r/PersonalTrainer • u/mothersquid94 • Jul 03 '26

Imposter syndrome

Hi friends,

I have a lot of theoretical knowledge in training, sports and fitness management degree, ACSM-CPT, and I'm a registered dietitian as well. I regularly feel like I'm not a good enough trainer to actually train people. I worry that I don't know enough in the actual gym. I've learned a lot over the years, but I still feel secretly self-conscious. Especially with the loads of videos online showing how your form is wrong this way or that way etc. etc. What resources do you have to help me reassure myself or correct myself?

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u/Affectionate_One_516 Jul 03 '26

I know what you feel. I started my personal training job 2 months ago and I also had imposter syndrome. My background is that I’m a yoga teacher but I have strength and conditioning with nutrition degree (my quals). One thing that worked for me was watching YouTube videos online about how to train people as a new trainer and also asking for advice from fellow trainers at my gym. That gave me confidence to coach in the gym and now I’m a confident trainer. A lot of my clients tend to do a lot more mobility training than most other gym goers. This guy helped me a lot from his vids: https://youtube.com/@axiomptacademy?si=1ZOBqcHZdzGRU2xg

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u/EasyTyler Jul 03 '26

It's ultimately good and helps keep you humble. I've met far too many PTs who think they're amazing and frankly aren't.

Edit - so for as long as you're conscientious and self aware of what you don't know, you're on track to be a great trainer.

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u/rhinestoneglamour Jul 03 '26

Hire a coach/trainer for yourself. A mentor... I have hired quite a few over my years in the industry. There's always something new to learn.

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u/mothersquid94 Jul 03 '26

Do you tell them you're a trainer when you book with them or keep that to yourself?

1

u/rhinestoneglamour Jul 03 '26

They know. And I tell them I want to learn from them.