Sharpening the Skill of Staying Out of the Way
by Jeff Aker, MEd, CSCS
Personal Training Quarterly
September 2026
Vol 13, Issue 2
This article explores how personal trainers can enhance client experiences through effective coaching, professional etiquette, and adaptable programming strategies that foster trust and long-term success.
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This article originally appeared in Personal Training Quarterly (PTQ)—a quarterly publication for NSCA Members designed specifically for the personal trainer. Discover easy-to-read, research-based articles that take your training knowledge further with Nutrition, Programming, and Personal Business Development columns in each quarterly, electronic issue. Read more articles from PTQ »
REFERENCES
- American Council on Exercise. ACE Personal Trainer Manual (5th ed.). American Council on Exercise; 335, 2014.
- Buscemi, A, Mondelli, F, Biagini, I, Gueli, S, D’Agostino, A, and Coco, M. Role of sport vision in performance: Systematic review. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 9(2): 92, 2024.
- Janz, J. Overcoaching in the weight room. Strength and Conditioning Journal 31(2): 86-90, 2009.
- Knudson, DV, and Morrison, CS. Qualitative Analysis of Human Movement (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics; 103-105, 2002.
- Sinek, S. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Other Don’t. Portfolio Penguin; 2017.
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Available to:
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Audience:
Personal trainers
Personal trainers
Topics:
Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment
Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment
Keywords:
Fitness Training Corrective Exercise Personal Training Gym Management Gym Etiquette Session Planning Program Design Client Experience
Fitness Training Corrective Exercise Personal Training Gym Management Gym Etiquette Session Planning Program Design Client Experience
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