After 30 years in the fitness industry, I’ve seen the same assessment mistakes repeated again and again. Many personal trainers overcomplicate the process with endless screens and diagnostics. In this article, I explain the most common assessment mistakes and how trainers can simplify their approach while still gathering the information they need.
When Leo began training with me in September 2024, our first goal was to improve body composition — lose fat, build a foundation. By May 2025, he was lean enough to start tackling chin-ups. The test? One honest attempt… and zero reps. That’s where the journey began. We kicked off with Phase 1: Eccentric Chin-Ups,…
The role of a personal trainer goes far beyond counting reps or demonstrating exercises. Clients often underestimate how much energy and behind-the-scenes work a trainer puts into each session — until the trainer isn’t there and they have to do it themselves. Many admit they get tired just loading and unloading the bar! The Physical…
Becoming a successful personal trainer requires more than just knowledge of exercises and anatomy—it demands professionalism, communication skills, and a commitment to growth. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned coach, the following ten rules will help you elevate your practice, deliver better results, and build lasting client relationships. Rule 1: Safety First…
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is popular with many personal trainers—but not so much with researchers. A recent systematic review suggests the FMS isn’t a great tool for predicting injury: Do Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Composite Scores Predict Subsequent Injury? A Systematic Review with Meta-AnalysisAuthors: RW Moran, AG Schneiders, J Mason, SJ Sullivan Aim: To…
Clients hire you for a specific purpose, and your success ultimately depends on the effectiveness of your training programs. The first thing to consider when designing a program is the training goal—this single factor trumps all others. For instance, an individual with recurring shoulder pain and extremely poor posture may approach you with the goal…