What Makes a Competent Personal Trainer?

Chris Piscopo
Jul 6
4 min read

(It’s More Than Just a Certification)

I’ve been a one-on-one personal trainer for over 12 years now, and let me tell you — it’s been a journey. I’m not claiming to be the best or most competent trainer out there, but over the years, I’ve come to recognize the qualities that truly matter.

This post is for new trainers trying to find their footing, as well as potential clients who want to know how to spot a trainer worth investing their hard-earned time and money in.

Most new trainers believe that passing a certification means they’re ready for the job. But the truth is, that cert just gets your foot in the door. Real competence is forged through reps — not just in the gym, but in how you work with people.

Everyone’s heard the phrase “doing is not the same as teaching.” Just because someone is incredibly fit doesn’t mean they have the skillset to teach a movement like a squat or deadlift to someone who’s never lifted before. Teaching takes time. It takes working with people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. That’s where real coaching skill is built — not in your own training sessions, but in the ones you guide.

1. Competence Starts with Communication

A great trainer doesn’t just know anatomy — they know how to talk to humans. That means breaking down complex movements in simple, clear terms. It means asking the right questions, offering encouragement when needed, and knowing when to step back and let the client move.

"You don’t need a master’s in biomechanics to be a great trainer. But you do need to explain a hip hinge to a tired, overwhelmed 42-year-old without using the phrase ‘posterior chain activation."

Sessions should be engaging — even fun — for the client. Most people don’t want to feel like they’re in the practical portion of a college kinesiology class. And they definitely don’t want to feel defeated for an hour. That kind of experience doesn’t keep people coming back.

Teach what you know. Meet them where they are. Celebrate the small wins. They may not move perfectly in the first few weeks — and that’s okay. The path to becoming a competent, confident gym-goer is often a long one. Your job is to help them stick with it.

2. You Coach Movements, Not Muscles

Competent trainers understand that training isn’t about isolating body parts — it’s about improving movement. Your focus should be on fundamental patterns: squats, hinges, pushes, pulls, carries, lunges, and rotation. These are the building blocks of real-world strength and capability.

You need to know how to:

Spot dysfunctional movement
Regress or progress exercises appropriately
Adjust based on how a client shows up that day

If your client is new to the gym and spends 40 hours a week at a desk, you’re not putting a barbell on their back in week one. A competent trainer finds an appropriate entry point, helps the client build confidence, and progresses them safely over time.

3. Having a Program Is a Requirement, Not an Option

I always tell people:

“The number one way to tell if a trainer cares is whether they’re tracking your workouts.”

This is non-negotiable. I’m not saying every client needs a hyper-individualized, 12-week mesocycle in a spreadsheet — but if a trainer’s showing up with no clipboard, tablet, or log of any kind, they’re just winging it. And that’s not coaching. That’s babysitting.

Competent trainers understand that long-term success in the gym comes from:

Making consistent, incremental progress in performance
Supporting that progress with lifestyle and nutrition outside of the gym

We can only do so much about #2 during a session. But #1? That’s our domain. And you can’t progress what you’re not tracking.

If you’re looking for a trainer, ask them directly how they track your workouts and plan for progression. If they don’t have an answer — keep looking.

4. The Intangibles That Matter Most

Some things won’t show up on a certification exam — but they’re what separate the professionals from the part-timers.

Be professional.

Show up on time. Dress like you take pride in your work — not in worn-out gym clothes. Be organized with your schedule and billing. Treat this like a career, not a side hustle.

Care about your clients’ success.

Track progress toward their goals. Ask how they’re feeling. Make sure they feel seen and supported, not just counted and corrected.

Look and act the part.

No, you don’t need to be a fitness model. But you should walk the walk. Be in shape, take care of yourself, and serve as a consistent example of the lifestyle you’re promoting.

These “little things” are what turn personal training into a meaningful, long-term career — not just a job.

Competence isn’t about having the perfect cue or the flashiest app. It’s about showing up consistently, solving problems, and improving people’s lives — both inside and outside the gym.

The best trainers aren’t just technically sound. They’re reliable, curious, humble, and fully committed to helping their clients win — and have some fun along the way.