how to get started as a personal trainer after getting certified
I just got NCSF certified and am trying to figure out where to go from here. I have a fair amount of personal experience (extremely physically active and in sports since early childhood, been doing personal training as a client for a little more than a year, been instructing some people on techniques in Judo and archery) but I don’t yet have much confidence as my ability as a trainer. I’m afraid that I’ll get a client and won’t know how to help them; what they need or what exercises to do with them.
I understand the only way to have experience is to jump in and get experience but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions/ advice on how to do that, a good course of action from here, advice in general, etc..
Hi Daniela,
I also remember the feelings of insecurity I had when I was new and started personal training. I wanted to do a great job with clients but sometimes it was hard to know where to start. The good thing is you will, in time, become confident and know your strengths in different areas of training.
One thing I would suggest is to try and find a mentor and/or someone to shadow when they train. Going through an actual session will help you feel more comfortable when you start training. Plus, you will have a resource for questions that come up.
One of the things that helped me feel more comfortable with training clients is to really make a personal connection with each client and understand their goals and limitations. Find out their likes and dislikes about physical exercise, what their daily lives are like with regard to time, and go from there. From there you can make a plan and go through it together.
In time you will feel more comfortable.
Plus, you will learn as you go…. I learn something new almost every day when training and it is an amazing journey to take.
Good luck to you and welcome to the fitness industry!
Best,
Christine