Personal trainers: what characterises them

Professional personal trainers are exercise specialists who cater to the needs and current situation of their clients. They work with them to define training goals and create customized training plans. Personal trainers lead training sessions, motivate and support in a live personal 1:1-setting – so that the fitness goals set are achieved.

Whether the customized training sessions are carried out outdoors, in the fitness centre, in the office or at home – personal trainers ensure that their clients train in a healthy, effective and motivated way.

The quality requirements for effective personal training are high – in order to fulfil them, personal trainers need a sound education and regular further training. Experience and in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, training theory and nutritional science are part of every personal trainer’s profile. They know how to plan and carry out training sessions in cycles in order to achieve the set goals. Personal trainers also have strong interpersonal skills: they know how to respond to their clients and encourage them if necessary.

The following aspects show how a qualified personal trainer differs from a lay trainer:

  • The personal trainer is a member of the SPTF, which sets quality standards.

  • The personal trainer carries out an evaluation before the start of training: he asks about goals and personal motivation and thus obtains a precise picture of the state of health and fitness. The information is recorded in writing.

  • The personal trainer has a current BLS/AED course.

  • As a self-employed person, the personal trainer issues invoices for their training sessions or issues a receipt for cash payments.

  • The self-employed personal trainer presents himself/herself professionally, e.g. with a website, business card, stationery, etc.

This is what characterises a competent personal trainer:

  • He opens up new horizons through enriching training that is fun.

  • He encourages and challenges, but not to the point of total exhaustion.

  • They do far more than just count the number of steps on the treadmill: they are coaches and accompany their clients on the way to their goal.

  • He adheres to the Code of Ethics: he is a person of trust and therefore discreet, punctual and careful in his dealings with customers’ health.

  • He maintains a constant customer base
  • He regularly undergoes further training