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?

Nick's cues are always pieces of art.

This a nice one for the barbell or dumbbell bench press. Use it to get your client to aggressively drive the weight toward the sky.

Better Business

Some semi-controversial things I believe about business & personal training:

1. Don't Outsource Your Marketing.

Nobody is better able to market your business than you. Because you have a story only you can tell.

I am not saying you shouldn't go out and find education on marketing your services, but don't hand it all over to an ads agency.

It'll be an expensive mistake.

2. If You Don't Like Making Reels, Don't Make Reels.

I don't like doing video. It takes me ages and I find myself comparing and aiming for perfection more than other any medium.

I prefer words. I enjoy writing and creating content like this.

If you're similar, it's worth noting you don't need to do video to get clients or build a following.

The important thing is that you're consistent and the content you put out is of a high quality.

3. Offering Free PT is a Great Way to Get Clients.

Offering free PT is a tried-and-tested way to get clients.

Do you need to do it? No. Can it help if you're struggling for leads? Absolutely.

Content creation is mostly unpaid work... so why not use some (or all) of that time to get people in for sessions where there's a much higher chance they'll start paying you?

4. You Don't Need to do Monthly Payments.

Monthly payments are usually the best way to set your clients up. You can build in holidays and you get paid regularly, so your finances are simpler.

But, they might not work for all of your clients. Or for you, for that matter.

5. You Don't Need an Expensive Business Mentor.

You probably just need some basic accountability and direction.

Nothing special, and nothing you should be paying 4 figures for.

I'm all for mentorship and coaching, but too many in our industry charge a bomb (£1000+) for bang-average support.

Be careful who hand over your hard-earned cash to. I've spoken to far too many PTs who have been burned.

6. The Better You Are at Coaching People, The Better Your Business Will Be.

The best thing you can do for your business over the long term is develop your communication, coaching and programme design skills. These are the things people will seek out and be willing to pay you money for.

They are the foundation upon which your business is built.

7. Don't Send Cold DMs.

Can they work? Yes, if you do enough of them. Like 1000 for one reluctant signup.

Do most people hate receiving them? Yes.

Will you put many people off who might've warmed up to you had they found you another way? Yes.

I'm all for sending 'warm' DMs to people who have engaged or followed you. But please don't send DMs to people who have no idea who you are.

Better Coaching

Here's a simple coaching tip I'm sure many of you are already using.

When your client says, "I can't do that.", you add in the word "yet."

I love this part of our job.

We help our clients see themselves in a more positive, optimistic light. We shine a light on their capabilities to grow as humans.

What's more beautiful than that?

I love when you've got proof of this too.

"Remember six months ago when you told me you'd never do a bodyweight deadlift?"

One Social Media Post Worth Your Time

I've been using these chest supported dumbbell rows since seeing this post from the guys at Propane Fitness.

They feel great.

And the mind: muscle connection for my back is superb.

You do have to play around with your chest position on the bench. I've found being more towards my collar bones the most comfortable.

I've also seen this done using a bar and a squat pad.

Personal Instagram Growth (week 5)

I'm skipping this section this week as I'm on holiday for two weeks in Scotland, so I can't update it live.

Thanks so much for reading.

Until next Friday, Stuart.

Until a week on Friday, Stuart. I'm taking next week off the newsletter, so I'll speak to you again on the 9th of June!

Whenever you're ready, here is the main way 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.