Fitness News

Do PT’s Need To Be Ripped?

By 29th July 2015 3 Comments

Many fitness trainers enter the profession because of powerful obstacles they’ve overcome. You may want to help others make the same life changes you have accomplished.

Maybe they lost 50lbs and live a truly happy life and have no desire to go to the lengths needed to attain and maintain a six-pack. But does this have an affect on gaining clients?

Obviously, as we all know, one of the key body looks that is associated with being fit is six pack abs. But this doesn’t always tell the true story. As you know, abs don’t define fitness. Six pack abs are a result of low bodyfat.

However, it’s great to know that the anorexic teen look is out and strong is now sexy!

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Here at SUA, we do not believe that the answer lies in your physique or whatever your definition of ripped is. The answer lies in setting a good example, right? Whenever anybody is looking for a personal trainer, they should steer clear of the superficial and focus on other traits…

Health and vitality – Something a trainer cannot do is look worn out or exhausted. We had a recent client who always had a big smile on his face and endless energy for his clients. It’s because he took care of himself before, during, and after the treatment even though it wasn’t easy.

When you train clients, you need to ensure that you sleep and eat well. You should exude energy. Laugh and smile throughout the day, as it will beam through to your clients and others.

Many PT clients aren’t looking to get six pack abs because the effort it takes to maintain such a low body fat is extremely tough. Instead, they want to be healthy and active for as long as possible. What good is being ripped if you can’t enjoy life? We’re all human and we all have different goals in mind.

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Experience working with people like you

It’s simple really – if you train bodybuilders and have the same goal, then yes you probably should be ripped. If you are a post-menopausal woman with at least one child then you’re perfect to train busy active mothers, but you don’t need a six-pack. What you need is to be healthy and to lead a good example.

What it comes down to is this. A personal trainer doesn’t have to be ripped unless they are training clients for high-level aesthetic goals like bodybuilding or competition training. Your physique should resemble the desired physique of your target audience and your lifestyle should follow suit.

There is no ideal physique for personal trainers. We all come in different shapes, sizes, and ages. Our background, desires, and experiences help shape us. Getting ripped is a goal of some clients and if you train those clients your body should show it.

Most of the time, clients want to be healthy and active and, as a trainer, there’s no excuse for you not to be. Take this in mind, keep smiling and be the best example, for your target audience, that you can truly be!

Do you agree?

Would you agree with the above or do you believe that all fit pros should be ripped? Let us know in the comments blow!

Join the discussion 3 Comments

  • Michelle says:

    I’ve had a client that found the ripped look really intimidating.

  • Nick Kentrolis says:

    In my 30 years in the fitness industry I’ve found that a lot of the ripped trainers don’t have a full book of clients and really didn’t do a good job of motivating others. they also have virtually no ability to attract new clients on their own. At 51 years old I don’t look like I did when I was a competitor, I don’t train competitors. I know that 87% of the population do not have gym memberships because they also don’t want to look ripped. This is just an observation from 30 years of experience. This is what I still look like today even though my six pack is lightly hidden.

  • Matthew Hirst says:

    İ think as a pt you should be in good shape because your body is part of your marketing but not the only be all. You may do a sport that doesn’t require you to be but a sound knowledge base and personality is essential.