionist. In my time, the fitness industry has drastically changed. We’ve been able to witness a race to the bottom with certain group fitness companies competing to provide the best deal. We’ve witnessed the figure/body building industry gain popularity, which has turned a once male dominant fitness industry into arguably a more female dominated industry. Which I personally enjoy. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I am a Personal Trainer from the grass roots of training. I have worked with, talked to and observed thousands of Personal Trainers. Some successful and some not so. Here are 5 reasons that are holding Personal Trainers back from 1. Getting Clients 2. Retaining Client 3. Building their confidence and 4. Not having to work 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet (I personally want to end this)
You picked up a job at a Group Fitness facility
So you’ve got your Personal Training certification. Now what? You apply for an open position as a group fitness instructor because you like people and it gets your foot in the door. This company even perhaps tells you what you want to hear and that they want to help you build your clientele. Of course they do right?. The only issue is, the market they are working towards is for group fitness, and not for personal training. It’s like having a pizza parlor that also serves Chinese food, tacos and burgers. If you want to build your personal training clientele it is crucial that you are in an environment that is Personal Training focused. A big career first step mistake personal trainers are making early on, and one that has been more prevalent since 2015, and sadly its getting worse.
Your not organized enough to set yourself up for success
Very common and 100% fixable. Some trainers become tired of working for the big box gym, and they want to get out. Heck I did too. Overworked, underpaid, and selling products you don't believe are necessary. The only problem is that their scared to leave because they don’t know how to get set up to begin taking on their own clients. How do packages work? What am I worth? Will I retain my clients? All great questions. The answer is getting organized. You’ll need a social media/professional Training account, a brand, packages that are a win/win for you and your future clients. Answers are out there. But, you must seek to get organized, so clients know your serious about helping them with their goals.
3. You’re scared to put yourself out there on social media
Welcome to the club! If you’re and introvert like me then it is definitely not easy. But, guess what? Your career and success depends on it. If you’re passionate about helping others you need to show them your product. It is imperative that with a completely saturated market of Personal Trainers selling god knows what, that you stand out and show who it is that you want to work with, what market you want to draw in and why. At the end of the day, this may sound harsh, but, you must get over yourself and your fears. This is crucial. We ask our clients to drop their fears and work on their health. It’s only fair that we as professionals drop our fears as well (Selfies also do not count as fitness marketing. You are a trainer. Show movement, exercise and convey the product your passionate about.)
4. You became a Personal Trainer to learn how to workout
It’s hard to believe this happens, but, it’s true. I’ve seen this more times than I can count. All you have to do is ask a Personal Trainer why they decided to become a Personal Trainer? Some will say, “I wanted to learn how to train myself.” Being healthy and getting paid to be fit and active are compelling. However, you’re not going to be paid to have no base line practical experience to pull from. Learning the bench press on the go isn’t going to get it done. Clients will be able to see through your lack of experience, which doesn’t exactly help you build your confidence. My advice? Workout and workout some more! Become your own success story so you can pull from your practical experience to help others achieve their goals.
5. You’re spending too much time in a culture that does not teach beneficial, and successful habits
This is the killer. Being surrounded or lead by a manager who isn’t a Personal Trainer. The trainer who is on their phone more than engaging with their clients. Habits have been going unregulated in the fitness industry for years. There is also the Personal Trainer who is scared to leave a job because they aren't sure if there is a better opportunity out there. Guess what? THERE IS! And it lies within you. Never sacrifice your integrity, growth and development for a company that does not reciprocate those values. Staying in these environments are de motivating, cause burnout, and cause more great trainers to completely quit the industry all together. My advice? If you are unhappy, then make a change! Make calls, contact other owners and operators and ask questions. Align your core values with your leaders, and businesses. And if you don’t know what your core values are, write them down! The right fit for you is out there! It’s upsetting to see a passionate Personal Trainer give up on themselves, their future and the opportunity to better themselves as well as others because they were so uncomfortable and unhappy working for a company that does not prioritize development. Keep learning, and keep moving! We need you…..let’s do it together.
Scott Salling
Founder of F.I.T. Academy
IMPACT Magazine Canada Top Trainer
ISSA Certified Nutritionist