1. PROMOTE BENEFITS- A common struggle for personal trainers is to have their clients adhere to an exercise program and a fit lifestyle. A client has to have their own desire. A helpful way to promote adherence is by promoting the benefits of exercise; once the client realizes they will not lose anything by exercising, they will know a session of exercise is worth their time. Check out our other pages for health benefits.

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2. TEACH SELF EFFICACY- What does that mean? This means your clients will have the capabilities to perform behavior that will result in their desired outcome(Peterson et al.). Your ultimate goal is to make your clients able to lead a fit lifestyle on their own. Unfortunately, there may come a time your client may not need your services; this means you have fulfilled your purpose. However that does not mean you have lost business, encourage referrals, less frequent check-ups, or if youre client decides to change goals- let them know you are there to steer them in the right direction.

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3. TIME MANAGEMENT- This principle applies to you and your client. Make sure you are ready and on time for your clients session. Allow 15 minutes for you to prepare and review the scheduled workout. Make sure that you allow this gap between clients; just in case your session goes over time. If you are travelling, consider the distance and possible traffic delays. Being on time demonstrates to your client that you care about their well-being. Address the importance of your client making time for exercise. Advise of possible distractors that by eliminating them, can help them make time in their schedule. Most individuals will allow a perceived lack of time for skippping a workout. Teach them they have time if they manage it correctly. 

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4. LEARN SAFETYNESS- Be sure not to overwhelm your client the first workout. Your clients will be at different levels, some may require more teaching of proper form for an exercise and others may be eager to increase weight too quickly. A way to tell, if the form is in incorrect, will all be cues that the client will give you. Those cues may be an increase in questions, being hesistant, holding of their breath, blood flushing to the face, excessive grunting, or increased sweating. Remember that your client is under your supervison. Teach the concept of spotting when a client has strength goals (this can get you to suggest bringing a friend- a potential client). See other page for more about safetyness.

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5. SET ATTAINABLE GOALS- Talk to your client. Why are they meeting with you? What do they hope to accomplish? When do they expect to accomplish it by? You will need to define short and long term goals. Define what is success. Let them know their could be setbacks. You will receive clients who may have unrealistic goals, such as losing twenty pounds in a week. Help establish realistic, attainable goals. Teach the principle of: you will get what you work for.

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6. EARN CERTIFICATIONS- This is critical. If you have a desire to work at a certain location, talk to personal trainers and what certifications they have. Talk to the manager of the establishment. Find out which certifications pay more. Find out which certifications are reputable. Look at job descriptions of what is required. Know what is expected of you. Be sure not to overstep your scope of practice, or boundaries as a personal trainer. You are not a doctor or physical therapist. Do not recommend medications, supplements, or diets. Always refer the client to talk to their doctor and visit https://www.choosemyplate.gov/  for diet recommendations. Be aware of clients with injuries. You will learn more about the do's and dont's through your certification course completion.Check out this website for certification information: https://www.nasm.org/

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7. MASTER THE SPECIFIED EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION- Know that everyone is different. One type of workout will not work for everyone. Your clients have different goals, so treat their workouts differently. Teach the concepts of sets and reps. Let them know rest and recovery is important and why. You will learn more about the exercise prescription or FITT principle: which entails defining the frequency, intensity, time, and type of training for the exercise program.