Personal Training Career Tips To Get Noticed & Grow Your Business

This article was originally written in 2015 by Adelaide Coach Alex Hendrick, but has since been updated by the AIF Communications team.

Differentiating yourself from other Personal Trainers is an important part of selling your services and staying ahead in this competitive industry. Here are 7 ways you can stand out from the crowd as a PT!

Tip 1: Talk to Members

It might sound like the most obvious thing in the world, but how many PTs actually walk a gym floor and regularly introduce themselves to members? The answer is not many. If you want to stand out in the crowd, talk to members and create a connection. Don’t be one of those trainers who sit on their phones creating a barrier between themselves and potential clients. When they realise they need a Personal Trainer, the member is far more likely to ask a trainer they have spoken to before and feel like they have a connection with over one who has never acknowledged their existence.

Tip 2: Train at Your Gym and Train Hard

One way to stand out from other Personal Trainers at your gym or studio is to practise what you preach and make sure EVERYBODY sees it! Walk the gym floor in your PT uniform. Talk to a few members, maybe offer some advice, a chat or a spot. Then change into your workout gear (wear something bright and eye-catching) and smash out an epic workout without your earphones in. Members will be intrigued by your advanced training techniques and want to learn more (and will feel comfortable to ask you questions or talk to you if you don’t have headphones on!).

Tip 3: Become a Multi-Skilled Trainer

Have an array of training equipment and styles you are proficient in, such as kettlebells, suspension training, ViPR, boxing/kickboxing… anything that catches the eye. Nothing turns heads more than a client walloping the pads during an intense boxing session. Show off your skill sets – nobody notices a boring trainer, and keeping up with industry trends will keep you ahead of the game and prove you invest in your own development. Check out Australian Fitness Network and the ongoing education courses that they offer.

Tip 4: Write Blogs and Bulletins for Your Local Club

The key to being a successful PT is to let people know you exist. Writing up blogs for the club website or posting bulletins on the notice board are great little self-promotion tools to stand out and grab attention. Make sure the headline is catchy and there is a nice picture of you to go along with it. It is a great way to spread the good word on health and fitness, plus you get your name out there! If your gym doesn’t have a blog ask if you can post or feature on their social media channels!

Tip 5: Participate in Group Training

Jump into group exercise classes and get the instructor to do a little shout out for you! Group classes can be quite large and cliquey, so if you’re joining in and getting amongst the action, you have the opportunity to ‘infiltrate’ these cliques and make some connections. The more people that know you the better your business will be!

Tip 6: Train your Fittest Clients in Peak Hour

If members see you train fit and strong people they will instantly think you are responsible for creating such a specimen. They will associate you as a high-performance trainer and be tapping you on the shoulder for personal training in no time! Although you may not be able to curate your schedule so specifically to allow this to happen, you can always feature these clients heavily across your social media to get the same effect.

Tip 7: Wear Something Colourful

Whether it is a pair of standout red shoes or a brightly coloured training top, make sure people can see you coming a mile away. The more people are aware of you, the more potential for clients. It is not only wearing something bright but wearing appropriate clothing for the activity you are doing. If you are teaching a cycle class, don’t rock up wearing long track pants that may get caught in the wheel, dress appropriately!

If tip #3 has you thinking about ways you can upskill… have you considered our Nutrition Coach Course or Fitness Business Course? Becoming a multi-skilled trainer is a great way to get more clients.

• Bio

AIF

The Australian Institute of Fitness

The Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) is the largest and longest established fitness training organisation in Australia, with dynamic training methods and expert course coaches nationwide - spanning fitness, massage and nutrition. The AIF qualifies more fitness professionals than any other provider in Australia, as well as offering a broad range of continuing education courses (CEC), upskilling resources and partnership programs for existing industry.