What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me Before Entering Personal Training
When I first set out on my career path, personal training wasn’t my first choice—it was my plan B. My original goal was to become a physical therapist, but I had to pivot when I didn’t get into PT school. Before getting rejected from ten PT schools, I was a personal trainer with four years of PT aide experience, a 3.5 GPA, and a passion for helping people through movement.
Personal training seemed like a logical step on the journey to becoming a physical therapist. However, now that my dreams were crushed, I had to modify my plan. I liked the professional fitness world so much that I decided to further my education, earning a Master’s in Sports Performance. From there, I sought the most reputable jobs I could find as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).
The Early Years: Fun, Flexible, but Uncertain
Personal training was a fantastic job during college, grad school, and the first year after finishing my degree. It allowed me to work with clients while continuing my education, and I was constantly learning. But then reality hit: How would I turn this into a full-time job with benefits? How would I afford to move out and build a stable life? I definitely couldn’t keep up with all of the driving around, hauling equipment, and piecework. Granted, it’s pretty much how you start out, but I knew my future would need something different if I were a fitness professional.
I say “fitness professional” because a personal trainer can work in many roles, such as group exercise, physical education, and more.
A couple of years into my career after college, if you had asked me whether I’d return to college and choose a different major, I probably would have said yes. Personal training is enriching, and I loved the people I worked with, but it’s also a hustle—lots of driving, long hours, and a constant search for clients. That life may appeal to some, but I was looking for a track where I could settle down into one exciting job that had the benefits, stability, and longevity (probably a hard ask for any field!)
Career Growth: What Stability Really Looks Like
One of the first things I realized was that management often seemed like the only stable, long-term option. However, management isn’t for everyone—it requires an entirely different skill set and a shift away from training itself. Fortunately, some healthcare systems were integrating fitness into their wellness programs. This was reassuring because it showed opportunities for stable growth outside of taking on more independent contract work. I got a job as a “lifestyle educator” for Kaiser Permanente, where I was the fitness expert providing exercise science to patients and providers alike.
If you want to be a personal trainer long-term, you have a few main choices (the way I see it). Keep in mind ome reports indicate that approximately 80% of personal trainers exit the industry within their first two years.
- Keep it as a side gig while maintaining a stable main job.
- Commit entirely to personal training, knowing that the first five years will be a grind. But if you can get through that, you’ll likely find your niche and open up more opportunities.
- Stick around long enough to transition into a leadership and management role.
- Marry someone who brings home the main source of income so you don’t have to worry about benefits and stability.
What I Wish I Had Focused on Sooner
There are a few key things I wish I had known when starting out:
- Further Your Education Early: Don’t waste time stagnating. Whether it’s additional certifications, workshops, or even a degree, ongoing education sets you apart.
- Look for Leadership Roles: Volunteer to lead workshops, presentations, and hiring efforts. These experiences build your reputation and expand your career options.
- Diversify Your Work: Working at least two part-time jobs gives you a broader network; the bigger your network, the more opportunities you’ll have.
- Stay Open to Growth: Never get too attached to one job. Always look for the next step that will grow you.
- Master Coaching and Communication: Programming workouts is the easy part. What really sets great trainers apart is their ability to connect with people. Social and emotional intelligence, genuine care for your clients, and a passion for helping others are crucial skills.
- Forget the Social Media Illusions: Your career won’t look like the influencers you see online. Their version of success is often curated; many don’t even make their main income from training. They represent a small fraction of a percent of personal trainers.
- Explore Online Training: Virtual coaching, programming, and digital fitness services can be a great way to expand your reach and income.
- Leverage AI to Your Advantage: Use AI for programming assistance, business planning, content creation, and more. Technology can streamline your work and make you more efficient.
Final Thoughts
Personal training is a fulfilling career, but it’s not for everyone. It requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to grow constantly. If you go all in and push through those first few years, you’ll find your place in the industry. Whether that’s working with special populations, corporate wellness, sports performance, or another niche, the key is to stay proactive and never stop learning.
