Why the Personal Training Industry Sucks!

So I've been training in gyms now for over 10 years and coaching for 4 of them. I have trained with a few coaches in this time ranging between boxing, bodybuilding and now powerlifting. Suffice to say I've had some excellent coaches, and some very interesting one's too that didn't always listen to me.

Admittedly a personal training certificate, while it provides a good basic understanding on things, does NOT prepare you on the depths of what it takes to be a great coach who's knowledge really matches the price he/she charges per session.

As a student one is forced to learn a large amount of information in a short amount of time ranging from outdated methods of programming at a basic level, long winded anatomy which doesn't cover the depths of how it correlates to exercise movement, basic execution of lifts instead of a more in depth analysis including trouble shooting for human genetics, screening methods which are basic at best, and basically just feeding you with enough information for anyone with enough time up their sleeve to finish the course, and easily land a job as a rent paying subcontractor in a commercial gym, if they interview well with a smile. **Exhale.

This doesn't sit well with me at all, I cringe every time a new trainer walks in the door that looks less than average, or if I walk into a commercial gym anywhere and my biceps as a female are bigger than some male trainers legs.

The industry simply makes it far too easy for any bright eyed bushy tailed hopeful, to charge in upwards of $50 a session, when they haven't earned their right to be a coach.

Buff, skinny, fat, instagram porn star, IDGAF... Unless you have competed in a sport at some semi professional level, have paid a coach to receive one to one coaching/online coaching and are 200% invested in your own personal growth, training, eating and your clients along with mastering your craft, think twice before you become a coach!!

Seriously, this industry in the real world is not as easy as getting your Certificate III & IV.

I planned my business for 18 months before I turned full time PT, and I had all the best intentions of passion, drive, and experience in the world, but I knew the school I learnt at didn't teach me jack all about how to create systems for my business to help entice my future clients to stick around long term.

In a sea filled with basa fish, I had to figure out a way to become that great white shark that stood apart in a clear distinction.

After seeing the average-at-best standards of trainers/staff that existed within commercial gyms from customer service on the front desk, to out of shape trainers who didn't preach what they were trying to sell, I knew full well what I was getting myself into and decided to endure the learning curve and "pain" to endure it for as long as I could.

From the unmotivating elevator music played, flat gym vibe and lack of intensity from other coaches, I just knew I'd have to suck it up until I decided when the timing was right to fly solo, and just march to the beat of my own drum and live in my own world until that time comes.

Whilst I was offered the initial support in my first 12 weeks entering as a sole trader in a commercial gym, soon after, I and like so many other coaches, was basically left to my own devices.

So long as the rent was paid on time, you'd be lucky if management even spoke to you some days. In my time working in a commercial gym, I have seen so many trainers come and go.

And whilst it seems to be the very nature of the industry, the question comes back to what are these Fitness Training Institutions NOT training in their certificates that see's so many hopefuls fail in their first year as a coach?!

To answer the very obvious question, here's what they DON'T prepare you for in a PT course.

a) You'll be treated as just another number even though you're part of the so called team. Bro I'd rather wear my own merchandise if that be the case, Oh wait I do from time to time to remind me of who I am and what I am not, aka just another polo-wearing sheep.

b) Depending on the gym you work in, they may or may not listen to what you have to say, even if you've addressed an issue in your quarterly PT meetings. This may leave you feeling frustrated, unheard and de-motivated to come to coach clients at times.

c) You'll pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year to continue your upskilling and updating registrations for legal/insurance purposes in order to meet gym compliance with external organisations and mentors, otherwise you won't be allowed to coach your clients. You better be good at budgeting for your education because it's not cheap.

It would make so much more sense for commercial gyms to provide in-house courses, and mentorships in an effort to bring the whole team closer together, increase overall client and PT retention, help to bounce ideas off one another, and be able to offer solutions and systems in a much more time efficient and cost effective way. This gives off a much nicer vibe to the clients, and PT's don't feel left alone to fend for themselves, it would also greatly reduce the drop off rate.

d) Don't expect other trainers to always be consistently nice to you, at the end of the day you're all competition, and the best performing coach is usually the most hated so prepare for the haters if you're really good at what you do. The ones that do get along, are usually the ones that do plenty of sitting around on their phones in between extended breaks or talking BS bro talk about stuff that doesn't carry much weight or depth. Not a professional look for a coach charging in upwards of $60+ per session. Just sayin!

e) How to walk away from your business and take a holiday. You need to plan ahead for this as you WILL burn out at some point and need a few weeks break. Create a budget, create a plan, and save save save towards it.

f) Contending with the barrage of insta-famous online coaches who pay digital marketers to grow their following in upwards of 20K+ followers, claiming their fame because they did one season of bodybuilding comps, or lost a shit tonne of weight headlining "If I can do it so can you, here's my $299 12 week cookie cutter transformation ebook guaranteeing your results to look like me."

A great coach never guarantees you anything, as there a far too many variables involved.

g) Late nights and early starts is a given; but if you love what you do this shouldn't be too painful. While it isn't easy, you really need to understand WHY you got into this game to begin with, otherwise you will hate the demands it puts on your freedom.

If you're like me, this is just part of who you are and your life's work, and eventually you will find balance between your mission and your personal life.

h) If you're wanting that "community" then DON'T work in a commercial gym period! You're better off starting in a PT studio that has a smaller client base but better structure, opportunities to be mentored for free while you are paid a wage, support from your colleagues, a boss that actually gives a toss about you and your success, and gives you the praise you crave for all the hard work you put in.

My time working in a commercial gym has taught me to think on my feet, create my own little community, master my craft by investing heavily yet wisely in external mentors, as the $20K+ mentorships aren't all they're cracked up to be, and continue learning through digital means of education DAILY. OH and I actually train and eat properly for my goals!

The upside to all of this, is that it has made me a hell of alot more resilient to curve balls, handle situations even better when times get tough with strategies in place, and feel far more prepared now to open my own facility knowing exactly what I will do to create that amazing experience, that I personally have craved this entire time working in somebody else's gym.

I have to give praise and thanks to my amazing coach and Mentor Jacob Schepis from JPS Health and Fitness for his mentorship.

After presenting my business model to him for the first time, most of what I thought I knew, grew tenfold in a short amount of time. He pulled my business apart, and continues to do so, as he is helping me get all of the right systems, skills and business practice in place ready for the launch of the studio later this year.

I just wish in my heart that the fitness industry would raise it's standards and interview it's future students more strictly, extended the course to dive into a lot more detail, and I could only hope that commercial gyms pay way more attention to the players who pay their rent.

Sounds like a simple solution, one that I will take with me and ensure the studio is built on solid values, that is still very much amiss in the lack lustre and hollow environment that is commercial gyms.

Whilst some of the BEST coaches all started in commercial gyms, I completely understand what drove them out and into their own studios, where the ceiling was removed and their potential was maximised!

Here's to greener pastures in 2018.

#personaltrainingsucks #personaltrainers #whythepersonaltrainingindustrysucks #prosandconsofthepersonaltrainingindustry