The PT Roadmap

A weekly newsletter for personal trainers that'll guide you in your career to become a better coach and build a better business.

Hey!

Thanks for opening up today's newsletter. I appreciate you being here.

Let's get into today's PT Roadmap.

One Coaching Cue

What's it for?

I've used this cue to help my clients understand how to get their lats involved in a deadlift when setting up.

I've recently used it to help clients understand what we're looking fthe top of a pull-up or bottom of a lat pulldown.

Better Business

I saw this sign while working in a coffee shop last week, and it caught me.

I adore ideas like this as they encapsulate creative marketing, and they get you in front of the people in your local area.

I asked the man whose sign this was about whether it works.

He says he'll spend an hour twice per week working in coffee shops throughout town, and in that time, he'll have at least three people approach him each day and he's tracked 5 sold houses to initial conversations started this way in the past 4 months.

Those are great stats.

Especially if, like me, you already work in a coffee shop.

What could yours say?

"Talk to me about free personal training."

"I'm Stuart. Talk to me about exercise and food."

Let me know if you give it a shot!

Better Coaching

How to connect with members in your gym.

The most effective way to build a profitable PT business inside any gym is to connect and build relationships with the members of that gym.

But the skills used to connect with those people aren't exclusive to the gym...

They are universal and can be used to connect with people everywhere.

I've gained clients from conversations in coffee shops (the better business tip will help with this), at networking events, from the school pick-up, at parties and at Farmer's Markets.

All by, firstly, connecting.

Here are seven tips for connecting with people:

1) Smile

Not only is this good for you (smiling is linked to lower stress levels), but it also helps put others at ease. A simple smile goes a long way.

2) Use an icebreaker

Having a few starter questions to connect with new gym members can be helpful.

"Hey I'm X, one of the trainers here. What're you training today?"

"Hey I'm X, one of the trainers here. I don't think we've met. What's your name?"

"Hey, that tee/ those shoes are amazing. Where did you get them?"

"Hey, I'm X! I saw you doing Y. Have you ever tried it this way or used this equipment?"

3) Remember names

Starbucks ask yours for a good reason.

It symbolises a warm welcome and helps you feel like more than just a customer.

Take note of the names you learn, and use them the next time you see that person.

4) Listen

Think of someone whom you think of as a great listener.

I bet they put all their attention on you, use eye contact, listen intently to what you're saying, and ask follow-up questions about what you just said.

And I bet you like talking to them.

Be more like that person.

5) Respect people's time

If you approach a member and end up talking, be mindful of their time.

"Great talking to you, X. I'll let you get on with your workout!"

6) Compliment

Genuine compliments go a long way.

If you see someone using great form, trying a difficult exercise, wearing a cool t-shirt or pair of trainers, tell them.

"Sorry to interrupt your workout. Just wanted to let you know your squat form is brilliant!"

7) Remember the details

Take note of the interesting things you learn about new people, so you can reference it next time you see them.

"Sally was competing in her first gymnastics tournament at the weekend, right?"

"How did that job interview go last Thursday?"

"You mentioned you were going to try your first run of this year at the weekend. How did you get on?"

First and foremost, humans want to feel seen and understood.

Remembering details from past conversations is a great way to show you listen and care about that person.

Want some professional development on this? Read: How to Win Friends & Influence People

One Social Media Post Worth Your Time

5 core exercises that will humble you from Meghan Callaway.

I liked this post from Meghan because it contains a few novel core exercises I've never seen. The hollow body hold mobility challenge is an excellent way to progress a standard hollow body hold.

If you're looking for new core exercises for your sessions or group classes, the above post will give you some ideas. 

Just be sure to test them out yourself before giving them to your clients... I've made that mistake too many times to count lol.

Personal Instagram Growth (week 3)

TL:DR on this section - Meta decided my Fb & Ig violated their T&Cs and deleted my pages. I'm trying to rebuild them.

My goals just now:

• post three good quality Twitter-style posts per week (with at least one thread),

• and hit 500 followers by June.

The follower number doesn't really matter; I just want something objective to work towards.

Posts goal = 3 (Posts this week = 5 ✅)

Follower count = 348 (up by 11 from last week. Goal = 500 by June)

Thanks so much for reading.

Until next Friday, Stuart.

Whenever you're ready, here are two ways I can help you:

1) If you’re looking for a place to help you gain knowledge & develop your skills as a personal trainer, I’d recommend joining Lift the Bar on our trial for free for 14-days. You'll get access to courses, actionable webinars and time-saving downloads, and a community of PTs who have achieved what you're struggling to achieve.

2) Listen to the LTB Podcast. Latest episode #391: Jenny Rearick - Strategies for Powerful Seminars and Presentations