The same training plan for everyone
This is a mistake that usually stems from laziness or lack of adequate competence. In both cases, it is reprehensible and requires immediate correction. Every client who decides to use your services deserves an individual approach. After all, people reporting to a personal trainer have different goals and abilities.
The same set of exercises will work perfectly for one client, and will not bring any results for another. Don't copy a ready-made training plan! Of course, you can repeatedly use proven training methods, but always do so in accordance with the needs of the client.
Incorrect or inaccurate needs analysis
A proper analysis of the client's needs is the foundation of further cooperation. If you make mistakes at this stage, future training sessions may be completely ineffective. The needs investigation should be comprehensive. Conduct a detailed interview with your client, including questions about their lifestyle, training opportunities and goals or eating habits. The more information, the better for you!
In the context of needs analysis, remember not to measure clients by your own yardstick. Just because you spend most of your time training and planning your diet, doesn't mean that everyone does. You are likely to come across clients who have very busy schedules and are not able to devote several hours a day to training matters. Your job is to tailor a workout plan to fit the client's schedule.
No functional tests
Functional tests are, next to the needs analysis, the most important element before working with a personal trainer. It is through them that you will be able to determine what physical capabilities your client has. Workouts should not only be effective, but above all safe. The client's general fitness and health status are crucial when planning exercises. You will find out about your athlete's health status quickly if you work with them using the Good Coach app.
Incorrect communication
How do you communicate properly with your client? By operating in a language that they can understand. The principle seems trivial, but practice shows that many times communication between coach and mentee fails. This, in turn, results in frustration on both sides and poor results of actions taken.
Remember that the average client does not use the professional nomenclature specific to your industry. Put yourself in an analogous situation - you come to a notary and he addresses you using only legal nomenclature. It is possible to feel lost, isn't it? If you already have to use a specialised term, make sure the client understands its meaning. If you see even a shadow of confusion on your client's face, explain in detail what you mean. Importantly, simply providing a list of recommended exercises is not enough. Present the client with the specific benefits that result from them. A person who understands the purpose of their activities will achieve better results!
There is additional value when the trainer uses a good workout planning app in his or her work. You will know a professional coach by this. This could be, for example, the Good Coach App, which you can register for here.
Lack of commitment to the work you do
Are you having a worse day and the weather outside the window is only adding to the bad mood? It happens to everyone! However, this is no reason to neglect and perform your duties superficially. Taking an interest in your training and the well-being of your clients is fundamental to the work of a personal trainer. Remember that mental comfort has a significant impact on the success of the entire workout. Don't ignore your mentees, put the phone down and focus on what you can improve in your daily work. Your commitment will also translate into recommendations from your mentees, or lack thereof. You probably realise that in this industry, whisper marketing plays a key role.