Professionalism and Personal Training - What You Need to Know!

A gorgeous run on Naples Beach on a cooler, less humid fall Florida day.  Photo Courtesy of Charly II.

Professionalism and know-how are vital in the fitness industry.

To achieve your full fitness potential, you need proper guidance from your trainer.

With that being said, you need to be mindful of the advice you are given.

Considering the uptick in group personal training sessions (is group personal?) and the more recent ‘fitness scandals’ - I’ve compiled a few do’s and don’ts to help you navigate working with a trainer:

A personal fitness trainer MUST stay current.

The fitness industry is always changing and evolving, so it’s important your trainer stays current with their certifications.

Not only is it a manner of professionalism but it also helps them serve you better. 

With a plethora of courses constantly offered in person and via distance learning, look for someone who actively pursues continuing education, conferences, and reads literature related to the industry.

The more knowledgeable they have, the easier it is to maintain proficiency in their job and offer clients sound advice and techniques.

Look for leaders.

Being a leader doesn’t just mean setting out a program and yelling “good job!” while you pass through.

Having a cheerleader is helpful, but you also want someone who can lead by example and help you achieve success over your personal challenges.

Choose compassion.

A lot of personal training clients have little to no experience in a gym, are battling short or long-term injury, are feeling disillusioned in their fitness goals, or have a personal hardship that can make training difficult without some form of guidance and empathy.

Finding a trainer who has compassion for each client no matter how young or old and no matter what fitness level they are at is one of the most important characteristics in a quality trainer.

An effective trainer is one who trains with both empathy and compassion, leaves their ego at the door and focuses on helping their client reach their full potential.

Have faith.

A lot of people who are new to training lose faith in their abilities, especially if they don’t see immediate results.

A good trainer both believes in you, your ability to succeed, and can re-instill your own belief in yourself.

Using proper training protocol, they can measure and reassurance you of your progress each week.

Be wary of the trainer who puts all clients in the same fitness box.

Every client’s body and fitness level is different; therefore, every fitness program must be personally tailored to facilitate this.

For example, there’s no sense in giving a client who wants to build muscle a Tabata style program.

Make sure your trainer is tailoring your program to meet YOUR goals.

Don’t prioritize intensity over form.

Trainers who push their client to the verge of vomiting is not the hallmark of a good personal trainer.

Proper form should always trump intensity when it comes to training.

Learning proper form and technique will prevent injury and maximize muscle development leading to far quicker results than piling on weights or pushing you to breaking point.

Angie Ferguson is an exercise physiologist and Tony Robbins Results Coach from Fort Myers, Florida. She also is a Corrective Biomechanics Specialist, USA Triathlon Advanced Level 2 coach, USA Cycling coach, has a Specialty in Sports Nutrition certification, and a PhD in results!  

If you're looking for continual support, direction, guidance & accountability join Angie's Monthly Program here, and we'll help you look, feel and be your very best!