The changing role of a personal trainer

By Katie Bulmer-Cooke

I CAN say whole heartedly that I love being a personal trainer as much now as I did 15 years ago when I proudly received my Diploma in Personal Training, but my view on my role and the ‘job’ has changed significantly.

In my early days as a trainer I was convinced that the most important things I could give my client were their workout programmes alongside some nutrition recommendations.

Now, I know that there are three things I can give my clients that are much more impactful than these things.

Of course I still pride myself on well constructed programmes, carefully planned sessions and nutrition support and resources, but these things can only be at their most effective when the elements that clients really need help with are in place.

First up, clients need help to implement change.

Using body fat reduction as an example goal, let’s face it, most people know what they should be doing to get their desired results.

They know about a calorie deficit, workouts are just a scroll away on Instagram and there are countless recipe ideas online, but where they need our help as fitness professionals is to take that information and implement it into their life specifically.

They need to know how to weave these new behaviours and actions into their life.

It is our job to listen and coach clients to find the answers to questions like, ‘how will I fit my workouts around my job and my kids after school activities, without it feeling overwhelming?’

Next, clients need accountability.

Accountability is defined as being responsible for one’s actions, something which is generally heightened when another person is involved.

Typically we are more likely to do the things we say we will if someone else is holding us accountable, but for me, accountability is about that and more.

Working with a trainer should feel like having someone else on your team, someone in your corner, cheering you on and believing in you, much like a boxer has someone in their corner. n Katie Bulmer-Cooke is an awardwinning fitness trainer, speaker and consultant.

Once we’ve found a way to successfully implement a personalised plan and create accountability, we are much more likely to achieve the thing that really is the difference between short and long term results…the holy grail of consistency.

Ultimately, as trainers, we can write the most incredible programme in the world and deliver 10/10 sessions, but without appropriate implementation, accountability and support, and consistency, the long term results that clients crave will remain out of reach.

When the changes are gradual, personalised to the individual, and they feel supported, clients feel unstoppable and as a client-trainer team life-changing things can be achieved.