Developing a truly successful program involves several layers that the personal trainer must address with time, competence, and critical thinking. A thorough and complete initial consultation can ensure that the personal trainer has all the data that they need to design a program that is time-efficient and successful.

Every client should participate in a 20 – 30 min initial interview and consultation prior to participating in any physical activity. This process allows the personal trainer and client time to complete the strategy session form, physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q), professional liability form, and trainer-client agreement.

It is the job of the personal trainer to help clients reach their goals in a safe and effective manner. However, it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture of a client’s life and have tunnel vision on specific training aspects that may not matter.

Evidence suggests a positive relationship between physical activity, exercise, and mental health. Exercise as a treatment modality is now being considered alongside psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches, and the role of specifically trained exercise specialists and personal trainers is an important component of the multi-disciplinary team.

This three-part series will show how personal trainers can create a physically literate cradle-to-grave culture for all, with LTAD as the framework. This article addresses awareness of LTAD and why is it important for personal trainers.

Learn a 9-step plan for opening your own gym. In this session from the NSCA’s 2018 Personal Trainers Conference, David Crump shares his experience owning a facility.

The purpose of this article is to provide the reader some direction and suggestions for how to make the transition to online personal training smooth and successful.

Do you have a successful fitness team? The concepts described in this article are used to develop teams with personal trainers who are happy and have bought into winning cultures.

The private sector is growing, and so is the competition. With low barriers to entry and clients cycling in and out of programs, you need a strong business strategy to stand out and build staying power. Gini Grimsley draws on her experience across commercial fitness and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) leadership to address top questions coaches are asking: Where is the smartest place to start? How do you set your rates? How do you grow a client base in a new community? Grimsley distinguishes between being certified and being qualified, noting credentials open the door while applied experience takes you further. She introduces a framework for “periodizing your paycheck,” reverse-engineering income goals into a viable revenue model. Grimsley also outlines how to integrate into established communities and balance hybrid in-person and online coaching. If you are exploring the private sector or refining your approach, gain practical strategies to find your niche and achieve career flexibility. Reach out to Gini on Instagram: @gdotgperiod, LinkedIn: @gini-grimsley-ms-cscs, or by email: trainwithgini@gmail.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Make sure your voice is represented in the profession. Join an NSCA Professional Development Group (PDG) to influence the resources and decisions that impact your segment of the field

At the end of the day, remember one thing: it is all about the member/client experience. Provide your clients with the best member experience and they will stay and continue to pay.