What do find are the greatest challenges you face as a personal trainer?

Hi Thomas,

For me, and one factor with my schedule, it is finding a healthy balance–learning to say “no” and avoiding burnout. I love everything I do, and take on more than I should sometimes. I am finding the time to train my clients, create workshops, and teach classes, but need to create more balance for myself (I just gave up working one day a week so I’m on the right track). I’m a better trainer when I find balance. (Although it does help to have an outlet in fitness other than just training–and teaching classes/workshops is a wonderful way to keep it interesting)

Another challenge in the fitness industry is simply making a brand name for yourself and distinguishing yourself from others. It helps to have a clear training philosophy and a mission statement. When I get discouraged, I always fall back on what I stand for and what my purpose in this industry is–and that always gets me back on track and refreshed.

I have an in-home business and teach/train at a local Rec center, so for me it is a great mix (and I don’t have any overhead or great outside expenses).

Others will have different challenges, but those are mine!
Good luck.

Christine

I agree with Christine. It took me a long time to learn how to say “no”. It is still a challenge. I have been withholding giving an answer to requests until I have time to think the request over and really look at my calendar.

I also work with a lot of clients that have very debilitating issues. My days can be a real roller coaster ride of highs and lows. A client can come in and have an excellent experience or break through moment. There is a big spike in good emotions and brain chemistry. The next client may come in and report having had fall or other set back. Their emotions can overflow onto me sometimes. And it isn’t easy to keep a positive mindset in those moments. I try to keep the good things in my mind and not let the hard moments linger too much. Some days I am mentally just cooked. I find that getting in a good workout for myself helps a lot. And I often am able to think through possible solutions and program changes for those clients while I am exercising. But sometimes I just let my mind go blank and hammer out a workout. It can really be cleansing.