FRANK ABRAHAMSEN ATLE ARNTZEN ROLF HAUGEN
THE PERSONAL TRAINER
A COACHING APPROACH
Copyright © 2021 by Vigmostad & Bjørke AS
All Rights Reserved
First Edition / Printing 1 2021
ISBN: 978-82-450-2358-9
Graphic production: John Grieg, Bergen
Cover design by Fagbokforlaget
Typeset by Vatori
Cover photos: © Lithiumphoto/Shutterstock and Per Åge Eriksen
Translator (Norwegian to English): May Wenche Tasneem Lysø
All photos: Per-Åge Eriksen
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Preface
The fitness industry is in a period of rapid growth. More and more people are opting for an education in personal training and group training. But whereas the business itself is booming, public health is experiencing a negative trend. The population is becoming more inactive by the hour. We should encourage people make a shift from a passive lifestyle to an active one, since the fitness industry has a unique ability to improve public health and help clients discover the joy of movement. It is key that people in the trade can deliver high-quality and motivational workouts to a multifaceted clientele.
Alongside an ever-growing business, the role of the personal trainer (PT) has become more comprehensive and more demanding, especially regarding skills. We saw the need for a textbook communicating this development, and covering essential subject areas such as communication, coaching, motivation, pedagogy and psychology, offering best practices. We see a surge in PTs working full time, and it is vital that this group of professionals is thoroughly acknowledged. Also, we would like to thank Eva Katrine Thomsen for her contributions in this book.
The content of this book is based on scientific research and our collective professional expertise. We hope it will make any PT more capable and aware of their role, thereby improving the general quality of the business and yielding better results for training enthusiasts.
The book is divided into three parts. The first covers general topics that are essential for both the PT and the group fitness instructor. There are many similarities between these two roles. The main part of this book is divided into chapters aimed at the personal trainer, but many of the topics also apply to the group fitness instructor. Finally, there is a chapter on improving one’s proficiency.
We wish you the best of luck in reading this book and making the most of its contents!
Oslo, November 2021
The Authors
PART I INTRODUCTION
PART II
PERSONAL TRAINING
Chapter 6
The Role of the PT
General professionalism
Behavior and concentration during the session 127
Follow-up between sessions.
Recommended channels of communication
Collaborating with colleagues
Structure, planning and goal-oriented work
How often do you train the client per week?
130
How many weeks are in a month? 133
How to master the PT role by using various PT products 134
PT one-on-one – being a PT who uses coaching techniques
PT duo (2 people)
PT for groups (3–12 people).
7
is touch?
How to touch clients.
“Walk the reflective talk!” Touch and feedback at the same time
Why should you “walk the reflective talk?”
How to “walk the reflective talk”.
Chapter 8
The First Consultation with the Client 167
What should be the content of the first consultation? 168
What is the basis of a qualitatively good consultation? 169
Structure and implementation of the consultation
The coach model or working model
Step 1: PPSMARTE – objective work
Step 2: The current situation or current status
Step 3: Alternatives
Step
Step 5: Commitment
Sale of PT services in a one-to-one situation – how to conduct a trial session
Recruitment of new PT clients in small groups or boot camp.
Sales-promoting activities
booth/stand
“Walk the floor,” socializing with the member of the fitness center
The use of references
The importance of long-term training with a PT – for the client, for the center and for you
about Norwegian clients?
was the main impression of the seven clients and their PT?
various ways of understanding the concept of
C) Personality and competence in communication
How to develop and share competence: the leader’s role and responsibility
Professional days/professional evenings
B) Technique course/competence day
• What characterizes the skilled personal trainer?
•What does a coaching approach entail?
• What is required to acquire new clients – and to retain them?
•How do you plan the first consultation with the client –and proper, suitable, and motivating exercise sessions?
• How can you share competence and develop as a trainer and an instructor?
The fitness industry is experiencing solid growth. The requirements for personal trainers are becoming increasingly complex and challenging, reflected in the increased demands in terms of education and competence. This book addresses such challenges by providing a broad introduction to communication, coaching, motivation, and mental training. The book’s focus is on theory, research, and concrete experiences from Norwegian fitness centers. In addition to answering the previously mentioned topics, this book addresses professionalism, touch and feedback and ethical guidelines, among other topics.
This is a foundational book offering practical guidelines for both future and established personal trainers. The authors have several years of work experience in the fitness industry, performance psychology, guidance, and coaching.
ISBN 978-82-450-2358-9