Trainers need continued stimulation with new training methods and modalities to stay fresh and motivated. Here a couple of tips on how to do that:
1. If you are purchasing equipment or new training tools, ask the company to perform an in-service on proper usage and how it can benefit training clients.
2. During staff meetings present a case study of a real client or fake client that challenges all the trainers to collaborate on how to train that person.
3. Ask a physical therapist office or orthopedic office to present your trainer with the latest in medical treatments for orthopedic injuries.
4. Ask a supplement company to present the latest in products so your trainers know what is in the market and what their clients might be buying.
5. Get a subscription to informational sites (i.e. PT on the Net, NSCA, Strength Coach .com, etc.) and have it available for trainers to do research.
6. At monthly meetings have time so trainers that are having a difficult time with a client can ask the group’s opinion.
7. Each quarter assign a trainer to do research into new training methods and present at a staff meeting.
8. Assign trainers a specific training tool (i.e. Kettlebell, tubes, BOSU, vibration plate, etc.) and have them develop a whole-body program with only that tool and have them present that to the group.
Vic Spatola is the Director of Personal Training for Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club in Greenwood Village, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. Contact him at vics@greenwoodatc.com.
