If fitness were a marathon, I’d be the guy at the finish line handing out advice to those just getting started. With over 20 years in the trenches of burpees, bicep curls, squats and battle ropes, I’ve learned a thing or two (often the hard way). Spoiler alert: some of those lessons include avoiding burpees whenever possible!
Looking back, there are things I wish someone had told me when I was a bright-eyed rookie trainer armed with my sneakers and dreams of sculpting six-packs. But hey, luckily for you, I’m here to share the gems of wisdom I’ve picked up over two decades of sweat, smiles, and surprising “aha!” moments. Buckle up, future fitness pros—this is the blog I wish I had read when I started.
Manage Your Time.
We all need balance in our lives: enough work to keep the lights on, enough rest to keep the coffee consumption reasonable, enough alone time to recharge, enough family time to avoid being “that person,” and, of course, enough exercise and apples to keep the doctor away.
As a personal trainer, I quickly realized that my income was tied to the hours I worked. Unfortunately, there are only so many hours in a day—unless you’ve found a way to bend space-time, in which case, please call me. So, I had to get smarter about how I managed my time.
The big lessons? First, never be late for a session. Nothing screams “unprofessional” like you running into the gym, out of breath, while your client is already warming up without you. But just as important, don’t confuse being busy with being productive. If your calendar is packed tighter than a Zumba class, but you’re not getting closer to your goals, it’s time to rethink things.
Coach Phil
Finally, take breaks. Yes, even you, the superhero trainer who swears they can power through 14-hour days fueled by protein shakes and sheer willpower. Burnout is real, and trust me, it’s not a good look. Take some time to rest, recharge, and maybe even—dare I say it—have a cheat day. Life’s about balance, after all.
You Are Your Brand
Many personal trainers think their job starts and ends with perfecting exercise programming, but here’s the truth: if no one knows you exist, you’re just a very fit person with a cool playlist. Marketing your services in your community is just as important as mastering the squat rack. And let’s talk about standing out—blending in won’t pay the bills.
As a fitness professional, your energy, values, and attitude are what people remember. Being authentic, approachable, and passionate creates a ripple effect, inspiring others and strengthening your reputation.
Coach Cathy Afrobics.
Whether it’s your outfit, your energy, or your ability to explain deadlifts without sounding like a textbook, everything you do contributes to your personal brand. Are you the approachable trainer who motivates with a smile, or the one who makes every session feel like boot camp? Hint: aim for the smile. Remember, as trainers, we’re role models, and no one’s inspired by someone who’s grumpy, unkempt, or late to their own session. So, stand tall, be memorable, and make sure people want to work with you—not just because you know your stuff, but because you represent the best version of what they want to become.
b) Look at your work from a business angle.
Prior to working in fitness as a personal trainer and finally owning a studio. I tried my hand in other ventures. I sold clothes, ran a food kiosk, and operated a butchery business within the busy city of Nairobi. Business acumen is not something many personal trainers enjoy or understand, but it is important to have the skills. There is no harm in investing in a short course on the same. The best investment you can make is in yourself.
Coach Philip.
Market your services around you and in your community. Always remember: When you combine a clear purpose with your passion, you create your powerful WHY. Your money will follow your “why,” not the other way around. Work with the churches, schools, organizations and communities that exist around you. It won’t hurt you to volunteer your skills to those that need it around you.
Admitting what you don’t know is key—Google is your friend, not your competition. Conferences, workshops, mentors, and books? Sign me up! That’s why, after all these years, I’m back in school pursuing a master’s in sports and recreational management. Because success isn’t about sticking to the same routine—it’s about leveling up, one rep at a time.
Never Stop Learning.
In fitness, staying the same is like trying to flex with outdated moves—no one’s impressed. I’m proud of my sports and exercise science degree and my ACE certification, but guess what? Learning doesn’t stop there. The more you know about anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, the better you can program, cue, and sound like you actually know what you’re doing!
The Power of Personal Connections
Building relationships with clients and peers is just as crucial as building muscle—because let’s face it, no one sticks around for someone who treats them like just another rep. Transformations happen when clients feel understood and supported, not when you bark out burpee orders like a drill sergeant. People aren’t just buying training; they’re buying the experience of someone who gets them (and occasionally laughs at their terrible gym jokes).
Collaborate With Others.
In any career, without the ability to reach out to others in a similar situation, it is hard to grow. Instead of hoarding my knowledge and experience, I decided to share it with others in my craft. Ultimately, together, we have managed to create a network of professionals from across the country and form the Fitness Professionals Association Of Kenya. Learning to collaborate with doctors, nutritionists, and physiotherapists is such an added advantage for any fitness professional.
Even as trainers, we need our own spotters. Surround yourself with mentors who’ve been there, done that, and can teach you a thing or two. After all, even the world’s best athletes have coaches. If LeBron, Bolt and Serena can take advice, so can you! Remember, you’re not just helping your clients become the experts in their own journey—you’re showing them that success is a team sport. No one does it alone, and no one should have to.
Surround yourself with mentors who have the experience and knowledge that you can benefit from. We all have a chance of helping our clients become experts in their own progress towards healthier lifestyles, and we need guidance. Even the world’s best athletes have coaches.
Let’s inspire our communities to live healthier, happier lives
Why are you a fitness professional? Is it the love of helping people finally conquer a pull-up? The joy of seeing someone trade their couch-potato ways for a more active lifestyle? Or maybe you just like yelling “one more rep!” while secretly knowing it’s actually three? Whatever your reason, make sure it’s fueled by passion and anchored in purpose.
Philip Namasaka.
At the end of the day, passion gets you out of bed at 5 a.m. for those early sessions (well, that and coffee), and purpose keeps you showing up when the going gets tough. Remember, your “why” is your superpower, and the money will always follow when you lead with impact.
Let’s inspire our communities to live healthier, happier lives—because if COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that good health is priceless. And hey, if we can help people sleep better, stress less, and smile more, I’d say we’re doing a pretty great job. Keep flexing that passion and purpose, my fellow fitness warriors—you’re changing lives, one squat at a time.