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.

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Thanks for opening up today's PT Roadmap.

Let's get into things.

One Social Media Post Worth Your Time

I have a 3-year-old.

Food is already such a huge part of his life. He knows what he likes (chocolate) and what he doesn't like ("trees that taste like poop", also known as broccoli).

My wife and I have tried to be cognizant of how we discuss food and exercise around him because we know how much of his beliefs are formed early on.

This post from Dr. Emilia Thompson on children's relationship with food really hit the mark for me.

I'll be giving the question "how does your tummy feel?" instead of "are you finished?" a shot!

One Coaching Cue

"Long jump, not broad jump."

When to use it?

Anything with a hip hinge.

I first learnt this from Lift the Bar's Head of Education, Gregg Slater, when he recorded this video for us on fixing your client's squatty-looking Kettlebell swing.

If you take a second and imagine the position you automatically put yourself in if you were about to jump forwards, it looks a lot like the position we're searching for with a swing. A broad jump, however, encourages you to sit down and explode up.

Another one from Gregg's video that I've used to good effect for the swing is to put a mini-band around the client's shins. If they bump into it, they get feedback that tells them to hinge rather than squat. Like this 👇👇

Got a coaching cue you love using that works like a charm?

Hit reply, as I'd love to hear it!

One Business Tip

I like to read. Since you're reading this newsletter, I'm guessing you might too!

So, here are 3 of my favourite business focussed books for personal trainers:

1) Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Main thing you’ll learn: finances are hard. The system Mike teaches in Profit First makes them simpler and more manageable.

Key quote: "A lack of profitability is consistently the major reason cited for business discontinuation."

2) Change Maker by Dr. John Berardi

Main thing you'll learn: a guide (or roadmap) for a successful career in coaching.

Key quote: "Our clients don't want to be us. They want to be themselves, only healthier."

3) Everybody Writes by Ann Handley

Main thing you'll learn: how to become a better writer.

Key quote: “Start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there'll always be better writers than you and there'll always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that—but you are the only you.”

One Coaching Tip

Want an easy way to bolster client retention and improve results?

Use formal client reviews.

I like to do them with each of my clients every 6-12 weeks.

Here's my 5-step framework for how to do one:

1. Environment

2. Set the scene

3. Use open-ended questions

4. Actively listen

5. Action

Let's break those steps down.

1) Environment

Where you choose to do your review matters.

Ideally, you'll go somewhere quiet, private and away from the gym floor. This will help you in having a better conversation.

If that's not an option, go somewhere you can sit down or get some space to talk.

2) Set the scene

"We're going to have a quick 5-15 minute conversation to review how the last month or two has gone. This will help us to ensure we're working towards the right things and I'm doing all I can to help you."

Simple, but the client must know why you're doing it.

3) Use open-ended questions.

You'll get more information from your client if you use a higher ratio of open rather than closed-ended questions.

Open: "How do you feel our last training phase has gone?"

Closed: "Did you enjoy our last phase of training?"

An open question encourages more than just a yes or no answer.

Question prompts:

• "What did you enjoy/ not enjoy about our last training phase?"

• "How would you say the last phase of training has gone?"

• "What are we missing from our sessions?"

• "Is there anything you'd like to work on in our training that we're not currently doing?"

• "Is there anything I can do to better support you inside or outside of our sessions?"

4) Actively listen.

This step is crucial.

Make sure you are fully tuned in to what you're client is saying.

Bonus points for using reflections (reflecting back the words and phrases your client uses to show you understand and to gather more information) and summaries (summarising the main points of what your client has told you.)

5) Action.

If there are some points you or your client need to action, take note of these and ensure you do what you said you would or follow up with your client.

An example could be that your client told you they hate doing X exercise, they miss doing Y or saw someone else doing Z and want to try it. So, you make a point of removing or adding that exercise. Or maybe they've told you they are struggling with high-protein breakfast ideas, so you create something for them and email it.

I'd recommend giving formal client reviews a go if you don't already use them. I always come away with useful information that helps me create a better experience for my clients.

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 high-quality personal trainer education to help you gain knowledge, I’d recommend joining Lift the Bar and starting one of our most popular courses:

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➡ Practical Nutrition Coaching: Finally understand how to coach nutrition effectively in a personal training setting.

➡ Online Coaching: Set Up & Marketing: An easy-to-follow course that talks you through getting started in the online coaching world.

➡ The Essentials of Personal Training: The perfect course if you’re new to PT and looking to lay an excellent foundation for success.

Start one of these courses today by joining Lift the Bar for free for 14-days.

2) Listen to the LTB Podcast. Latest episode: Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon - Is ChatGPT The Beginning of The End For Personal Trainers?