Personal Training: Trainer Standards

Below is a set of standards that every personal training department should hold their personal trainers to.

Each trainer should set goals for clients. After all, each client is unique. From weight loss and strength conditioning, to performance training and metabolic disorders, there is a reason members have invested in training. Therefore, trainers should listen carefully and help their clients set realistic short and long-term goals. Without making promises, clients should be assured that their trainer is a valuable resource in guiding them toward optimal fitness and wellness.

Each trainer should hold clients accountable. In an ideal world, clients would have access to trainers 24/7. In reality, trainers are lucky if they meet with someone more than once a week. For this reason, clients should know exactly what is expected of them on non-training days.

It is the trainer’s responsibility to ensure clients are carrying out their part when they aren’t on their watch. Living a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle — it is important trainers mentor, educate, and give fitness and nutrition recommendations within their qualified means. Trainers should take time to listen to their clients’ eating habits and take note of what may hinder their progress, such as eating large meals or skipping breakfast. For example, trainers could suggest a food log or phone app that can assist clients in tracking their nutrition. Keeping clients on track and consistent will allow them to stay grounded and focused on not only on their physical fitness, but their nutritional fitness as well.

Each trainer should create new and innovative workouts. Some people simply hate to exercise, making it extremely important to incorporate dynamic and explosive exercises as appropriate. Successful personal trainers take ordinary exercises and make the workouts fun and unique.

Each trainer should continue their education. As professionals, it is a personal trainer’s job to attend continued education courses, workshops or conferences to ensure they are applying the most up-to-date, safe and effective exercise programs. Many nationally-accredited certifications offer CECs as well as clinical and specialty certifications. Encourage your trainers to educate themselves on some of the more popular specialties including special populations, post rehab, fall prevention, or pre- and post-natal. Beyond CECs and workshops, trainers can gain insight by reading industry articles and medical journals, and by talking to others on the training team, doctors and health professionals.

Trainers should be reliable and professional. Gyms can be a scary place. As a result, trainers must understand their clients’ limitations and be sensitive of weight issues, or what makes clients uncomfortable during sessions. This will help trainers gain their clients’ trust and build rapport. Giving a client anything less than their undivided attention is unacceptable. Finally, trainers must take pride in their career – they change people’s lives each and every day. As a result, ensure they’re not canceling sessions unless it’s an emergency, are dressing professionally and are on time and organized.

By holding each of your trainers to these standards your personal training department and your trainers’ clients will benefit.

Lauren Pecora is a certified personal trainer at Meridian Fitness & Wellness in Hazlet, New Jersey.