Being a personal trainer can be a rewarding career. You can take something you’re passionate about and use it to help other people to improve their health and fitness, gain more confidence and live happier, healthier lives.

However, we all know that some personal trainers seem to do a lot better than others, when it comes to making a successful career in the fitness industry. If you’ve been wondering just what makes these trainers so successful keep reading.

The most successful personal trainers…

1. Practice What They Preach

Successful personal trainers implement the same things they advise their clients to do. They understand that health and fitness is about a lifestyle and they walk-the-walk, instead of just talking the talk. If you don’t follow your own advice, how can you expect your clients to do the same?

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be perfect in absolutely everything you do. You are human after-all, and you can (and should) share this with your clients. Showing your human side and your flaws is one of the most powerful things you can do as a coach.

2. Value Learning

The only way you can establish yourself as an expert is to value learning and learn from the best. To succeed in this industry you need the relevant certifications and be willing to engage in continuous learning. Not only that but doing lots of research and putting an effort into creating the best business possible will shine through. Your clients want the best so make sure you’re giving them this!

As a side note, don't just focus on learning to b e a better trainer. Learn to be better n business, better in marketing a and better at selling yourself and your services. Ultimately this means that you can impact more people positively.

3. Stand Out

Standing out among the competition is vital for success in the fitness industry. Personal trainers that are true to themselves know what makes them different and utilize this to propel their business to higher levels.

Being true to yourself and being real with your clients is going to have them coming back again and again.

4. Care About Their Clients

If you don’t give a crap about your clients don’t expect to do well in the fitness industry. While it is important to be like-able you also need to really care about your clients and the results they get. Be sure to ask questions, learn more about them and educate them. And it won’t hurt to follow up with them either. It’ll show that you don’t just see them as a ‘number’.

5. Manage Their Time Effectively

Regardless of the kind of business or career you’re in, time management is a vital skill to posess. Being able to juggle the various aspects of being a personal trainer will ensure that you’re not neglecting some parts of your business in favour of others. This will also mean less stress for you which in turn will have a positive impact on your clients and you're business. After all, they say a smile is contagious.

6. Be Business Minded

Personal trainers are passionate about their work and lifestyle but they also understand that they’re running a business and not just practicing a hobby. The most successful trainers know all the ins-and-outs of running a business and have a handle on the numbers, marketing and everything else in between.

7. Goal Orientated and Focused

Focus on what you client wants to achieve, not what you want. So, if your new client was to lose weight this is what you should help them with. Focus on meeting and exceeding their expectations and you’ll have a repeat customer and probably some referrals!

These are 7 traits or habits that, in my opinion, you need to have to succeed as a personal trainer.

So, if you want to become a top personal trainer you now know that these are the things you need to do.

Are there any you would add or takeaway?

Comment below with your thoughts, we would love to hear your take on successful Personal Trainers and what it takes.