Mary Edwards, MS, the director of fitness and a professional fitness trainer at Cooper Fitness Center, on supporting leadership in personal training.
Personal trainers — of all groups in our industry — have the most direct impact on our members and guests. They bear more intel than you could imagine. They also have more influence in your club than you think. They have the trust, friendship and relationships with your members, especially those who are clients.
How can you support and win the trust of this group? As an operator, you need them to sell training sessions, retain clients and represent your club well. But, what do they need from you in return? Here’s insight on the trainer mindset and how to lead to further your club’s success as well as overall job satisfaction.
We Mindset
The quickest way to lose the trust and respect of your trainer is for them to feel detached or separated from you. In other words, never imply you are above their daily responsibilities or do not have time to deal with their needs regarding client concerns, fitness floor equipment issues, IT, etc. You are an extension of their work, and you must consistently demonstrate you are there to fight for them. You can achieve the “we” mindset by supporting their work environment and following through on the requests and concerns presented to you.
Their Work Environment
What if you had a computer without a keyboard? If you were asked to come to work every day with a less than optimal office environment, you would be frustrated and eventually become resentful of the lack of resources. What about the piece of equipment that’s been out of order for weeks or months? It’s critical to keep equipment in working order and provide updates on those items. Replace small equipment items on a routine basis. By maintaining equipment and providing daily resources, it shows how much you care about them and your members.
Manage by Wandering Around (MBWA)
With reports to run, members to call and meetings to conduct/lead, scheduling time to visit your fitness floor and check on equipment as well as staff and actual members is challenging at times. Be present in the area and in each moment. This may make you a target, but it will win the hearts of your team and members. It shows you’re open to developing relationships and receiving feedback by observing what is happening on the floor. No one should be surprised when you enter their space. MBWA is from “Caring” by Herb Lipsman.
Personal trainers choose the fitness industry to help others live healthier and have more productive lives. We all want to do a good job. It’s your job to help them be the best they can be through your caring, attentive leadership.
