You have completed all the courses and certifications to become a certified personal trainer. Now you can work as an independent personal trainer or work with a fitness centre. You are a beginner. So, you are going to make some mistakes. Even experienced personal trainers make mistakes like not getting the right personal trainer insurance. You can learn invaluable lessons from mistakes. However, mistakes can be costly as well. You don’t want to make a mistake that is not good for your career. So, if you want to get those lessons without making mistakes, this article is for you.
You have already learnt a lot during your internship. You are equipped with the knowledge required to work with clients. However, the first couple of years are going to be challenging. You may land in situations in which you feel helpless. So, learn from the experiences of other personal trainers and avoid the following mistakes.
- No personal trainer insurance
You are there to help your clients. Due to the nature of fitness activities, one of your clients may get injured. Not having personal trainer insurance means you are inviting troubles in such situations. So, don’t just get personal trainer insurance but also make sure that you are not under-insured.
- It’s All About Tools
Your clients can achieve better results with equipment. However, your client still needs to work on movements. You don’t have to buy the newest gadget and fitness equipment.
- Ignoring the Body
When it comes to exercise, your body is the most important tool. Therefore, focus on improving the movements of your client. This reduces the risk of injuries.
- Blaming the Client
You are a ‘personal’ trainer. Your job is to educate, guide and monitor your client. If a client is injured after following your instructions, you are responsible for this, not the client.
- Not Differentiating Real and Feel
Your client accepts a challenge and feels great after success. Make sure you work on important components to improve the fitness of your client.
- Ignoring Experience
They have worked with clients coming from different backgrounds with different mindsets. Listen to personal trainers who have been in this business for years. Ask questions.
- Not Questioning
This doesn’t mean that you should underestimate yourself. When you are creating a fitness plan for your client, raise questions. You will be able to answer when your client asks any question. Also question your practices.
- Not Taking Small Steps
Your client already looks in good shape. This doesn’t mean that you can consider doing too much too quickly. Take small, incremental steps.
- No self improvement
While you should give equal attention to your personal and professional life. Set aside some time for new skills. You can attend weekend classes. This will help you in taking your career to the next level.
- Not Documenting
It is important to keep track of the progress of your clients. Therefore, take notes and share your thoughts with your clients. Similarly, take notes of your growth as a personal trainer.
Not Networking
Networking can be a little easier when you are working with a gym. You have like-minded people around you from the same profession. However, when you are working as an independent personal trainer, you must focus on networking. This helps in building relationships with physical therapists, dietitians, nutritionists and other professionals.
Complicating
There are different tools, trends and coaching methods you can try. However, stick to the basics and keep it simple.
Being Impatient
It is not easy to teach movement. You may need to rework again and again. Things take time to happen. Have patience and give your clients some time.
Not Educating
Don’t just monitor your client after giving instructions. While it is important to know how to do, your client needs to know why he should focus on certain exercises and ignore others. Explain everything.
Stay informed. Upskill. Get the right personal trainer insurance.