1. Career Track for Personal Trainers
Chapter 2

2. Objectives Discuss common client expectations of a Personal Trainer
Examine potential career starting points and career paths
Highlight options for continuing education and career development
Examine expectations of a career as a Personal Trainer

3. Introduction
Historically Personal Trainers focused on celebrities and athletes
The professional has now evolved into a career that includes not only these populations but a wide range of clients

4. Client expectations Know the goal
Discuss goals as part of intake process
Make the goals measurable
Long-term objective: enable clients to exercise independently
Be knowledgeable and experienced
Gain certification
Gain experience in new areas

5. Client expectations (cont.)
Present a clear and concise plan
“plan your work and work your plan”
Communication plan in addition to exercise prescription
Be innovative, creative, and resourceful
Introduce new methods and techniques
Remain current and able to adapt

6. Client expectations (cont.)
Educate
Teach basics of safe and effective physical activity
Gain working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
Provide handouts and information for clients
Inspire
Provide examples of personal, positive experience
Realize differences in clients’ motivation

7. Client expectations (cont.)
Focus
Provide individualized attention
Prepare for each session
Anticipate client needs
Track and recognize progress
Establish critical benchmarks to verify program effectiveness
Provide recognition and positive reinforcement

8. Choosing a career as a Personal Trainer
First: find your “WHY”
Second: start your “HOW”
Certification
Finding a mentor

9. Potential career paths
Personal training management
Administration
Clinical
Independent contractors
Franchise
Owner of personal training business

10. Points to consider
What specialty option holds the greatest interest for me?
Do I have superior time management skills?
Do I pay close attention to details?

11. Points to consider (cont.)
What traits do I possess that will contribute to my success?
What strengths do I have that can contribute to the fitness industry?

12. Points to consider (cont.)
Am I passionate about my chosen career?
Am I willing to take responsibility as a role model and mentor?
Have I created my mission and values?

13. Your career path Understand your objectives
Focus on the industry aspect that interests you most
Set up a timeline
Match your educational/career path to your goals

14. Continuing education and career development
Reading and research
Stay current with research in the field
Clinics, conferences, and conventions
Coursework

15. Continuing education
Make continuing education a part of your commitment right from the start
Read good-quality professional periodicals that offer Continuing Education Units (CEU) or Continuing Education Credits (CEC) that are designed to inform you of changes in the industry
Get involved in conferences that put you in touch with different aspects of the industry and provide you with opportunities for meeting and networking with people in your field
Subscribe to newsletters that keep you abreast of the latest research and developments in the industry

16. Expectations of a Personal Training career
Experience the satisfaction of seeing healthy results
Commit to exceeding client expectations
Devote to lifelong learning