- Many people have misconceptions of what a personal trainer should look like.
- The best trainers are usually not the most obvious ones.
- Some people think that tattoos are unprofessional.
There’s still a stigma associated with what personal trainers should look like. Some people who go to the gym expect to have bikini bodies and ripped meatheads as their personal trainers. The problem with this mentality is that 99 percent of trainers do not look like that.
Appearance aside, every trainer needs a platform that allows them to manage and work with their clients easily. Request a demo today of our All-In-One Fitness Business Management Software.
Looks Do Not Determine Skill Level
Personal training is an integral part of the fitness industry that requires skills, knowledge, and compassion. Potential clients need to know that most personal trainers are well-educated individuals who are passionate about fitness.
They are knowledgeable in the areas of anatomy, physiology, exercise science, and behavioral modification.
When it comes to understanding weight training and cardiorespiratory training techniques, personal trainers are reliable resources. Far too often, clients aren’t sure of how to execute proper form when exercising. Clients need to understand that fitness has the power to change their lives, but without proper training, it can be difficult to reach their fitness goals.
Just because someone is “ripped” doesn’t mean they know how to get someone else ripped. They found what works and stuck with it. The same holds true for personal trainers with tattoos. Just because they have tattoos, that doesn’t mean they don’t have the skills and knowledge to get you in the best shape of your life.
What a Trainer Should Be
Yes, personal trainers need to set an example. They should be in good physical shape and live a healthy lifestyle. But whether or not they have tattoos is irrelevant. When it comes down to it, judging someone because they choose to have tattoos is no different than judging someone because of the way they dress.
One of the most important responsibilities a personal trainer has is to help clients become accountable. Qualified personal trainers must have the necessary certifications, a proper educational background, and experience to assist people with varying levels of physical fitness.
Body Image
Body image is still a hot topic in the fitness industry. But where do tattoos come into play? Frequently, how people perceive others correlates with how they perceive themselves. Since fitness trainers are thought of as role models in the gym, many people view a trainer’s physique as their ultimate goal, with or without tattoos.
For example, a personal trainer with a sleeve tattoo could be perceived as a competent leader with whom everyone wants to train. Now, take that same trainer and add 50 pounds. How many people would still want to train with him? Would they still think he was an authority in fitness, or would they look at him and say he was a poor example of a personal trainer? In general, most people want to train with someone they aspire to look like.
By improving the perception that potential clients have of trainers, it will shift the focus from appearance to the skill-set the personal trainer possesses.
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Responsibilities of a Personal Trainer
Personal trainers are supposed to help their clients feel confident in both their physical and emotional transformations.
Essentially, the role of a personal trainer is to guide clients towards a healthier lifestyle, which encompasses physical and emotional attributes. Trainers help their customers recognize that while physical appearance may be the goal for some, there are different ways to achieve their desired appearance in a healthy, more efficient manner.
Furthermore, trainers help their clients understand the benefits of regular exercise. Working out is not only for the sole purpose of looking good. It improves cardiovascular function and lowers blood pressure levels. So how does having tattoos affect this? It doesn’t. Even the most ripped personal trainer can lack the skills needed to guide their clients down the right path.
Where Do We Go From Here?
It’s hard to believe that body image still plays such a significant role in our daily lives. Society’s demand for physical perfection sets standards that most of us will never reach.
And with such high expectations in place, trainers need to implement effective marketing techniques that aren’t only skin deep.
While fitness training is a science that encompasses anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, it’s also a business.
Judging a book by its cover is never a good idea. The same holds true for personal trainers. The best trainers won’t always be the most obvious. They are the ones that connect with their clients. They look for safe and efficient ways to help them reach their goals without needing to be the center of attention. Tattoos or no tattoos, trainers who continue to learn and know what’s best for their clients are the ones that clients will want to give money to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which personal training certification is the best one?
All of the various personal training certifications have different requirements, costs, study materials, exam details, recertification requirements, and continuing education credits (CECs) or units (CEUs). It’s important to do your homework and review all of the details before deciding on which one is best for you. The certifications that have been NCCA-accredited are more reputable than others that are not accredited because they have met a certain level of standards for the certification.
How long should I study for a personal training certification exam?
It varies among individuals. If you recently finished a degree with courses covering most of the content in the exam, you might be able to take it more quickly than someone who does not have that background. With NESTA, once you register for the exam, you have 90 days to complete the exam. Other organizations will vary on their timelines.
How much money do personal trainers make?
This varies depending on location, experience, and how many clients you are training.
Where can I train my personal training clients?
There are a number of places where you could train your clients like a gym, a park, your home, their home, or your own studio.
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