Being a personal trainer can be a very rewarding career. The first step is recognizing the difference between treating it as a hobby and turning it into a career. The next step is managing expectations: you won’t work with professional athletes or celebrities right away—or perhaps ever; you won’t earn a six-figure salary immediately—or ever; you won’t be relaxing on a Hawaiian beach with a fancy smoothie on day one. In the early years you’ll likely wear sweatpants to work most days. Year one is tough, but with preparation and proactive effort you can set yourself apart sooner. Here are practical tips from Detric Smith, a Virginia-based trainer with more than 20 years of experience.
Congratulations on earning your certification. You may have studied in college or completed a certification, but the real learning starts on the gym floor. I learned this the hard way: my first year was tough, and I made many mistakes. Here are challenges, opportunities, and advice to help you thrive in your first year on the gym floor.
What to expect in your first year
It will be a mix of fun, excitement, fear, and fatigue. Those early mornings are tough, but you chose this for a reason. A practical tip: avoid coaching in a way that feels off-putting or pushy. The days will be long as you build your client base; you’ll train people in early mornings and evenings with breaks in between. Use that time to observe other trainers, read, and ask smart questions. When everything is new, you’ll face new challenges, and you’ll feel nervous. Some days others may teach you more than you teach them, and listening is a skill you must cultivate early on. There’s a trap in your first year: you might think you know everything and stop learning. Don’t fall into that. Keep an open mind.
I recall overthinking years ago: I spent hours crafting the perfect program, but the perfect program doesn’t exist. Don’t get discouraged by rookie mistakes or slower progress. Everything is a learning experience—store what you learn and move on. Overall, the atmosphere among people trying to improve themselves is refreshing. Most gym-goers are wonderful; steer clear of troublemakers.
Money will be tight
Finances can be tight until you grow your skills and client base. You may need to take multiple fitness jobs or a part-time role outside the fitness world. Many trainers work at two places to make ends meet. It’s normal to feel discouraged by the low pay, but remember you’re changing lives and building your reputation. Not every success is measured by money.
Other challenges beyond money
Time: you may have to skip the ideal 4-hour workweek advice to get your reps in. Many of us did early 5 a.m. sessions and long days. Start by training anyone to gain experience, and you can specialize later. Opportunities: you’ll see lots of openings, some good, some not so good. Location: many trainees start at studios or smaller chains to build hours, or at big gyms with high pay, but you may end up doing floor hours like cleaning and talking with members as part of the learning process. Impatience: be realistic—you won’t coach a superstar or celebrity right away. Keep showing up and getting reps.
There is no such thing as overnight success
If someone tells you to quit your job and start online training to make six figures in year one, run.
Here’s what to focus on in your first year
Experience over money: money matters, but prioritize learning, stepping outside your comfort zone, and building skills that pay off long-term. Networking: attend fitness expos and local events to meet potential clients and like-minded people. Find mentors: someone who has walked the path can shorten your learning curve. Improve your craft: results matter, but soft skills that motivate clients to do the work are equally important.
Wrapping up
Starting a new career coaching people is tough and full of pitfalls. Money worries, long hours, and questionable coaching strategies are common. But if you focus on improving your craft and learning from experiences, the rewards will follow. You’re laying the groundwork for a long, fulfilling career, and you’ll get better along the way.
