Nothing looks less professional than an Ali G (Borat actor) look alike personal trainer (matching bright red tracksuit, matching red shoes, unshaven…).  Often when you join a gym you can go online and spend time reading about each personal trainer and there is normally a photo. The problem is that when you go to the gym you would struggle to identify some of them.

Why…because some don’t have to wear an official uniform.

Is it that if you are a contract PT you do not have to have a uniform? Are there no guidelines in place to monitor presentation? You would think that if these personal trainers wanted to gain more clients, they would want to market themselves. In some of my experiences I cannot even tell which one is the PT and which is the client!

My mentor once told me to remember that you are always being observed. This is something personal trainers should always have in the back of their minds; that potential clients will be watching so there is no room for slacking off. It is also at this point  to remember that first impressions count and that it can take along time to undo any damage done.

When you go to a gym you want to be able to clearly identify who the trainers are. Personal training is about marketing ourselves, when you are training someone in the gym you are a literally a free walking billboard for your business!! Why are so many personal trainers not recognizing this free marketing tool? Are they not aware they are being watched or do they not care?

What do you think a professional looking PT should wear? Is it ok for a trainer to wear rugby shorts, cap, beanie, be unshaven…… what should our unofficial uniform be? And what would you want your PT to be wearing?

Have a look this week. See what first impressions PT’s in your gym are making. Are they being their own billboard? Are they invisible? Or worse still do they look unprofessional?