Why Should I Consider Accepting a Job as a General Trainer at the Start of My Career?

K11 School of Fitness Sciences

For a student who has just earned certification as a Certified Personal Trainer, Advanced Personal Trainer or obtained a Diploma in Personal Training, they may ponder the following:
- Why should I consider accepting a job as a general trainer at the beginning of my career?
- What benefits does starting as a general trainer offer to my professional development?
- How can working as a general trainer enhance my skills and pave the way for future opportunities?
Upon receiving certification, newly qualified trainers often lean towards roles exclusively as personal trainers, possibly dismissing opportunities as general trainers. However, it’s crucial to recognize that such positions often serve as paid internships. Rather than overlooking them, we should embrace the chance to kickstart our career as a general trainer with enthusiasm and gratitude.
Examples of Benefits:
- Stepping Stone
- Foundation in Fitness
- Real-World Insight
- Member Trust
Stepping Stone: Imagine an aspiring artiste who dreams of becoming an actor and gets the chance to be on the movie set. The artiste would do it without pay, even gladly paying for the opportunity to be part of the set.
Consider a budding chef who dreams of working in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
They would eagerly accept a position there, perhaps even offering to work for free, just to gain experience in such a prestigious kitchen.
Imagine a musician aspiring to perform at renowned music festivals. They would eagerly accept an invitation to play at a smaller, lesser-known venue, viewing it as a valuable stepping stone in their career, despite the potential for lower pay or even performing for free.
Likewise, an up-and-coming personal trainer aspiring to thrive in the fitness field should eagerly accept any opportunity to train clients, regardless of financial compensation. Each session represents a chance to gain practical experience, cultivate a positive reputation, and attract more clients, laying a solid foundation for future success. Just as aspiring chefs, artists, and musicians view their early career moves as pivotal, personal trainers should see each client interaction as essential for advancing their professional aspirations.
Foundation in Fitness: Being appointed as a General Trainer presents us with the invaluable opportunity to fully immerse ourselves on the gym floor, which will serve as the foundation of our career in fitness. This environment allows us to refine our coaching techniques, deepen our understanding of client needs, and develop our professional presence—all while earning a steady income. It’s not just a job; it’s an investment in our future that begins yielding returns from day one.
Real-World Insight: During a 9-hour shift on the gym floor, you immerse yourself in observing seasoned personal trainers and their varied client interactions.
This firsthand experience reveals diverse methods and real-world scenarios that may differ from your textbook knowledge. It’s an invaluable opportunity to refine your own approach, align your skills, and prepare for effectively serving future clients.
Member Trust: Certification serves as the entry point into any industry, but it’s the practical experience that shapes our skills and potential.
When a general trainer stands on the gym floor, they often become more approachable to members compared to personal trainers. There’s a unique trust that members place in general trainers, leading them to share their training experiences, barriers, and overall journey.
Through these interactions, general trainers gain a real-world understanding of the gym environment and member dynamics.
Personal Experience :
When I began my career as a General Trainer at my dream gym, I was initially confused by the gym’s policy that required every new hire, regardless of their experience level—even those with over 10 years in the industry—to start as a general trainer for a minimum of 6 months. I couldn’t understand why such a blanket policy would apply equally to both beginners and seasoned professionals.
During my initial 3 months as a General Trainer, I gained insights that I never imagined possible.
However, as I immersed myself in the organization, I gradually understood the reasoning behind this approach. Each gym operates differently, with its own unique clientele, staff dynamics, and operational procedures. The policy ensures that every new trainer, regardless of their prior experience, has the opportunity to adjust to these specific factors. It promotes a consistent understanding of the gym’s culture and standards, which is crucial for maintaining high-quality service and a cohesive team atmosphere.
I came to realise that adapting to a new work environment isn’t just about technical skills but also about fitting in smoothly with the gym’s community. By starting everyone at the same level, the gym promotes fairness and allows experienced trainers to demonstrate their ability to excel within the gym’s unique context. This approach ultimately benefits both trainers and clients by creating a unified and effective training environment.
When I stood on the gym floor for 9 hours, I observed and learned various strategies personal trainers use to convert gym members into their clients. I saw firsthand the delicate balance between promoting their services effectively without being pushy. Some trainers had impressive methods that members appreciated, even when the trainers weren’t present. On the other hand, trainers who were too forceful in selling personal training services often turned off members, who then showed neutral interest when discussing it with general trainers.
It became clear that successful conversion hinges on subtle and respectful approaches. Members responded positively to trainers who skillfully showcased the benefits of personal training, generating genuine interest.
Conversely, overly aggressive tactics had the opposite effect, diminishing members’ enthusiasm for the services offered. This experience taught me valuable insights into client interaction and effective sales techniques within the fitness industry.
I used to believe the role of a General Trainer was primarily about handling free weights and maintaining the gym area. However, it extends beyond those tasks. The actual role involves not just observing for hours but taking responsibility for everyone’s safety. Members often approach General Trainers to inquire about personal training services.
For instance, if you notice a member performing a risky movement, it’s crucial to intervene and provide guidance for that specific exercise set. After assisting them, it’s important to maintain professional boundaries and direct them to skilled personal trainers for further sessions, rather than continuing to provide instruction for free. This ensures the best interests of the organization are upheld.
Additionally, part of the role involves ensuring equipment is organised and used safely. If you spot free weights left on the floor, it’s your responsibility to reorganise them. Moreover, it’s essential to encourage members who use the weights to re-rack them properly after use. This comprehensive approach not only maintains a safe gym environment but also enhances the overall experience for members.
Accelerating Your Career: Instead of waiting exclusively for a personal trainer position after getting certified, it’s more prudent to start gaining practical experience by taking a paid position as a general trainer. This approach offers several advantages:
- Immediate Practical Experience: By working as a general trainer, you immediately begin applying what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing your skills and understanding client needs.
- Professional Growth: Starting in a general trainer role allows you to grow professionally right away. You’ll learn how to effectively communicate with clients, design basic workout programs, and handle various fitness equipment.
- Skill Development: You’ll have the opportunity to hone your skills in different areas of fitness training. This includes understanding different fitness levels, modifying exercises, and adapting training programs based on individual client needs and goals.
- Networking Opportunities: Working as a general trainer exposes you to a variety of clients and colleagues within the fitness industry. This networking can lead to valuable connections and potential opportunities for advancement or specialisation in the future.
- Building Confidence: The experience gained as a general trainer builds confidence in your abilities. It prepares you for the challenges of working one-on-one with clients as a personal trainer, enhancing your credibility and trustworthiness.
Overall, accepting a paid position as a general trainer post-certification not only jumpstarts your career in fitness but also accelerates your professional growth and skill development, setting a solid foundation for future success as a personal trainer.
– Forum Patel,
Faculty, Master Trainer, Exercise Science, K11 School of Fitness Sciences