7 Mistakes I Made as a New Trainer—and How You Can Avoid Them

Becoming a personal trainer was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made—but it didn’t come without its challenges. When I first started out, I made plenty of mistakes (some pretty big ones). Over the past seven years, though, I’ve improved my craft by learning from those mistakes and putting better practices into action.

If you’re a new or aspiring trainer, I want to save you some time—and headaches—by sharing seven mistakes I made early in my career and the lessons I learned along the way.

Mistake #1: Being Bad at Sales

When I started, I struggled with sales—not just selling a training package, but selling the ideas and lifestyle changes required to improve my clients’ health. I lacked the communication skills needed to explain the value of what I was offering.

Lesson Learned

Sales isn’t about pushy pitches; it’s about communication and trust. I learned to “sell” by mastering the art of effective communication. This includes explaining the "why" behind every exercise, helping clients understand the benefits of trying new foods or routines, and forecasting the next phases of their training. Think of sales as storytelling—you’re helping clients visualize their own success.

Pro Tip: Practice communicating your ideas in simple, relatable ways. Use analogies, ask questions, and make it a two-way conversation.

Mistake #2: Chasing Perfection Instead of Consistency

I was obsessed with perfection—whether it was crafting the “optimal” workout plan or expecting flawless form every session. It held me back from celebrating progress.

Lesson Learned

The key isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. Most clients don’t need to train for the Olympics—they need sustainable habits. The goal is to get your clients moving and feeling good, not chasing an unrealistic ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality. Greg from HR with three kids doesn’t have time for perfection, but he can commit to building better habits.

Pro Tip: Focus on small, achievable wins to build momentum. Progress beats perfection every time.

Mistake #3: Battling Impostor Syndrome

Starting out at 23, it felt almost impossible to confidently tell clients in their 30s, 40s, or 50s how to live healthier lives or justify my $10,000/year training programs. I constantly questioned my abilities.

Lesson Learned

Confidence comes from competence. The more reps you put in—whether that’s training sessions or studying the science behind fitness—the more your confidence builds. Overcoming impostor syndrome requires action; get hands-on experience as often as possible.

Pro Tip: Fake it ‘til you make it—but with humility. Keep learning, ask questions, and know that even seasoned trainers started somewhere.

Mistake #4: Avoiding Hard Conversations and Tasks

Cold calls? Approaching strangers for a chat? Practicing tough conversations? Hard no (at least at first). I shied away from anything outside my comfort zone, which slowed my growth.

Lesson Learned

Success lies outside your comfort zone. Facing my introversion head-on transformed not only my business but also my ability to connect with clients. Striking up conversations got easier with practice.

For example, I started by adding “one more sentence” to everyday chats. Instead of just greeting the gym receptionist, I’d also ask, “How’s your day going?” Small efforts made a big difference in building connections.

Pro Tip: Practice small talk daily. Even adding one extra sentence to every conversation will build your confidence over time.

Mistake #5: Falling for the Dunning-Kruger Effect

Fresh out of university and a former athlete, I thought I was an expert. Turns out, the more I learned, the more I realized how much I didn’t know. That humbling experience made me better.

Lesson Learned

You’re never done learning. Staying curious, seeking out educational resources, and admitting when I didn’t know something not only made me a better coach but also earned me more trust from clients. Learning feels like unlocking abilities in a video game—it only makes you better equipped for the challenges ahead.

Pro Tip: Invest time in continuous education. Attend workshops, read new research, and don’t hesitate to ask more experienced trainers for guidance.

Mistake #6: Not Practicing What I Preached

At 23, it felt easy to stay fit despite eating junk food, going out late, and skipping sleep. But this mindset created a disconnect with my clients—they worked hard on their health, while I wasn’t holding myself to the same standard.

Lesson Learned

When I began living the lifestyle I encouraged my clients to follow, everything changed. I felt healthier, performed better as a trainer, and gained a deeper empathy for my clients’ struggles. Practicing what I preach also reinforced my credibility.

Pro Tip: Align your lifestyle with your values as a trainer. It not only boosts your performance but also inspires your clients.

Mistake #7: Overlooking the “Personal” in Personal Training

Early on, I treated training like a rigid system—a formula to follow. I didn’t realize how deeply personal and unique each client’s needs were.

Lesson Learned

Personal training is just that—personal. Listening, meeting clients where they are, and truly showing you care are invaluable skills. One client of mine, who hated exercise, found joy simply by walking and stretching while we talked about life. This unconventional approach impacted her mental health and made her my biggest advocate.

Pro Tip: Build relationships first. Clients respond best when they feel understood and supported. Learn their stories, struggles, and goals, and adapt accordingly.

The Importance of Continuous Improvement

If there’s one overarching theme here, it’s this: continuously improve. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re teachers. Every misstep helped me refine my approach, become more effective, and connect more deeply with my clients.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Trainers

Here are some actionable tips to take your skills to the next level and avoid common pitfalls:

• Practice Communication: Roleplay sales conversations or explain fitness concepts to friends to hone your skills.

• Focus on Progress: Celebrate small client wins rather than chasing perfection.

• Keep Learning and Practicing: Invest in books, courses, and certifications to stay at the top of your game.

• Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Push yourself to network, strike up conversations, and face challenges head-on.

• Lead by Example: Embody the lifestyle you encourage to inspire trust and motivation.

• Build Relationships: Treat every client as a unique individual, understanding their needs and goals deeply.

Final Thoughts

Your first few years as a trainer will be filled with lessons—some hard, some enlightening. The key is to stay open, keep pushing forward, and never stop striving for growth. Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also your biggest opportunity to learn.

Remember, building a career as a personal trainer takes time, persistence, and a whole lot of passion. But if you’re willing to put in the reps (literally and figuratively), you’ll not only grow as a trainer but also deeply impact the lives of those you guide.

Keep learning, keep thriving—and always trust the process.