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As the story goes, in a tribe on the island of Santa Maria, older men with bows and arrows would watch dancers and shoot at them when they made a mistake. If this ancient tradition were adopted by the fitness industry, I’d be writing this in a lot of pain; which is to say, I’ve had my share of moments that ended in “Oops.” In today’s blog, I’ll share with you a few things I wish I knew before getting into fitness so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.  

Find People Who Can Help You

The fitness industry is competitive, but that doesn’t mean everyone is out for themselves. When someone finds success, they often want to help others achieve it too. Don’t let pride get in the way; let people help you.

My own journey is a testament to this. I connected with Adam, and soon enough, I was writing for Mind Pump. Networking and building relationships with those already established in the industry can open doors you never imagined.

Word of Mouth and Reputation

Being visible in your community is more important than having a large online following. Odds are, the person with the most clients at your gym isn’t the one with the biggest audience on Instagram. Getting likes is different from getting someone to pay you $100+ per hour three times a week for ten years.

You need to build relationships with the people in your immediate life. Your neighbors, coworkers, and community need to know that you’re a reliable trainer they can trust. What good is a follower in New Jersey if you’re a personal trainer in California? Focus on local connections and build a strong reputation in your area.

The Downsides of Being Your Own Boss

Being your own boss sounds great, but it comes with notable downsides. You won’t get healthcare benefits, paid time off, or someone matching your 401k contributions. Additionally, you won’t have an employer telling you what to do; you’ll have to figure out what actions to take on your own. When you wake up each day, it’s up to you to take the right steps toward success.

It’s a Slow Process

Unlike a regular job where you start working 40 hours a week right away, building a client log in the fitness industry takes time. You might go a month with just a single session on the books. Don’t get discouraged. Give everything you can to that one client. Build trust and excitement. They might refer you to someone else, and then it snowballs.

There’s no set timeline for how long it will take to have a full schedule. A lot of it comes down to luck and persistence. Hang in there and stay committed to providing an excellent service and the results will work themselves out.

No One Cares How Jacked You Are

There’s a good chance when you think of a good trainer, what you’re imagining is all wrong. The best trainers aren’t necessarily bodybuilders. They’re the ones who can connect with clients, understand their needs, and motivate them to achieve their goals.

When I first started in the business, I felt frustrated when someone with a worse physique than mine had more clients. That’s not the right attitude. Your appearance is just one small aspect of attracting clients. Don’t invest everything into your muscles. Be social and build relationships. Read books on how to start conversations and improve your communication skills. Become well-rounded.

Personal Training Isn’t the End Goal for Everyone

For many, personal training is just the beginning. After years of training clients, you might find that you want to transition into owning a gym, managing a training staff, developing fitness programs, or creating content. When you start, be obsessed with training and give it your all, but realize that the fitness industry offers a multitude of paths. Keep an open mind about your career trajectory. The skills and knowledge you gain from personal training can open doors to numerous opportunities within the industry. As you grow and evolve, it’s okay for your career goals to change.