B
log
Does image matter
in the fitness industry?
KRISTOPH THOMPSON
DIRECTOR OF
SIDEWAYS8 TRAINING
“
Being ripped
doesn’t
guarantee
credibility.”
This is an interesting
question and one that always
seems to divide opinion. On
one hand, you can argue that
a PT is a walking
advertisement of the results
they can offer. However,
being ripped doesn’t
automatically guarantee
credibility with all clients.
Appearance alone says
nothing of your ability as a
motivator, educator,
communicator and coach –
all key aspects of a
successful personal trainer.
To dismiss all trainers that
are not ripped would be
foolish. Many trainers enter
the profession because of
powerful obstacles they’ve
overcome. They want to help
others make the same life
changes that they made.
Trainers that have been
through challenges
themselves can inspire and
empower others.
Ripped or not, a trainer that
exudes energy is much more
likely to have a full client diary
than one who is lethargic and
lacklustre in their demeanour.
Rather than being hung up
on appearance, for which
there is no idea’, it is perhaps
better to focus on your
outlook and disposition –
after all, people buy people
rather than training.
Expert Panel opinion
SARAH WINN
FITSISTA
34 FM
www.exerciseregister.org
The most valuable attribute
you need to be a successful
fitness professional is to be
passionate about what you
do, and be able to pass that
on to your clients.
As a personal trainer your
clients have to relate to you
and building a realistic
relationship is the best way to
keep that client.
The flip side to projecting an
image of perfection is if your
clients see you as too
idealistic then they're not
going to relate to you.
Let them know you're human
too. You don’t need to go
hardcore in every training
session you do, making
yourself out to be
superhuman. You have to be
able to relate to each other –
it’s a two-way relationship.