So as it's my 10 year anniversary of doing personal training in Five dock i thought I'd give you a list of the 10 things I know now that I didn't know then. (And wish I did). Some id these transfer to life outside of training as well.
1. You can't be everything to everybody. Sometimes it's not a good fit.
When I first started I wanted to train everyone. Marathon Runners, weight lifters, teenagers, kids, seniors all in the one session. It doesn't work. Set the session and the right clientele will fit into it.
2. What people tell you doesn't always match their actions.
I was astounded at the beginning that people would come along to my Five Dock Fitness sessions, pay me and then spend the next hour moaning at you for trying to help them. Now it's water off a duck's back. If you want to turn up and give 30% I can't help you.
3. Weight loss is 85% food intake and 15% activity.
I use to think it was 50/50. You can't outtrain a bad diet.
4. Never ever forget a members name or fail to give them a greeting.
This is their session make them feel important and appreciated.
5. There's only so many ways a human body can move, train accordingly. Don't complicate things.
Of all the fancy exercises out there you can't beat a lunge for lower body or a push up for upper body.
6. Not everyone will stay with you forever.
This really hurt me at the beginning losing clients would put me in a foul mood for days. Now I thank them for the time they spent with me wish them all let them know they're welcome back anytime. Then I focus on the next one through the door.
7. Clients can become lifelong friends
A certain person told me not to become friends with clients. Idiot. I meet amazing people all the time. We share early mornings, nights. Birth's, death's, marriages. I've seen kids go from babies to teenagers. How can you not form a special bond?
8. The 6am winter morning's will never be easy.
I think this is self explanatory. But it's all in the day of a Five dock Fitness trainer.
9. Some people are uncoachable.
I thought that after spending a certain amount of time with a client I would be able to get them to achieve anything. I was wrong.
10. I have the best job in the world thanks to you guys.
Imagine having a job where you can help people feel better. Help them live longer and healthier. And having a job that makes their endorphins rise which means they are in a great mood and will naturally laugh at your terrible jokes. Now that's the best job in the world.