The Worst Things About Being A Personal Trainer

Hello and welcome to or welcome back to Sorta Healthy. We're your one stop shop for all things personal training and we're glad that you're here with us today.
In this video, Jeff is discussing the 10 worst parts of personal training. While we love personal training, of course, every profession comes with some things that can be a bit undesirable.
What do you think our 10 will be? Do you agree with them or disagree? Let us know in the comments!
We appreciate your support on this video and our entire channel. Please remember to like this video and subscribe to the channel for more content like this.. Thanks guys! Love ya!
----
FREE Downloads and Documents for Trainers: www.sortahealt...
Follow us on Instagram: / sortahealthyjeff
Our other site: www.sortahealt...
Our In Person Business: www.commencefi...
----

[@madhavnambiar1563]

Extremely valid content. I am 33 years old and started my PT career as a full time this year in a big box commercial gym. It has been a huge learning experience and I completely agree with all your points @sorta healthy. I am leaving this job for a more stable job. I love to teach people exercise but it is true it is a high pressure, stressful job. I am happy I have got this experience but it has also taught me that this job is not a good full time option , especially a commercial gym. There are quotas, shifts and lots of other PT. I was depressed , sad and lost all my enthusiasm. Thank you for your content. I wish I had gone through this content before I joined but the instability, poor money , immense pressure and lots of competition have made me realize that I can pursue it part time but this is certainly not suited for me full time. Regards .

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Great comment! Thanks for sharing! There’s no shame in making that move. We’ve all debated it at one point or another. Good luck in your new career! I hope you stay training part time in some capacity since you definitely have a passion for some parts of it!

[@thomasjameswilliamson5225]

I had a similar experience in a big-box gym (in the UK). Unpaid hours (15 per week), too many other PT's and not enough support from the management in helping to build your business. I don't think that type of gym suited me. Too loud and busy. I prefer slightly quieter gyms where you can get to know people a bit better. I do like working in a gym (which I have done for 6 years), so I have now taken some contracted gym instructor hours elsewhere (30 hours a week) and then PT'ing part time (aiming for 4-5 clients per week, I have 2 at the moment).

[@madhavnambiar1563]

Thank you Sir, I tried my level best learning about sales and working on my PT skills but I am very raw and in a country where I am an expat, the quota is very high at the gym and market is pretty dead. The new Personal Trainers who joined are all struggling to do 40 sessions a month , a figure which is really low. The fact that clients who renew are far in between. The other during the pandemic don't want to invest in PT , as it is an additional cost. All I can say is I have learned immensely about life. How Other trainers can make you feel like crap, how asking questions and learning from another is concerned a weakness and how the best in the business are always ready to help young talent. I have just put in my papers today and all my clients want to renew and said that I have changed thier lives. I am happy I could add that value, but for now I will continue training myself and learning about fitness, maybe train friends and family as a side hustle

[@madhavnambiar1563]

@@thomasjameswilliamson5225 thanks Thomas, the industry is brutal to start with and has no standards. I still don't know who is a good PT because I have seen some really knowledgeable PT have shit personalities and some PT stand like bouncers , either way this job should have an internship for one to get better at it. I would work with the best PT s to see how good they are. Thanks bro for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

[@bennylush]

Some good points here. I'm 15 years into my PT "career" the one point that hit home that isn't talked about much is the respect or lack of rather. I used to be an accountant apart from the "you must be boring" comments I still garnered respect from people. Personal trainers are generally seen as less intelligent and not really doing a real job. So much so that I dislike walking around in my PT clothes outside of the gym. Someone once said if you are over 30 and you wear a name tag you have failed at life.

[@ptcodex]

This video is spot on for the reality of personal training as a job. Theres alot of satisfaction helping people but end of the day it comes with alot of sacrifice to the trainer. Salute to all the trainers out there making the world a better place! ✌

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thank you and well said!

[@iamdancer]

I can do a video why 9 to 5 office job is horrible in so many ways. Still seems like this sucks less

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

It definitely sucks less in many ways! That’s why I still do it!

[@925fitness7]

Just passed my CPT exam 3 days ago and I am excited to get into the field. I've been watching your videos over the last few months and want to thank you for putting out all of this information!

[@925fitness7]

P.S. the video did not scare me off 😂

[@jdmfan2170]

Im in the same situation this video however is off-putting but its the reality

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Great to hear! Congrats! It’s still a great field to be a part of of!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Ya it’s the reality but it’s still a great field and I’m happy that I made it into a career. Despite the hardships it’s still a great thing for many!

[@pchiethegreat1]

Started PT 2 years ago. Currently running my own business within a commercial gym in Sydney, Australia and loving every second of it. Who says you can’t earn a decent amount doing this line of work?! I’m earning very well. It’s all about having a good business model.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

It sounds like you’re doing awesome! That’s great! You definitely can do very well as a trainer. All I said was the large majority of trainers don’t reach that point. While running your business do you still do a lot of training clients?

[@pchiethegreat1]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation So true, whatbyou said. It’s just such a cut throat industry. I’m not gonna lie and say I never questioned what I was doing to the point of having severe imposter syndrome at one point. But its all about perseverance, I suppose. Yes, absolutely. I’m doing 40-45 sessions a week. I’m in the process of hiring my first trainer under my wing too! Any advice?

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

It’s definitely all about perseverance! I still do about 40 sessions give or take. I’m hoping to reduce the amount significantly over the next year. Things are stressful but good! I’ve hired a good few trainers over the years and it sounds harsh but the best advice I ever got was hire slow and fire fast. If someone isn’t a good fit you’ll have to figure that out quick. If you find or mentor someone who’s doing well, do just about everything in your power to keep them. Good help is hard to find.

[@pchiethegreat1]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation Thanks for the tip! Will definitely try my best to hire the right fit.

[@789quicky]

All valid points. Personally I feel lucky to have this line of work. Money isn't great but it's rewarding and beats being stuck in an office 9 to 5 BIG TIME

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

All true and all good points!

[@connorsutton8745]

Great and helpful video. If you want to do more algorithm feeding "negative" videos taking inspiration from this one, something like "The 5 most difficult PT problem clients, and how to deal with them" would be very helpful

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

That’s a great topic idea! I try to keep it positive for the most part but sometimes a little negativity can be helpful too lol

[@pontefit4447]

For me that I’ve only had really physical jobs personal training it’s super chill in comparison. Not to mention that if I’m feeling tired I can grab a yoga ball and sit down while I’m watching form, doing notes etc

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I hear you! It’s definitely not nearly as physical as some things! I usually appreciate the physical aspect of the job tbh. It’s only when certain injuries get in the way that I don’t appreciate that aspect.

[@pontefit4447]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation I’m agree, I’ve just got a appendix removal and I been out 2 weeks, maybe in a office job that wouldn’t be the case

[@RealWorldAIP]

Rescheduling!!!!! I give handouts on the rescheduling policy (do it in person at beginning of session or talk to front desk) to each new client and still I’m getting texts on my days off, before work, after work about rescheduling. I give my number out to help with nutrition or workout questions, I CARE, I’m there for them but the rescheduling makes me want to individually rip every single hair out of my head one at a time.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Lol I know exactly what you mean! Well said!

[@mariahhockaday7011]

Thank you for this! I know all of these points but it is good to hear from another trainer the struggles we face. Just keep grinding.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thank you! Keep grinding is 100% right!

[@GOINPOSTAL1985]

New trainer here. Dealing with a knee injury which limits the depth of my squats...Definitely concerned with how potential clients will see that...

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I think you should be ok! Just let clients know about it ahead of time and have a way to show them proper form for moves

[@riffcrypt8438]

I'm so damn hyped. Just got hired for a great career. GOODBYE PERSONAL TRAINING! Training and coaching isn't a real career. It just isn't. Even if you run your own business. Good luck keeping sales leads flowing, especially if (like the overwhelming majority of trainers) you don't have extensive sales experience. Add in the other factors like low wages and inconsistent income, yeah all set. Don't let the statistical anomalies trick you.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Haha well first off let me say that I’m happy that you found something that you like better. That’s what life is all about. Training can definitely be a real career though. It’s definitely not the easiest path but it can be a good one for some.

[@NicoleNahed]

I definitely face the long hours! Has it helped having other trainers at the studio?

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

The long hours are tough! It’s definitely helped a lot! Our hours are becoming significantly more manageable after bringing in some more helping hands

[@henrituhola]

This video got no subtitles. Thankfully you've got graphics going along with it.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Hmm not sure why that’s going on but thanks for letting me know!

[@Ngan.marianguyen]

I agree w everything until "respect". A lot of people gave me that "wow" face when i said i was a pt. Especially for guys, being a pt as a girl was a guy magnet 😁😁

[@Ngan.marianguyen]

Everything u said in that beside this is spot on my gosh. I feel so validated for leaving this job🥹

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I hear what you’re saying! Are you leaving training for a different type of job?

[@Ngan.marianguyen]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation yes. I cant stand spending 8h inside a gym everyday (loud noises + loud music) + bad management and lack of team work. I'm pursuing something else now

[@steve00alt70]

If a client is really difficult to work with like isnt bothered or abusing then you have the right to terminate your service to them. Its great to get a legal person to handle the contracts too it will save you in the long run.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

All very true!

[@thomasarillotta6518]

3/5/23 Viewing and learning; loved it!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for the support!

[@mariannebuchel288]

Hahahaha this is fucking awesome, I´ll be sipping my tea while watching. Thanks for great content!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Lol tea works too! Thanks for the support!

[@maximospanagis4154]

Hello I recently started my personal training career working with 2 of my friends as clients. I have a huge concern about that the value I provide in a session will dramatically decrease as I teach my clients the correct form and the basics of training and nutrition. Any suggestions for keeping the value high as the sessions go by. I would really appreciate answering to my comment. Great work btw keep it up!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Good question! I think many trainers misunderstand what training really is until they’re in the trenches doing it. The main thing you’ll offer your clients is accountability. They’ll have an appointment time, and someone waiting for them to start their exercise for the day. It’s the most valuable thing you offer because it’s what gets people to actually show up and exercise. All of the other things you do, form correction, exercise knowledge, etc, don’t matter quite as much as your ability to hold people accountable. This is why you’ll always be booked up as a trainer if you’re good at the job and have put in a little time.

[@JD-hu3dg]

Love this one!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks JD!

[@teamrgvbodybuilding1772]

Great video

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for your support!

[@iworkout8137]

Luckily none of it seemed that bad to me 😂

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

In that case I think it’s the right job/career for you! I agree though, the pros outweigh the cons for me too.

[@dustinlines2181]

If you want to be a personal trainer you have to be honest about where it is that you live and if it suitable to do so. I moved to a place that is very affluent, where people don't bat an eye at 100$+ for an hour with a good trainer. As much as I love helping people in this profession I'm not sure I could or would even attempt to do so in many other places. People may also explore virtual training or doing outside group classes at a monthly rate if you live in an area that doesn't command a high hourly rate for trainers. I wouldn't suggest killing yourself for 12$ an hour for a big box gym just to pimp you out.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I agree with this almost 100%! I think starting out at a gym is still worth it for the experience even though the pay is lower.

[@abbiasante]

Cute dogs 🐶🥰

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thank you!

[@jdmfan2170]

Your telling this to me now smh

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I hear you, it can be a bummer sometimes! Did you find any part of the video surprising?

[@jdmfan2170]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation How difficult it is to make full-time income.

[@hanksandoval3466]

Getting a Real Job sucks!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Haha ya it does sometimes

[@nbka8rs]

algogogogogo

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks man! I appreciate it!