When I started personal training in the mid-’90s, most of my education came from muscle magazines. I had subscriptions to all of them. Combined with years in the gym and thousands of articles and books, I felt ready to train clients.
I also had a university degree in kinesiology and health science, but in reality, that just gave me letters after my name and a certificate on the wall. It taught me how to calculate heart rate zones and recommend food group servings, but when it came to real-world strength training, it didn’t offer much.
Education vs. Experience
Was I getting results with my clients? Yes, but the truth is, beginners gain strength just by showing up. Most people see some progress simply by getting off the couch. My clients were improving, but I wanted to take their results to the next level. That meant upgrading my knowledge and skills, so I developed a four-step strategy.
The Four-Stage Plan to Mastery
- Read a Book a Week
I focused on books related to strength training, nutrition, and business—anything that could make me a better trainer. - Shadow the Experts
Every two weeks, I spent an afternoon learning from an experienced professional. Whether it was a trainer, chiropractor, osteopath, nutritionist, or doctor, I observed, asked questions, and gained valuable insights. These sessions also helped me build a strong professional network. - Research and Study
I collected references from my readings and spent hours in the university library hunting down studies. At the time, that meant physically pulling journals off the shelves and photocopying pages. My girlfriend (now my wife) would help me gather materials, and though it was time-consuming and costly, it was well worth it. - Attend Seminars and Workshops
At least once a month, I attended a seminar, conference, or workshop. I traveled across North America to learn from top experts. The investment in time and money was significant, but the connections and knowledge I gained were invaluable.
The Payoff
Results improved dramatically, and my business grew rapidly. Within a few years, I was working with high-profile clients, publishing articles in fitness magazines, making television appearances, consulting with other trainers and health professionals, and leading workshops and lectures.
This success was no accident—it was the direct result of a structured plan, executed consistently over time. Just as a well-designed training program leads to physical progress, a well-designed education plan leads to professional growth.
The Bottom Line
If you want to succeed as a personal trainer, you need to keep learning. Several of my colleagues invested heavily in their education—books, seminars, consultations—sometimes even going into temporary debt. But those investments paid off many times over in increased revenue and opportunities.
Your worth as a trainer is directly tied to your knowledge. The more you learn, the more you earn.
