7 key traits of the best personal trainers

At DARE. we’re dedicated to education and training. We want every coach to become the best personal trainer they can be.

If you’re a personal trainer looking to develop your skills, you might be asking what it takes to become highly successful in this field. There are a few key traits that we see time and time again in the best personal trainers.

From possessing deep knowledge of exercise science and nutrition to being a great communicator and motivator, the eight traits we’ll discuss are crucial for developing into the best PT you can be.

So, let’s dive in and discover what it takes to become a highly successful personal trainer and make a positive impact on the lives of your clients.

First Step: Personal Training Qualifications And Education

Having the right qualifications (usually a Cert 3 & 4 in fitness) is crucial for anyone aspiring to be a personal trainer. 

These qualifications equip you with essential information about anatomy, exercise science, and nutrition which gives you the foundation of knowledge to coach someone. 

If you’re wanting to become a coach, you’ll need these qualifications under your belt first as they ensure client safety. When you do these certs, you’ll be able to identify potential risks, design programs that maximise results, and adapt routines to individuals.

The certifications are really just the first step. From here, we encourage coaches to go on a journey of discovery and develop an appreciation for the craft of personal training. You’re not just training people, you’re sculpting bodies and changing lifestyle habits, and this can be a big job.

Ongoing education is vital to ensure personal and professional growth. Investing in qualifications is the first step towards a successful career in personal training, but the ongoing education and hands-on skill is equally important.

3 Personality Traits of a Highly Successful Personal Trainer

So, what are the key personality traits of a successful personal trainer?

Well, each coach will possess a unique blend of traits that enable them to connect with clients and facilitate transformative health journeys. However, the top 3 personality traits that lend themselves to coaching are:

1. Empathy

One of the most important personality traits is empathy, which allows trainers to understand clients’ feelings and experiences. This emotional intelligence helps in building trust and rapport, which is essential for fostering a positive training environment. Our clients become like friends, and these relationships between coaches and clients support great results.

2. Resilience

Becoming a personal trainer is not easy, so you’ll need to be a little bit tough. 

You’ll need resilience to work the hours and remain energetic. Remaining positive and bringing the energy even when you’re tired and drained requires a type of personality that is resilient and upbeat.

Showing resilience is also important for your client. You are the rock that they rely on, so you’ll need to push them through even when times are tough. The journey to fitness is often filled with ups and downs, and a successful personal trainer remains optimistic and encouraging, even when clients face obstacles or setbacks. 

3. Passion

A great personal trainer embodies passion. 

This enthusiasm for fitness and health can be infectious, motivating clients to take their own journeys seriously. It’s not so much about bodybuilding or aesthetics either. This passion should extend into all aspects of life, wanting to empower their clients to have a better quality of life thanks to their healthier choices.

Passion not only fuels a trainer’s commitment to their clients but also keeps them engaged with their learning and development. Being passionate about learning more is essential. When clients see how much a trainer cares, it can spark their motivation and commitment to achieving their goals.

4 Teachable Traits Of An Amazing Personal Trainer

The top 3 traits we’ve discussed are somewhat innate. They can be honed, but they’re very much part of your personality too. 

The following traits are much more teachable and could be good skills to focus on if you’re wanting to be a great coach.

1. Knowledge of Exercise Science and Physiology

A comprehensive understanding of exercise science and physiology is a non-negotiable trait for personal trainers, and the great news is that this can be learnt!

A solid foundation in anatomy and biomechanics allows trainers to teach movements that maximise efficiency while minimising the risk of injury. Continual learning to brush up on your knowledge can set you apart, and understanding how the body responds to different types of exercise is a skill you can learn.

The more clients you coach, the more you will learn. Successful trainers throw themselves into this continuous learning to remain at the forefront of the industry, ultimately benefiting their clients and enhancing their own careers.

2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Communication is paramount to being a great coach. 

A successful trainer has to give clear instructions which prevent injuries and boosts clients’ confidence in their ability to perform. 

Successful trainers know how to relate to their clients on a personal level, making them feel valued and understood. This connection encourages clients to communicate openly about their struggles and successes, leading to a more honest and results-focused training experience.

3. Adaptability and Problem-Solving Abilities

The ability to adapt and problem-solve is a hallmark of a highly successful personal trainer. 

Each client presents unique challenges, from varying fitness levels and injuries to emotional barriers and each journey will have unique twists and turns. Trainers must be flexible in their approach, ready to modify programs or techniques to accommodate for the individual. By changing the program as needed and enabling clients to overcome setbacks, coaches can get the best out of their clients.

4. Commitment To The Client

Great personal trainers take their clients’ success seriously.

Coaches that get great results have consistent communication, commitment beyond just the training sessions and a genuine interest in clients’ wellbeing. They do this by taking the time to understand their clients’ motivations, preferences, and challenges and creating a personalised approach.

Coaches should expect to have regular check-ins and progress assessments with all clients and should schedule periodic evaluations to discuss achievements, setbacks, and future goals. 

Great coaches are made, not born

Becoming a highly successful personal trainer is about practice and education. The more you coach people and learn along the way, the better you will become.

As you embark on or continue your journey in the fitness industry, remember that the commitment to growth and development is what will truly set you apart. Embrace the challenges, continue learning, and strive to be the best version of yourself—for your clients and for your career.

Looking for a personal trainer job in Melbourne? 

If you think you have the traits above and want to become an amazing personal trainer, we can help. We turn hungry personal trainers into professional experts.

Whether you’re new to coaching or have been in the game for years, we want to develop and expand your skill set and utilise your talents to change lives.

We want to speak with passionate personal trainers in Melbourne who are looking for their next challenge.

Contact us now.