Personal training careers 1 | Page 21

achievements or rough patches in the training session. You need to take the time to keep records and communicate with each client. This needs to be done on the day of the session –no more than an hour after the session – so you do not forget anything. Your work with a client is not just the half hour or one hour you are with them, it is the preparation and programming creation involved as well. If you are extremely successful you may want to consider having an assistant or intern that can help you organize your book, make phone calls and handle any cancelations. Offer Free Training When a Personal Trainer is just starting out they may offer free training sessions or partial training sessions so gym members can get an idea of what to expect from the trainer. While it may seem as though you are “wasting your time” by working for free, you are actually making valuable contacts and networking. Also, other gym members who see you training do not know that those sessions are free. They see you working with several clients right out of the gate and they will assume you are a good, successful trainer. Perception is everything as you build your business. If you are sitting behind the personal training desk, twiddling your thumbs, reading or chit chatting with co-workers it does not make you look desirable. However, if you are out on the floor training a variety of clients, you look as though you are in demand and that will attract clients. There are a few things to keep me mind as you offer free training, however. Only offer free training for a very short amount of time. For example, only offer it for 3 hours a couple days of the week for one week. And, only one free session per person. People will take advantage of your free services, so be sure you stay on top of that. When you are not offering free training, you can simply go around the gym, spa or studio and introduce yourself to people. As they work out, offer a suggestion. Say, “I see you’re doing biceps. Have you thought about throwing in some bicep rows?” Or, “Let me show you a