How Much of You Should You Share on Social Media as a Personal Trainer?
In the world of fitness, authenticity is magnetic. As a personal trainer, your social media presence isn’t just about showcasing client results or promoting your services, it’s also about showing you. But how much of your personal life should you share? Let’s break it down.
Show Your Human Side
People don’t connect with perfection, they connect with realness. Sharing moments that reveal your human side, like a tough workout you struggled through or a day when motivation was low, helps your audience see you as relatable, not robotic. Vulnerability builds trust, and trust builds loyalty.
Let Your Personality Shine
Some trainers get so caught up in the idea of being ‘professional’ that they lose all signs of personality which comes across as bland and unappealing. Whether you're quirky, calm, fiery, or funny, let it show. Your personality is your brand’s secret sauce. It’s what makes your content memorable and your coaching style appealing. Don’t be afraid to post things that reflect your vibe, from your favourite coffee ritual to your go-to playlist for leg day.
Share What People Can Learn From or Connect With
Think beyond reps and macros. Where appropriate share insights into your mindset, routines, recovery strategies, or even your favourite books. These nuggets of wisdom help your audience grow and feel like they’re part of your journey and when they learn from you, they’re more likely to trust you as a coach.
Sometimes the clients you desire to work with are a reflection of your own values and aspirations or people who want to make the same changes you have. If this is the case then it may make sense to share more of your own experiences but be aware of where what you have done, or do now, differs from what they believe they can do. Focusing on your own strengths, passions, and unique qualities can be a powerful way to attract like-minded clients who resonate with your approach.
Where you don’t match up with your target client base you can still share enough about yourself to give them insight into your values and beliefs. They will still want to know that the person they are working with is someone they can trust. Just steer clear of areas where what you do may put off potential clients and stick to the stuff that makes you relatable whilst showing who you are.
Don’t Overthink Your Hobbies
Love painting? Obsessed with Formula 1? Got a thing for baking sourdough? Share it, assuming you are happy to. Your hobbies make you multidimensional. You don’t need to justify them or worry about whether they “fit” your brand. If anything, they make you more interesting and approachable.
Balance Personal Posts with Professional Content
Your social media shouldn’t become a personal diary but it also shouldn’t be a nonstop stream of client shoutouts and service promotion. Think of personal content as seasoning: it enhances your brand, adds flavour, and keeps people engaged. A good rule of thumb? Let your personal posts complement your professional ones, not replace them.
Share Only What You’re Comfortable With
You’re not obligated to share everything, or even anything, if you don’t want to. Boundaries are healthy. If there are parts of your life you’d rather keep private that’s perfectly okay. You get to decide what feels authentic and safe for you.
Final Thoughts
Your social media is an extension of your coaching philosophy. By sharing a thoughtful mix of personal and professional content, you invite people into your world not just your workouts. You remind them you are human and you show them you won’t judge them for being human. So be real, be bold, and most importantly, be you. That’s what people will remember.
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