What are /r/personaltraining's favorite Products & Services?

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There's a lot to unpack here.

The NSCA is a fine and reputable organization that offers reputable certifications.

I personally would dissuade you from this "Biomechanics Specialist" offered by NESTA. The NSCA's CPT and CSCS certifications go over biomechanics well enough to be informed; if you felt that wasn't enough, there are individual textbooks you can buy which cover biomechanics in more detail.

The harsh reality is that additional specializations beyond CPT are largely unnecessary and might be good for additional CEUs or knowledge, but are not worth the price they command and 99.9% of your clientele will not know or care what they mean.

My thought process is that it's always been worth it go get the most reputable overall certification you can get depending on what you want to do (ACSM-CPT for more clinical populations, NSCA/NCSF/ACE/NASM-CPT for general training, NSCA-CSCS for athletic populations, etc.) and save your money by watching videos or buying textbooks which cover certain areas you'd like to be better in, in this case biomechanics.

Merry Christmas

That should cover pretty much almost any exercise you give I believe. This was a project I did during my internship. It's not yet worth creating into an actual book, or at least I don't think so, but it should do exactly what I think you're looking for.

You can also give members something of value when you interact with them so that they remember you.

For example, ExerGuide is a free exercise library app where individuals can search and favorite exercise GIFs and request a program from a trainer if they want more support. (iOS) (Android)

If you see a member that needs help with an exercise or asks you a question about a specific muscle or equipment piece, you can easily show them and then have them download the app as a training tool. Just make sure to follow up with them in 30 days or let them know that they can request exercises that they'd like you to make a program with in the app by entering your email.

Hey, u/roybelzer!

Congrats on your new location! Local coffee shops are fantastic for this just like bridal shops and hair salons. They know a lot of people! I would also partner with other health practitioners like physical therapists. If you have a particular demographic that you work with, I would consider what services they would use.

Another option is to participate in local networking events. Your local chamber of commerce likely does a monthly event. You can also check Meetup.com and your local Small Business Administration.

Good luck in your new location!

I know this isn't directly answering your question of how to find a trainer that can work with your disability, but my mind went to these lifting hooks I have a client with advanced arthritis in his hands and has lost a lot of functionality of a couple fingers and a thumb. We use these straps for pulling and it works really well for him!

I'm not sure exactly how to direct you to find specific trainers, the previous post about what certifications to inquire upon is a great reco. When you do chat with some trainers, take the time to do thorough interviews, be up front with exactly what you are looking for, and inquire about their experience with hand limitations and heavy lifting. Arthritis will probably be the most common. If you share your location, there may be a few in this community that can help?

Good luck on your search!

Nope. I normally buy "fitness" ones at places like TJ Maxx for like $5 that are similar to this.

I wrote this as a reply earlier to someone’s questions, but thought maybe I’d share it with you here. Hope it helps! All the best your way!

1. In a saturated market, manipulate the supply demand equilibrium by creating a demand for YOU.
   
2. Make yourself different.
3. Your success will be in direct proportion to the value you create for your clients.
4. Word of mouth marketing is the most important marketing you’ll ever have.
5. Client retention is the biggest key to sustainability. No holes at the bottom of your bucket and your business will grow.
6. Bad trainers last less than a year. (Empty schedule/low rates) Average trainers last around 5 years (half schedule/average rates) To make it a career …make yourself a GREAT trainer (full schedule/highest rates) 7, Expect it to take some time to build your business properly. In any industry, building business takes some time.
7. Don’t waste your time on clients you really don’t enjoy. Be picky about who you train. Surround yourself with good people daily.
8. Do NOT be the cheap trainer in town. A full schedule and cheap training packages still equal financial hardship as well as devalues your services.)
9. Reverse risk on clients. Guarantee they get results and MEAN it! Sales will skyrocket.
10. Learn from OUTSIDE the fitness industry. Only fitness people think they are experts in fat loss. It’s incomplete knowledge. Study endocrinology, physiology, nutrition, metabolic regulation, etc.

There are so many more…but this is a good start! Best wishes of a super successful career! Good luck and hope this helps you in some way!

PS…been a trainer for 26 years and own a gym in Bangkok.

I wrote a book about getting started and building a business in the industry. It’s less than a cup of coffee. https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Your-Personal-Training-Business-ebook/dp/B0BDFY8GSL/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1663831301&refinements=p_27%3AJeff+Andora&s=digital-text&sr=1-3

Hi! Congrats on losing 90 pounds! I’ve been a trainer for 26 years and have my own gym and do quite well. I just want to say this to you… The industry needs more people like YOU. “I would do anything to help just one person feel the same thing” is my proof you will be a success in this industry. If you’ve been thinking a lot about it and it excites you…I say, do it! Advice is tough for someone just starting out because there is SO much advice to give. It’s a tough market…but you clearly have the determination to do what it takes to succeed at something. You can do this.

I’ve written a book about what my 50 year old self would tell my younger self when starting a personal training business. I practically give away on amazon if you are interested. Regardless, I am not writing all of this to sell you a 3 dollar book….

I am here to say I hope you become a fitness trainer and help many people accomplish great things and you enjoy every moment of doing it. Best wishes your way! Holler if you have any questions!

https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Your-Personal-Training-Business-ebook/dp/B0BDFY8GSL/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1663831301&refinements=p_27%3AJeff+Andora&s=digital-text&sr=1-3

I would highly recommend this book. It will 100% help with the marketing side of any business.

Hi! When I got certified, this is the book that we learned from. It will have general information on fitness and what exercise should look like for results. If looking for just knowledge, there are a lot of YouTube channels like Jeff Nippard that provide a lot of exercise science. Hope this helps.

book

I had a hard time when I got hired too. Had to learn the hard way that I was much more introverted than I had thought. I don't know how you are with audiobooks but this one helped me a ton.

Try Audible and get it free: https://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B075QMTLJ4&source_code=AFAORWS04241590G4

It's free if you haven't made an account yet. Although it's super cheap so you might get a different one for free. Less than three hours long yet has some very interesting information. Good luck my dude. Keep your head up.

I would like to share this with a friend, but the “job opportunities” link does not reflect an opening for a yoga instructor:

https://www.notion.so/Work-in-Zenia-b5c46ba133da4015b6af6ff8cfe31ef6

Can you share the proper link?

Thanks!

Not silly at all! There are 2 different apps.

This one is for coaches:

iOS - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/truecoach-connect/id1445214677

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.truecoachmessenger

Bro! Congratulations. Super happy for you.

I actually wrote the top-ranking book on Amazon for trainers. It’s called Ignite the Fire: The Secrets to Building a Successful Personal Training Career.

Can I send you a free copy to properly welcome you to the industry? It answers your questions above and more.

If so, send me a message here. I would need your address to send it (mods here can verify me.)

-Jon

You made excellent points, especially with repetitive questions, because it is something that every business or online coach will face: there are questions/doubts that clients will ask over and over again, and answering them will consume your time. You cannot waste it like that, because it is a precious resource that must be invested smartly.

Also, editing training material like videos, guides, PDFs and the like consumes a lot of time as well. Once again, a reminder that your customer service must be efficient and straight to the point.

In addition, no one wants to spend 5 minutes watching a video or 40 pages reading an ebook to find an answer for a very simple question. Your customers will be mad at you.

That is why a Knowledge Base is the perfect solution to these problems, and yes, your customers will love you!

It helps you to decongest other customer support channels because now you can answer repetitive questions without using an agent. You can bring straight-to-the-point answers to help your customers and you can edit everything with only a couple of clicks.

A Knowledge Base like Kayako's allows you to handle everything in a smooth and easy way. You will have your own KB running as soon as possible, and as it is smart, you can track everything and improve it as you grow.

The power of Kayako resides on how easy it is to adapt to your goals and needs, because you can customize its appearances and functions to serve your own purposes. Don't be afraid and claim your own free demo right here: https://www.kayako.com/demo-request

Damn, what an expert who uses design coming from https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/corporate-business-fintech-logo-abstract-design-template-real-estate-charts-diagram-logotype-concept_7686952.htm

As for a good website, I recommend you to try out the service from https://weblium.com I think they will build a perfect website for any needs and you will be happy with what you get. I have just got a landing page from them and it is awesome!

I have just got a website for me with the help of the service from https://weblium.com I have to say that they did some really good job for me and I am happy with it. I will need some SEO work to be done now. Can you recommend me something?

Hi there! I am not a fan of different free solutions, honestly. I like the website builder from https://weblium.com It is a really great service where you can create a nice landing page or a website for you and get some really good results. I think you may like it too

This is a great start: https://www.otpbooks.com/product/workout-program-design-nick-tumminello/

As is this: Secrets of Successful Program Design: A How-To Guide for Busy Fitness Professionals https://www.amazon.com/dp/1492593222/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_RAFQNSKVTRJQT3PESBGC

Personally I recommend the NSCA CPT Essentials textbook. Or the NASM CPT textbook. Links here: NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training https://www.amazon.com/dp/0736084150/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4RDGNTXWYFN054DVP0A7 NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training https://www.amazon.com/dp/1284160084/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_VD9S5QZPNDPCBJ748QG5

How to Become A Personal Trainer (Successful) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WS992F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XWZ27K2GS6ECP84FFMBK

This guy gives great, no BS advice. He really shits on NASM, which is warranted I believe. NASM was designed by a physical therapist and focuses a lot on corrective exercises and balance, which is not really necessary for the majority of clients that look for personal trainers. Strength fixes weakness, and PTs aren’t physical therapists. You’re there to coach your client for maximal results. Your clients will be dissatisfied after training with you for three months doing bosu ball balancing and body weight squats and not seeing a difference in their body or weight.

Can you also trust the other trainers there that they know what they’re talking about? Because a lot of trainers don’t, even after years of experience. Educate yourself by watching anatomy videos, learning the functions of every major muscle in every muscle group. Maybe look for an internship at a different gym if possible. If not, the author of that book has a business called Show Up Fitness and they offer online zoom classes or you can do an in-person internship if you live by one of his locations.

Developing Endurance (NSCA Sport Performance) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0736083278/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_8QDF4Y09CBBYE129Q5EG

This book has a whole section on exactly what you're asking and all of the benefits associated with resistance training for endurance athletes. You will be hard pressed these days to find an elite endurance athlete who doesn't resistance train. It's pretty common in the strength and conditioning world.

This is the vests I use - they're nice because they have a really open design, which is good for somebody with a large bust (vs. the ones that zip up in front like a lifevest)

https://www.amazon.com/Aduro-Weighted-Workout-Equipment-Weight/dp/B07MWH7XCH/ref=sr\_1\_3\_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=weighted+vest&qid=1628388612&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMFI4R1pDQjdBNzgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9...

Really depends on your clientele. If you train athletes you will choose to program differently than you would for general fitness clients. Overall this is one of the books I recommend to everyone just getting into working as a trainer.

https://www.amazon.com/Periodization-Methodology-Training-Tudor-Bompa/dp/1492544809/ref=sr\_1\_3?dchild=1&keywords=periodization&qid=1622678723&s=books&sr=1-3

I like the Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding by Arnold is good and mostly relevant. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0684857219/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_EZ1YSZNDQTT781737ZKH

Starting Strength is pretty good, but can be a bit too in depth, in my opinion.

Otherwise I really suggest YouTube as a means of learning new info, especially if you're a visual learner like me. There are a variety of good channels such as Athlean-X, mountaindog, etc.

I got my clients Half-Gallon "Motivational Water Bottles." Check 'em out on Amazon, they're pretty neat. Especially great for folks who work in offices.
Here's an example- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D9DW7J6

When I took the test they were using the 4th edition (revised) book. Now I believe they're into the 5th edition though. So, here's the 5th edition on Amazon.

For those in the UK in a similar situation and trying to complete their level 2 in Fitness Instructing or Level 3 in Personal Training through YMCA or ActiveIQ. They can use a free app I created to help me revise the multiple choice questions in the exam; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.meacherapps.FIPTtheoryquiz.

Thanks for sharing your journey in becoming a personal trainer. It's okay to feel like you're not a real personal trainer yet. I assure you, you'll be chuckling that you ever felt that way in no time, just keep learning with a positive attitude to start.

Regarding programming, it is so subjective, but a good place to start depends on what demographic you're likely to work with. Eventually all trainers will program in their own way— partly to separate themselves from other trainers. It's why you'll hear about so many methods and "principles" from different thought-leaders. As a beginner, don't feel too flustered and always treat personal training knowledge with a grain of salt— it's likely you're being sold to.

With that being said, I came out of college interning at sports performance clinics. One, in particular, was EXOS (formerly Athletes' Performance). Yes— EXOS is selling a methodology too, but they have a good framework of fitness programming that I think is a great place for someone to start. They have a paid online course but they have a book as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Game-No-Holds-Barred-Performance/dp/1583335536

It looks like it's for athletes, but I assure you the content is applicable for all demographics (EXOS is now in the corporate well space too, which is where the real money is at)

As far as industry knowledge goes, I actually started an ad-free fitness blog recently. I'm trying to inform and teach fitness professionals about concepts worth knowing, particularly internet digital stuff that could help trainers. Let me know what you think! www.leftielayup.com

This one might be good for the intended purpose, but there are many other pull up bar stands or multi-use exercise stands that could be be portable assuming you have at least a hatchback vehicle. Obviously use your best judgment here, and it may be an unnecessary expenditure for your implemented routines, but it also might be worthwhile so I figured I'd add it in. https://www.amazon.com/Barbell-Power-Rack-Exercise-Stand/dp/B00HYQP72O?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1ULG03/ref=twister_B07Y942CHR

Affordable and comfortable. Tons of colors to choose from. Personally, I'd never work out in them, but wearing all day long training clients, theyre the best.