Continuing education separates successful PT from those who merely scrape by to make it as a full-time trainer. The most influential trainers I meet all seem to have this in common. Successful trainers I have spoken to recommend reading an hour a day, minimum. Not just books that expand their knowledge of fitness and nutrition etc. They read books about business, marketing, sales, writing, and social media to get one step ahead of their competition.
Ignite the Fire: The Secrets to Building a Successful Personal Training Career — Jonathan Goodman
Ignite the Fire provides a clear road map to start your personal training career, building your clientele, establishing your reputation, and boosting your income. This book was recommended to me by Marcin, a current trainer from our gym.
Day by Day: The Personal Trainer’s Blueprint to Achieving Ultimate Success — Kevin Mullins
Mullins, is a master instructor and coach, shares 365 tips to help you become a better trainer, one day at a time. Successful entrepreneurs always encourage to concentrate on improving by 1% per day.
Secrets of Successful Program Design: A How-To Guide for Busy Fitness Professionals — Alwyn Cosgrove and Craig Rasmussen
Most clients want the same basic goals (look better, perform better, feel and move better), which means your next client’s program should be mostly ready for them before they even walk in the door. “Making something different just for the sake of being different is in fact bad programming,” Keeping to the basics is often the best way.
Strength Training Anatomy, Third Edition — Frédéric Delavier
Delavier is the Renaissance man of fitness publishing: an artist, anatomist, writer, and powerlifting champion. You’ll also never be stumped when a client asks, “What muscles does this work?”. Great book to have on your shelf especially when starting out.
The Ultimate Sales Machine — Chet Holmes
Great book for any trainer that is looking to go self employed. This books explains the importance of time management, business organisation, and sales. An area a lot of PT’s struggle with.
