What I WISH I Knew Before Becoming A Personal Trainer

What's up guys? Jeff from Sorta Healthy here! In today's video we'll be chatting about some things that I wish I knew before starting out as a personal trainer. I created a list of 10 things that I wish I knew before getting started, and the reason I've created this video is because many trainers get into the field, expecting something, and when the reality of personal training is different than their expectation, they quit. Of course, this results in wasted time and money.
So, hopefully a video going over some things that trainers should know before getting started helps people decide whether or not this job is for them, or not.
Thanks for the continued support everyone! We love you guys!
-Jeff and Alexis
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Our in-person business: www.commencefitness.com

[@getittogetherndlife]

All of this, plus I would add that it's important to have a good cancellation/ reschedule policy because that aspect can really throw off your schedule and income.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Excellent point!

[@jackatherton3727]

Very true! It is becoming an issue with a few of my clients. Some tend to 'forget' or mix up dates.

[@jackatherton3727]

I wish I knew how little our certification actually teachs us. This job is non stop reasearch if you care for your clients and want to be a good PT

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

That’s a good one! It’s definitely a job that requires a growth mindset and the willingness to learn

[@HillMDot]

I wish I knew how de-conditioned the general population is.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

This is a good one!

[@fritzgod_]

What does this mean?

[@yonatanmoritz]

What does that mean?

[@mitchellroot9738]

The average Joe is extremely out of shape.

[@KerryFairbanks]

Firstly, this is golden information for a service provider seeing as really half the job is branding and marketing. knowing your client and creating an attractive atmosphere for them will "sell itself" once you get some initial momentum. Secondly, I remember a trainer ran a few group classes throughout the day at a gym I worked out and I just thought that was the best way. 5-6 clients during the same hour. I currently work in a direct client service business and quickly realized I much prefer to schedule multiple clients at once than dedicating a separate hour for each one and in fact with the model, I can charge more if they need private sessions. Just something I experienced in my current field.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for the support! I really appreciate it! The small group model that you’re describing is definitely a good way to do things in many cases/locations. In my studio we do one-on-one and small group and both options serve us and the clients well.

[@0ako]

Anatomy. Skeletal and muscular anatomy and muscle actions. Understanding which muscle actions occur during each exercise allows you to understand the reasoning behind the "proper form" of exercises and why you choose certain exercises in the first place. The why and the how. By knowing exactly which muscles are supposed to be working during an exercise, and paying attention to the correct felt sensations when you're exercising, you're able to execute movements more effectively. Especially invaluable if majority of your training is movements where many muscle actions and joints are moving simutaneously. I wish I'd taken then time to dive into musculoskeletal anatomy and muscle actions earlier in my career. Looking back, a lot of my cues to clients were off, because of my lack of anatomy knowledge. It's like with exercises we just start doing them because we vaguely know they're beneficial. But the more you know why they're beneficial, e.g. what muscles they work, what energy system is being worked... the more you have the tools to structure and adjust training programs for yourself and others, because you have a better idea of what results you will get.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

This is an excellent point! Unfortunately most training certifications really don’t spend enough time on this.

[@melodywilkes762]

Jeff can you make more anatomy focused videos. I know you have a few but more in depth would be great! Thank you for all your content! 14:09

[@toni2309]

Do you know any good source to learn about this?

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

@@melodywilkes762 thanks for the support! There’s a good chance I’ll make more at some point!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

@@toni2309 I made three videos that I think cover the subject pretty well. I tried to keep things relatively simple because as trainers, we should know basic anatomy, but we don’t need to be experts in everything. Here’s the first video if you’re interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6abp56gl82BrZI

[@trainelastic]

This is such a great video. I've been in the industry for almost 20 years and while I am part-time right now (I have another business) I'm thinking about diving back in closer to "full-time" and EVERYTHING you said imo is spot on! Good reminders. Also great video production. Lastly, I respect your openness and honesty! Great stuff!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jeanettes.6541]

this was very knowledgeable and helpful, thank you!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chaunceye9063]

Love your videos! I've been a personal trainer for 16 years and I think your first point and last point are the ones I would say I wish I knew the most. My clients do NOT want complicated programs with complex exercises. This will only not only make them feel inadequate, it's just not necessary for the majority of clients who simply want to lose weight and get stronger. And to the last point, most of my clients have told me they pretty much pay me to hold them accountable first and foremost. All of these are excellent points though and I really resonated with every one. Also, love your anatomy videos. Thanks!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks so much for sharing! I really appreciate the nice comments and support!

[@yssa5452]

This channel is a real gem. Really encouraged to make the career shift someday, learning as much as I can in the meantime

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks so much! Go for it!

[@tmmnago2722]

So did you make the shift?

[@martinaguilar1977]

I am studying to certify for PT, bodybuilding specialist and nutritionist through ISSA. Im looking at videos and also asking questions to trainers. Im doing my homework everyday until i certify and this video helps a lot. Thank You.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Best of luck! Thanks for your support!

[@SolarSoftMedia]

I'm doing the same thing through ISSA. Did you complete it yet?

[@lynneramos3179]

Hi Jeff- it's your biggest fan in Atlanta ( : Something I didn't think about or take in to consideration prior to becoming a trainer has to do with both mental and physical fatigue- its real! I'm a work in progress and am learning how to effectively balance training hours and days. I have experienced that my off days- I spend much time recuperating from work and my own training sessions. I'll figure it out! Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts, opinions and experiences with us all.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thank you so much for the support! It’s definitely a physically draining job, no doubt about it. I think you get used to it, to some extent anyways, but it’s always tough in that way. Just make sure you leave time for your own workouts and downtime. Booking out time for me to do that stuff is the only thing that’s kept me sane lol

[@jackatherton3727]

I hear you! Do you feel as if you are never not working because you are always thinking of the next session, are you prepared enough, am I doing this right etc? I know I do so it feels like I never leave work at work

[@bibleboy8004]

great videos my man i have a interview soon to work for a company videos have been insightful

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Glad you’ve found them helpful! Good luck!

[@danielmorganshelley5608]

This is great! Thank you for sharing :-)

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

You’re welcome!

[@bullymasterfamily]

Great content! 🫡

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thank you!

[@sterlingsilver5937]

Thanks for your Insight! I was a trainer abiut 9 years ago and am considering reentering the fitness industry.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Best of luck!

[@linnysophie]

Can you make a video about online coaching follow ups? Like what should a PT ask his clients on weekly follow ups etc.? Thank you for all this amazing content! 🙏😊

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for the support! We plan on making more online coaching content later this year!

[@reneejeffers8962]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

You’re welcome!

[@abhishek_munian]

I hope to get past this phase at the earliest

[@jeanettes.6541]

I use to train and learned alot of bodybuilding tips after dating my ex fiance for 5 yrs, I was so happy and found my confidence and love, lost my father and its been 3yrs and I am finally regaining my mental health and love for myself. I am currently looking into nutrition career or coach, possibly a trainer back then I helped many ppl because i was passionate and very obsessed with the knowledge, and i was not certified but I shouldve gone to school, but finally I am getting the power back.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Sorry for your losses. Wishing you the best of luck on your new journey!

[@AutismArchon]

I wish I knew how hard it was to get clients as a brand new trainer.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Harder than it seems it should be sometimes!

[@bookyphrenia1359]

Reading this comment and then your name made me crack up, but I hope you’ve gotten some clients by now, friend!

[@AutismArchon]

@@bookyphrenia1359 Obviously I use my professional account for clients and yes I’ve found some success haha!

[@melissaferguson5280]

Very hard! I am going thru this now as a new trainer

[@user-fu3dg4ce7w]

I am going through the same phase, at the begginning of my new business i had several clients, but most of them left and now i'm sort of starting all over again. It's been a few very quiet months and it really stresses me out. Hope it works out for you all out there!

[@AlexFolacciRAPIDEfitness]

This year I’m on my way to make $550k as a Private trainer in NYC, I’ve done over $46k a month in average, at $300/h with 23-25 clients.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Damn, dude you’re killing it! I’m kinda jealous tbh haha. Keep up the good work!

[@user-vq1gh2vp6m]

what do you think contributed the most to your success?

[@PollyParr]

Being in Ny! ​@@user-vq1gh2vp6m

[@MaddRapper11203]

@AlexFolacciRAPIDEfitness 🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢

[@Thepilateschick]

Great info🎉

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@nevencuk]

This is a great video. I am also in personal training and I agree with everything said.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks so much!

[@bennyg9782]

Super helpful.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@warriorforchristatl6974]

Jeff, you're the man😁👍🏿👍🏿

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thank you!

[@jacobbutler169]

Also 100k a year is plenty for me especially doing what I love everyday being in a gym and teaching folks that exercise is optimal for health

[@thomasarillotta6518]

6/2/23 Viewing and learning; loved it!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for the support! 💪

[@Plusultra_PT]

I was not ready for how much people lied/held back on info (eating, injures, how much they worked out before) as the client gets comfortable that changes and they end up telling what really is going on as the sessions grow… I’ve had to learn to be patient and understand. Where as before I would get angry/frustrated Also that if I want to make money, I’d have to do more then just personal train… I became a life coach and am starting an online training app as well to be a hybrid trainer.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

People definitely aren’t always entirely truthful with some of that stuff. That’s where developing good relationships with clients definitely helps so that they’re honest and you can talk to them honestly.

[@James_dtfllc]

You earned a subscriber as well 👍🏾

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for your support!

[@batcat3660]

I'm looking into becoming a personal trainer. I've had a variety of health issues that have led me to ending up spending a crazy amount of time thinking and practicing fitness and general wellness. I can't currently hold a job due to said health issues, but as I train and learn more about becoming a trainer, hopefully those issues will be resolved. I figure if I'm going to be a personal trainer I should probably be healthier than the general population so we've got some work to do haha. Anyways, I figured that if getting healthy is going to take full-time then I should probably find a way to make a living that way lol

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Hope you feel better soon!

[@fabriziomeda]

Good video as always . I m a colleague of you here in Italy and my way of life is the same ...😂...hard job

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

It’s a hard job but a great job!

[@carlap0zo]

I wish I knew that you can’t get too personal with clients or too comfortable bc it leads to miscommunication and being taken advantage of both ways creates too much flexibility in my opinion

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

This is a great point!

[@Traveling_Tree_Dr]

Great insights, thanks for putting that together. I love all your videos actually.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I appreciate that!

[@Thepilateschick]

I wish I knew that it’s hard to make a living being a trainer. I’ve been in the business for 22 years. I love my job as a trainer and massage therapist.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Yes!!

[@emilygarcia2981]

I wish I knew I should keep it simple as you mentioned. Simple workout plans and only one tip per session😅

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Sometimes it just takes some trial and error!

[@uniqueusername22337]

good customer service ;)

[@renealexanderpm]

I wish I knew I that after getting certified I would have not idea where to start.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Yes! Getting started is hard!

[@benstringer5699]

Hey there! Ive watched you payment scheduler video but I'm wondering at one point we are allowed to charge for services.. Since they need to book an appointment, do we charge in advance? Or can we only charge once services are complete like a mechanic. Also, if we provide services, and the client does not pay, what can we do about that? Thanks in advance!!! Your videos have been incredibly helpful and are so thoroughly thought out 😁

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

You can technically collect payment whenever you’d like but I would always suggest having them pay before services (not necessarily in full, but something). You shouldn’t work for free and while most people are good and won’t take advantage of you, you never know. You can set payment schedules that work for you. Make sure you have a contract that clearly sets your expectations for payment and non-payment. For example, if they cancel a package before it’s over, do they owe you money? Etc.

[@stephenowens3687]

I'm just about to train my first client next week, at the age of 54. Totally new career for me. Any tips would be very welcome! Great channel by the way.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Wishing you the best of luck! Be yourself, get to know the client and remember that practice makes perfect. The first client is always nerve wracking but it will get easier.

[@stephenowens3687]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation Thank you! I subscribed!

[@SynergeticWarriors]

All support Jeff

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks so much!

[@sunriseeternity300]

Thanks for video #enjoylife

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Most welcome!

[@jacobbutler169]

Honestly I'm not sure how folks decide to switch career paths randomly and try out personal trainer. For me I shifted my entire lifestyle and lost 100 pounds in about 1 years and gained a decent amount of muscle. About my 4-5 month in the gym, I decided that I wanted to become a certified personal trainer. I wanted to let folks know who were like me the majority of their life (as a 10 year old elementary student I weighed 300 pounds) that you can lose the weight.

[@thisbequinn9903]

I'm going to be making this because I'm going to teach, yoga, pilates n rekki too as top ups 100k a year easy

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Best of luck!

[@TITAN1749]

Getting my ACE trainer certification next week

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Good choice! This link will get you 10% off if you’re interested in purchasing it. acefitness.referralrock.com/l/JEFFPAYNE64/

[@user-bx6mz1wg9v]

Answering your question I would like to know how to subcontract my services with a gym!

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Honestly, that’s basically the same as running other types of training businesses. I’d start here if you haven’t seen it already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4GbdJd8bNCogJYsi=mF6afG3GjaiZeFeK

[@iamgnice]

Appreciate this. I’ll be certified dec12th

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Good luck!

[@dcdelacruise]

Thank you JEFF, I recently just enrolled in a fitness course here and next month will be my start. my only drawback is I am already 48 years old. I don't know if i can get more clients but if i make this a full time job, better but i also have other businesses if this just becomes a side hustle for me though I want to make personal training / online coaching full time. if you were me at 48 years old, what would you do? thank u so much. Here in the Philippines though more and more people are getting into fitness and I am sure in the future i can be employed in a gym and hopefully in the future have my own business such as yours.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I don’t think being 48 is any barrier to getting into the field at all. One of the best trainers in my facility is in her late 50’s. The clients love her! I’d go the side hustle route for a while and then see if you want to go full-time after that.

[@dcdelacruise]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation I appreciate all the replies Coach, you really helped me a lot more than i can imagine and I am also recommending your channel to my fitness instructor classmates here in the Philippines. more power to your channel sir!

[@Destroythealliance]

Is there a place for older trainers? I'm looking for a retirement Job, or part time while working my full time job. I'm looking at personal trainer and Nutrition at Nasm, but don't want too make a mistake and waste money.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

There’s definitely a place for older trainers. Some of the most successful trainers I’ve known were older and retired. I’d say if you’re serious about training it’s worth getting the certification. If you’re not serious it’s definitely not worth it.

[@Texansfootball713]

I’m in trade school right now becoming a personal trainer and im a little nervous about the money and gym’s taking a good amount of it

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

There are good opportunities out there! If money is the concern eventually going off on your own is probably the move too.

[@swet815]

How to make traning season for soccer player any age and exercise to execute

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I could see myself focusing on that one later on! Thanks for the support!

[@aboveavveage2206]

What course would you recommend to get a personal fitness trainer certificate ??

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

NASM is my highest reviewed general certification so far but it really depends on you and where you’re located. Here’s the NASM review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4C9nWOVqLSKh7Msi=QmOJPn0GbMxam81z

[@abhishek_munian]

I wish I knew on some days nothing would make sense.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

This is a good one!

[@princeerick11]

A personal trainer actually does help 👏🏻

[@beqatchitchinadze5974]

Can I exercise after Hernia surgery? ? And what kind of exercises can I do to build muscle,

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Honestly, it depends on how long ago your surgery was. I’d ask your doctor since all hernias are different. Typically they’ll want you to start light and build back up from there.

[@Liveeachdaytothefullest]

Can I still keep my full time accounting job while working only part time personal training? Or will personal training take all my time? I'm nervous only because I'm not sure if personal training will give me the same income I'm getting being an accountant. How long does it really take to make good money so good that you can kiss your 9-5 job goodbye?

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I would definitely keep your full time accounting job and do training part time on the side. One good thing about training is that it makes a great part time side hustle.

[@James_dtfllc]

Getting into online coaching after training myself for 15 years. What is the best way to charge clients? Monthly? Or per session?

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

If you’re going to be focusing on online training I’d say charging monthly will probably make more sense

[@James_dtfllc]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation thank you for all of your valuable information! 👍🏾

[@mokaakashiya375]

I don't know exactly if a personal trainer requires a degree but im going to major in exercise science.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Being a personal trainer does not require a degree but that’s great! I have my degree in ex. Science as well!

[@mharnab8207]

Assalamualaikum i am from Bangladesh. Now i am bachelor on Tourism and Hospitality management. But i have interest in Fitness. Now i want to go US/Canada/Europe in Master’s programme. Question is should I do masters in tourism or diploma in fitness?

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for the support! I think it all depends on what you want to do! If you want to work in fitness, diploma programs like ACE can do a lot for your resume in many different countries including the US. If you don’t specifically want to go into fitness though, I’d probably go for a degree instead.

[@user-se7em8zz6b]

Hi Jeff, I just started following you about 2 weeks ago. Is there any way I can talk with you about fitness? I can call you, or you can recommend how I can reach out to you. Thank you in advance

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Thanks for the support! I really appreciate it! Unfortunately, the only place I have time to chat these days is in these comments. I run an in-person studio and this channel, and don’t have much free time beyond that. That said, if you ever have any questions on anything trainer related, feel free to ask in these comments! Eventually, I will respond!

[@FndlyNeighborhoodPowerlifter]

How do you start a recovery studio

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I only have experience starting training studios tbh! This is an older video but it goes over what I did to make that happen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJmwoGNseKaUbaM

[@Just_Imagine_321]

hi sir.... i am from India i wanted to work as a fitness trainer..... something like group fitness instructor in abroad countries....will u tell me the procedure and i wanted to you be my guide

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I would get certified through a company, such as ACE, which is well respected in a bunch of different countries. I would get their regular personal training certification and maybe their group training certification as well if you want to work with bigger groups. After getting those certifications I would apply to jobs and start working!

[@Just_Imagine_321]

Thank you sir... I wish I would have your personal insta id .. to be in touch with u

[@swet815]

How to select exercise

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I appreciate the support! I’d suggest watching a few programming videos. I cover exercise selection as well as a bunch of other similar things in those videos. Here’s one of them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3Wvm617p5iUY5Y

[@Miraclecultart]

Im definitely not in this for the money also I plan to do this part time. But I wish I knew how much I would need anatomy which I am not the best at what so ever. How do I get over that my retention for anatomy is not there I just do not get it.

[@abhishek_munian]

I feel you :)

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I hear you! I thought that for a while too. My anatomy knowledge is better now, but there’s still a fair amount I don’t know. Tbh, it’s really not necessary to be an expert at all. Knowing the basics is pretty helpful though. I’m not sure if you’ve seen them or not, but I made three anatomy videos on this channel. I think if you know and understand most of what I cover in those videos, that should be more than enough. Here’s the lower body one if you’re interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6abp56gl82BrZI

[@Destroythealliance]

You think it's a waste of time and money? We're spending a decent amount of money and hours worth of studying. What would you say the average trainer makes 30 to 40 thousand a year? 50? I'm looking at this as a part time, or retirement Job.

[@lofidelica]

"bodybuilders and athletes generally don't have that much money" 😢

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

I know it is sad but true

[@Muy_Lyndo_mindframe]

I wish I knew that my clients aren't me

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

This is a great one!

[@Gonzo2288]

NASM or ISSA?.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

NASM is better overall. If you want to see why I feel that way, this video is a good place to start. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4C9nWOVqLSKh7Msi=Z_SemHzl4oEQrpg1

[@Gonzo2288]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation thank you!🙏🏽

[@Gator159]

Fuck it, I'll go to trade school instead because giving a shit about someone else's problem sounds like too much work.

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

lol, well I don’t blame ya! You could always do both though (trade and training on the side)

[@Gator159]

@@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation honestly, getting a personal trainer about becoming a personal trainer sounds like an idea. But normal jobs just give on the job training whereas from my understanding you guys are your own businessman which is dangerous and I need help in this field better than simple KZbin videos. But you do good work to be honest

[@mrb8810]

not to be rude but you speak very dull with no emotion. Its hard to stay interested in what your saying

[@SortaHealthyTrainerEducation]

Lmao. Ya dude that’s pretty rude