Many personal trainers I’ve known were amazing at transforming the lives of their clients. Some of them, though, lost their own health, happiness, and passion in the process of doing so. Why do so many personal trainers burn out, when they have a career that has such a positive impact on others? What causes a once-healthy and fit, fitness advocate to rely on multiple energy drinks, and sheer willpower just to make it through their day?



Little by little, they make choices they know they shouldn't. They compromise by taking on an extra client hour at the beginning or end of the day. Or, they commit to training someone they know is not a good fit. And little by little, the passion and energy they once had is chipped away, and replaced with fatigue, frustration, and poor health.



In most cases, it isn’t the fault of the company they work for (if they're not independent). However, some personal training managers ride their top-performing trainers hard until they finally break down. Other managers might not push them, but they also don’t encourage them to limit their hours worked, because it might affect their program's revenue.



Still, even in those cases, the personal trainer can take responsibility for the situation.



So, if you’re new to personal training, let this article be a warning, so you never reach the point of burnout. For those  nearing burnout, use this article to get your life, and your career, back on a healthy track.



Each of us has personal responsibility for our success, health, balance and boundaries in our lives. And we also can't ignore our bodies when they tell us something is wrong.



The following are the three most common causes of burnout. And just so you know, I’ve experienced each one of them. Fortunately, I fixed things before I actually burned out.



Personal Trainers Have No Boundaries With Their Schedules



The earliest I ever trained a client was 4:30 am. The latest I finished up with a client was 10:00 pm. So, I wasn’t always a saint with my schedule.



I learned pretty fast that the income I made from a 4:30 am client wasn’t worth the sleep I lost, and the lack of energy I felt. The 10:00 pm client cost me valuable family time, as well as just time to turn my attention on something other than fitness.



As a new personal trainer, you need to be there when people are there. I get it. Most people workout in the early-morning, mid-morning, late-afternoon and evening.



You might be tempted to step outside your schedule, because the “perfect” client wants to work with you, but can’t work within your schedule.



Other times, you’ll be tempted to train outside your schedule, because you need it to hit your required revenue goal for your company. And still other times, you might be tempted to take on another client just to make a little more money.



I can relate to each reason. However, the personal trainers who last the longest, and have the most fulfilling careers, hold to their boundaries around their schedules.



If your new client really wants to work with you, he or she will find a way to make it work in your schedule.



You should be able to meet your company's revenue expectations in a normal 40-50 hour workweek. If not, something's up with the way you approach your business, or they way they set up their budget.



If you really need more money, find a way to pick up another client within the hours you have available. Or, consider adding another stream of income, so you don’t have to depend on your sessions alone.



Personal Trainers Train Clients They Don’t Love



You have a unique personality. So do your potential clients. Some of those personalities are a perfect match.



Others will grate on your nerves, mentally wear you down, and frustrate the hell out of you.



In the short-term, making an extra $500 a month, to work with someone you tolerate might be tempting.



Over time, you’ll lose your edge, and you won’t bring your A-Game to the rest of your clients.