How To Avoid PT Burnout

by Travis Bell (Director of New Level Personal Training Studio�s)

You've just become a Personal Trainer. You've passed your exams and have your newly printed business cards at the ready. You're all set for a promising future. Chances are burnout is the furthest thing on your mind. The bad news is that burnout can appear all to frequently in personal trainers. The good news is that there are ways to combat it. Read on to find out more.

Your passion can lead to burnout
Because you're passionate about your job and your clients, the passion and enthusiasm can ultimately lead to your vulnerability. Many experienced trainers have suffered from taking on too much, too soon. Speak to experienced trainers and learn from their mistakes.

Being there for your Clients
Taking on clients at their convenience can seem like an act of great customer service, but the reality is that you're giving up your 'real' time that you should be allocating to yourself.

You don't have to be 'on' all the time.
Set a strict schedule for yourself and adhere to it. For example: Monday, Wednesday and Friday could be late days, giving you the chance to sleep in but work late. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday could be early days, but making sure you leave the studio early on these days. Listen to your own body's needs.

Filling your appointment book
The equitation 'more clients equals more money' may sit nicely on paper, but meeting everyone's needs is tough. To stay focused, fresh and motivated for each client requires you to step back and recharge the batteries.

Frequent training can result in monotonous workouts, late appointment and forgetfulness, all easy signs that you're overdoing it.

The more you do, the more you're likely to overdo things. Remember, once fatigue sets in then you're doing your clients a disservice.

Becoming friends with your clients
Relationships often develop over time. You share personal information and you start to realise that you have a lot in common. It's not that unusual for a personal
trainer to spend time with a client than family and friends. Remain profession and keep the relationship positive, but neutral.

Personal training is a wonderful career as it gives you the chance to change a person's life. However, new trainers need to remember that your role is to help people reach their chosen fitness goals, not to give advice or personal opinions.

Under pricing your services
You see other people making money and feel justified that you are ready to market
your services or increase your prices.

Determine a price that is suitable, and affordable, for clients and profitable for you. Work out your margins and what you would like to earn. Research other personal trainers and find out what they offer and the level of service. Consider payment
options and your own expenses.

Avoid being 'on call'
Personal trainers are not in the medical profession and shouldn't be available 24 hours a day, seven days week. Giving out your mobile phone number or personal email address can create the impression that you are.

You want to provide the best service for clients to avoid them going elsewhere, but the reality is that you'll forever feel like you're at work. Set further boundaries. If someone calls you over the weekend, set a 24 hour response time.

Being assertive and setting boundaries will
lead to your success!

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