Lift The Bar

As you set out to build the personal training business you truly want, it’s easy to be swept up by assumptions and “common knowledge” that surround our profession. Much like our clients, personal trainers are often subject to misconceptions that can limit growth, confidence, and job satisfaction. Here, we’ll break down five of the most persistent myths in the industry and offer the reality behind them, helping you to shape your career on your terms.

Common Myths

Myth 1 - You need to base yourself in the biggest or most affluent town or city in your area 

There’s a widespread belief that success as a personal trainer hinges on setting up shop where the population is highest and the wallets are deepest. In reality, most trainers only need around 20-30 regular clients to earn a good living. That’s easily achievable without tapping into a massive urban pool. In fact, working locally usually means less competition, greater convenience for you and your clients, and plenty of potential leads right on your doorstep. You also have the benefit of working in a community you are already a part of.   You have local knowledge and connections you can tap into to jump start your success. Of course, if you live in a large town or city those things still apply but don’t feel you have to go elsewhere if you live in a less populous location. 

 

Myth 2 - You have to work split shifts to accommodate other people’s “9-5 jobs” 

Don’t fall for the idea that all your clients will only be available before 9am and after 5pm. There is a broad spectrum of people who can train during the day, shift workers, freelancers, those with flexible hours, retirees, and people who aren’t currently working for various reasons. By broadening your perspective, you can create a work schedule that suits both you and your clients, without burning out on split shifts or forcing yourself into a work schedule you hate. 

Decide the hours you want to work and stick to them. Focus on the people available at those times rather than the people who aren’t able to train then and don’t be afraid to say no to those who are looking for training outside of your working times.  As long as you aren’t trying to fill your diary in the middle of the night there will be more than enough potential clients at the times you want to work.  

 

Myth 3 - You have to help people with weight loss 

Personal training offers far more than weight loss. The benefits of exercise are vast, from improving cardiovascular fitness and increasing strength to boosting mobility and mastering new skills. You can choose to specialise in anything from sports performance to rehabilitation, or support clients with chronic health conditions (provided you’re properly qualified). The possibilities are endless. 

There’s nothing wrong with helping clients with weight loss if that’s what you want to do but you don’t need to add to the misconceptions that personal training is only about changing body composition if working with people on their nutrition doesn’t interest you. Be clear about what you help people with, show what that means to your clients and focus on what you want to do.

 

Myth 4 - You need to create loads of educational content in your marketing 

It’s tempting to flood your social media and website with educational posts to demonstrate your expertise. However, what truly resonates with potential clients is seeing the results and experiences of people just like them. Sharing client stories provides not only proof of your knowledge and approach, but also valuable social proof and a sense of community. Most people seek a specific result, not a science lesson, so focus on showcasing what your clients achieve, rather than overwhelming followers with technical content. Using your clients own words and celebrating the things they celebrate will also help you connect with your audience and can be a great reminder of all the forms that results can take.

 

Myth 5 - It’s important to create different, optimal programmes for every client, all nicely periodised over time 

Whilst we need progressive overload over time to achieve improvements in strength and fitness, life rarely sticks to a perfect schedule, especially for clients who aren’t athletes and can’t plan their lives around their training. The “optimal” programme can quickly become irrelevant if a client misses sessions, has a bad night’s sleep, is dealing with work stress or other circumstances change. It’s often more effective to build plans that clients enjoy and can stick to, rather than striving for scientific perfection. 

Also, if you have clients with similar goals and abilities, don’t hesitate to use similar approaches or even the same programme. Individualisation matters, but it doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel for every person.

One of the biggest influences on whether or not you are successful in your set up is your belief in what you are doing.  Trainers who focus on all the ways their plan will fail often create a self fulfilling prophecy.  They lack consistency in their marketing, changing from one thing to another or do one advert then give up.  It’s normal to be nervous about what you are doing but if you can’t recognise the benefits of what you offer to your potential audience then you’ll find it very difficult to demonstrate them to others. Focus on the people you want to work with and let other trainers work with those you don’t.

Building a successful personal training business isn’t about following others or forcing yourself into a box created by someone else. It’s about understanding your clients, your community, and yourself, then creating a career that’s sustainable, fulfilling and uniquely yours. Challenge the myths, trust your instincts, and shape your business to suit your life and your ambitions.

For more on each of these topics LTB members can access the member resources or drop Claire a message if you are looking for help on something specific.

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