5 Powerful Lessons from 13 Years As A Personal Trainer

I believe it was Malcom Gladwell who said it takes approximately 10,000 hours to become a master of something. Over the past 13 years, I’ve been lucky enough to work over 27,000 hours as a trainer. And while I am still learning every day, here are the top five lessons I wanted to share today:

1. Something is always better than nothing - and something everyday is better than some things on some days.

While this may not seem groundbreaking, I’ve witnessed the power of this simple rule time and time again. I’ve seen it in the journeys of my clients and in my own experience. Some people thrive on the “all or nothing” principle, but the majority—myself included—operate more consistently with a lower bar of expectations (around 60–70% of their full capacity). For example, if you’re capable of 10,000 steps daily, aim for 6,000. Leaving some gas in the tank makes it easier to come back and do it again the next day. You might be surprised by how quickly you progress without burning out.

2. Perfect is the enemy to progress.

If you’ve trained with me, you might think I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I’m passionate about movement, helping people build muscle, and preventing injuries. That passion often leads me to focus intensely on form.

While attention to detail can produce great results, it can also hold progress back. Like anything in life, balance is key. Pay attention to your self-talk, and make sure you’re encouraging yourself to move forward rather than getting stuck in the pursuit of perfection.

3. Everyone has a story you know nothing about.

One of the coolest parts of being a trainer is connecting with people in a truly special way. When someone trusts you with their health, it doesn’t take long to move past small talk and into real, human connection.

What’s become clear to me over the years is that everyone is carrying something you don’t know about. People’s lives are full of unseen stories, challenges, and pressures.

4. And their story resides in their body, actions, and beliefs.

The stories we’ve lived—and the ones we tell ourselves—show up in our bodies. The emotions we harbor often manifest in physical ways, whether it’s tight hips, back pain, or neck tension. If you’re carrying fear, your body carries it too.

Your emotions are not separate from your body; they shape it.

5. There are many different styles of trainers. While a trainer can incorporate multiple styles, they should really become a master of ONE.

When I started my career, I tried to be good at everything. I learned as much as I could so I wouldn’t miss opportunities to work with different types of clients.

It took me 10 years to figure out who I was as a trainer. While I don’t regret being a generalist at first, my training feels much more aligned now that I’ve honed in on one style. Mastering one approach has allowed me to make a greater impact.

These lessons didn’t come to me all at once—they’ve been gathered over countless hours, sessions, and experiences. I hope they resonate with you and encourage you to keep growing, learning, and moving forward.

Rachel Martin

Owner, Connection Wellness Center

IMPACT Life Coach

Certified Personal Trainer