10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Personal Trainer
Since I became officially certified last May (how has a year already passed??), I wanted to reflect on my journey and share with you some of the things I wish I knew before becoming a personal trainer.
After I got certified, I knew that I did not want to work in a large chain gym. I’m not good at selling myself and when I try, everything comes out sounding super fake and contrived. I have mad respect for (good) trainers who do this well, I’m just not one of them.
Because I was planning on working for myself, I needed to put in a LOT more work. Luckily I had my teaching job at Sweat and some other side projects that helped pay the bills during that time. Also, if we didn’t have Neil’s income, I probably would have had to hustle even more and I may have started in a chain because they are more predictable.
These tips are all based on my experience and other trainers may have different points based on how their business is set up and how they are seeing clients. Trainers — if you have other thoughts to add, please share them in the comments!
1. People are unpredictable
I went into personal training thinking that if someone spends money for a workout, the likelihood is pretty high that they will show up and stick to that commitment. Wrong.
I’ve been surprised at how many people late cancel their appointments, even though they know they will get charged. You need to be prepared to have your schedule altered and for certain clients to be more wishy-washy than others.
2. Taxes & Benefits
Working for yourself means that there is no one taking out taxes from your income. It’s awesome to get paid for sessions and think THIS IS AMAZING I’M RICH AND MAKING SO MUCH MONEY and then maybe cash it out and throw it on the bed to roll around in.
After you’re done making it rain, set aside anywhere from 20-30% of it for taxes. Ouch. My income from training wasn’t terribly substantial last year, so I’m just getting into actual tax stuff this time around. You can either file quarterly self-employment taxes or wait to do it all at the end of the year, but then you might cry a little bit.
If you are single, you will also have to look into providing your own health insurance. Luckily, I am on Neil’s through his work, but if you need to sign up on your own, that’s another expense to consider.
3. It could take up to a year to build your client base
After I got certified, other trainers told me that it would take at least a year for me to build a regular client base. I couldn’t fathom that amount of time, so I smiled politely and disregarded it. Lo and behold, one year later and my schedule is finally almost maxed out.
The first couple clients are the hardest to get, but if you do a good job, clients will be more likely to refer you to their friends and then it kind of grows from there. Word of mouth is BIG in personal training.
4. You need to be accommodating
Along with understanding that people can be unpredictable, you will have to learn to be flexible in order to accommodate rescheduled sessions and client requests. Sometimes clients who cancel early in the morning want to reschedule later in the day. Other times someone may need to move to a different time/date because of a scheduling conflict. I can’t tell you how many times my schedule changes in a week!
Another way you will need to be accommodating is in the spur of the moment. You may show up to an appointment with a workout planned out only to find that your client isn’t feeling well or has injured something. During these times you need to be prepared to alter the workout on the fly to make sure they are getting the most out of their time with you.
5. Taking a vacation = extra work
Since you don’t accumulate paid time off (wouldn’t that be great?), you’ll need to be prepared to put in extra hours before or after a vacation in order to make up lost income. In preparation for our trips to CA, for example, I saw clients on the weekend (which I don’t normally do), and packed my schedule so that I didn’t miss many sessions.
6. You will make mistakes (but learn from them)
One thing to understand about personal training is that you can pass an exam, get a certificate, and still be a horrible personal trainer. Regurgitating facts out of a book is great, but it’s how you UNDERSTAND and USE those facts that makes or breaks you. You need to be able to read each client and understand what he or she is trying to get out of your sessions. You need to know when to slow it down or when those clients need to be pushed a little bit harder.
Right after I got certified, I shadowed a couple trainers that to see their approach to training. I also asked a million questions about administrative things, how to charge, and a lot of “what-if” scenarios. My very first two clients I saw for about 6 months, and looking back I probably would have changed a few things in my approach to training them. I would have spent more time emphasizing the importance of nutrition in conjunction with exercise and really I would have just gotten more involved in what we were doing.
7. Not everyone will like you
My first sessions is always free. I meet with clients, ask them about their goals, history, what they are looking to get out of personal training, etc. and then take them through a shortened workout. I’ve done a number of free sessions that didn’t convert into paying clients. That’s OK.
Just like in life, not everyone is going to like you. You may have a training style or philosophy that doesn’t mesh well with what a client is looking for. You may be too expensive. You may not make a great first impression. You may have brown hair or remind them of an ex. Whatever the reason, not everyone will fawn at your feet after meeting you. And that’s fine. Plenty will.
8. Be prepared to WORK to build your client base
If you are heading out absolutely solo, you need to know that there is going to be A LOT of work involved in building up your client list. You need to market yourself like you have never marketed before, making sure to think outside the box for ways to advertise without spending a lot of money. You’re going to have to talk yourself up. It’s going to be uncomfortable at times. The more you do it, the easier it will get. Remember, it only takes one or two to start a chain reaction.
9. Sometimes it’s better to let someone else do the heavy lifting
Because I have this blog, some freelancing, and also teach group classes, I’m always looking around for more hours in the day. I wasn’t doing a very good job getting a lot of clients on my own, so I finally realized that it may be better to get some help.
I listed a profile on Right Fit Personal Training, which is basically like a dating service for trainers. If you want a trainer but don’t know where to look, all you have to do is hop on and read through hundreds of trainer profiles. The owner of the site is essentially like an acting agent who the prospective clients make first contact with and then he screens them and matches them with an appropriate trainer. He also handles all the payments and negotiations (another thing I don’t love), and once a client signs up with me, I communicate with them for scheduling, questions, etc.
From these clients, I only make about 80% of what I actually charge, but to have someone else do all the things I hate to do, it’s definitely worth it. Check out similar sites where you live to see if they can help jump start your client lists.
10. It’s wonderfully rewarding
OK, you all knew this was probably coming, but it’s true. Seeing people week after week and watching how they improve is really amazing. Knowing that you are partly responsible for their success is greatly rewarding and makes all of these other things worth it. I had heard people say things to this effect, but actually experiencing it was a whole other thing. #allthefeels
If you’re interested in becoming a personal trainer, make sure to check out some of my other helpful posts:
- Passing the NASM Certified Personal Training Exam
- How I Used GoFundMe To Raise Money For Personal Training
- What To Do With A Personal Training Certification
- How To Stay Healthy As A Personal Trainer
Question:
- Are you a trainer? Any thoughts?
I think I would also add that, like any business path, there is an insane amount of competition and territorialness. But there are also some people who will go out of their way to help you. Also? Not as easy as it looks to come up with plans and such.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…The Beauty of Starting Over (ish)
Totes magotes.
I know I would make a great trainer but haven’t taken my exam yet. I’m so busy with all my freelance work and school that I fear I won’t. I have until the end of the year. Eek!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Crockpot Chicken Taco Bowls {GF, Low Cal}
I waited until the last possible moment to sign up so I’m right there with you haha. You got this!
Love these Erin! I’d also add don’t feel inadequate if you don’t know everything right away. There’s only so much you can learn from books, and it can take years to really feel comfortable with what you’re doing. Also, look for a mentor! I found that super helpful.
Bri recently posted…Tone It Up Bikini Series 2016: Week 1 Review
Totally! I got so much help by reaching out to people who had been in the business longer.
Hi Erin! Great thoughts! So true! I started my personal training career at Equinox and got some amazing experience that way. However, it definitely was very demanding. Ultimately, working for yourself (as a trainer or other) will always have its ups and downs, and if you do it right, it’s so worth it. Keep up the awesome job, lady!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Walnut Creek weekend fun and my weekly workout recap
Thanks girl! Equinox? You fancy huh 🙂
WHAT A GREAT FRIGGIN’ SOOOOOO TRUE list!! 100% true on all counts!! Especially people NOT showing up to sessions THEY PAID FOR!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Marvel Over These Superhero Superfoods
Haha right?
My mom is an LMT who works for herself and most of these apply to her too. But, like you said, it’s really rewarding to work for yourself. She could have worked at a large massage chain but instead she built up her own client base and gets to work in a way that is meaningful to her.
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Change without Fear
Aw that’s so great! Tell her I need a massage. I don’t think I’ve ever had a real one!
This could be applied to sooooo many things. I’d love to have my own business one day, and it was great to read your lessons learnt! Thank you!
Olena @ candies & crunches recently posted…How Running Makes Us Happy, But Happiness Makes Us Better Runners
Anytime! I’m glad you found it helpful!
You’re making me want to be a personal trainer. This seems pretty honest. It is hard to remember to account for taxes, but it sounds like you have a really logical, level headed way of looking at it. Sometimes, the idea of taxes stresses me out. I also love that you ended it with the fact that it is really rewarding. Every job has its challenges, but in the end, if you are using your God given talents, you will love it.
Emily recently posted…WIAW: Caring Not Comparing
Yeah taxes are never fun haha
As someone contemplating getting certified, this is great to read. Thanks for sharing!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…The Waiting Game
Of course! If you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email!
Ditto! I’m about to sign up this week and I took notes on your suggestions! Thanks alot!!!
great post Erin! Hahah my favorite part ‘after you’re done making it rain…’ YEA taxes are a pain in the ass for sure. especially when you feel like you have all this extra income coming in!
Beverley @ Born to Sweat recently posted…Mexican Shrimp Quinoa Bowl
Hahaha I was in a witty mood that day
YES, to each and every single one of these points! I’ve worked in two different gyms so far, and it took me a year at both places, to build up to full-time.
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Blackened Tofu Buddha Bowl with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Oh man you had to start over again? That’s so tough!
It’s great to have that cert. The best trainers are passionate about what they do so I know you will be excellent. Make the workouts half way enjoyable for the clients or they won’t do it. That’s my best advice.
Hi, Erin! I’ve been reading up on personal training and was wondering if you think it’s worth the money to re-certify every few years and pay for CEU’s, or if the money and experiences you earn make up for it. Thanks! ❤️
Hey Hannah! So it’s mandatory that you get recertified or else you won’t be legally able to train people anymore. I’m earning mine by getting a specialization but I’m also going to a conference next month where you can get a lot of CEUs in one place. Shoot me an email if you have any other questions I can help with!
Thank you! ❤️
I have just recently gotten certified and amworking at the rec center at my college until graduation, and will start training next week. I am looking for insight into how working free lance works and compares to working for a gym.
Freelancing takes a lot longer to build up bc you have to do all the work to find clients. I think if you’re relying on the income it might be best to start in a gym just so you know what to expect. From there you can think about going independent but keep in mind it can take some time to build up a client base!
I am currently studying for the ACE certification, and have a job lined up upon completing. A bundle of nerves, but this post was very helpful!
Totally agree that clients are so much more unpredictable than you think! It amazes me how much schedules can change haha.
How does Right Fit go? I’ve never heard of such a thing (I checked out their website) before, but it sounds awesome! And do you work at a private gym instead of a larger company, then?
Being self-employed,did you have to have a business license? If so, what kind?
Thanks for all this info!
I eventually incorporated it into a business, but you don’t necessarily have to set it up that way. You can just operate as a sole proprietorship and don’t need a license (just make sure you’re certified and have cpr cert!). Make sure to keep track of all your expenses/payments/etc though for tax time!
I love this. I have been thinking about becoming a personal trainer for a long time now and this was super informative so I appreciate it!
Thanks Ginny I’m so glad you found it helpful!
I’m so glad I ran into this post! I’m encouraged! With a background in Broadcasting, I have been hesitant about taking up CPT for years, for the “lie” I have put in my head that I can’t do both, I can do both! Why not? How are things going for you now?
Oh good I’m glad! Yes, you can do both! I’ve used that as a way to supplement my income since I started. It wasn’t what I wanted to do full time, but being able to do it part of the time was fun and enjoyable!
Hello there! I know this post now dates some time ago, but I was wondering if you have any suggestions for people who would like to start part-time. I ultimately would like to have my own business but I am in between jobs now so I was thinking to start part time and have another job on the side in order to build up an income and then go full time with my own business. I would love to hear your feedback on this.
Thank you so much!
I think the easiest way to do that would be to see about training in another facility like a gym so that you can get used to training and also meet potential clients. It can take a lot of work in the beginning to build up a business, so I only worry that doing it part time would make things even harder. I definitely understand the financial need, so I’d try and start somewhere where there is guaranteed income to start.