Things A New Trainer Should Know
by Joe Hashey, CSCS author of Bull Strength Conditioning

A few weeks back I had a young man from SUNY Cortland express an interest in interning at Synergy Athletics over this summer. This was my first request and I had to sit back and think about what I really think someone that is entering the field should know when then come out of college. Here is my abbreviated list.

New Trainer Skill List

• Interpersonal Skills. If you annoy me when we meet, no way you will survive with clients.


• Nobody Knows It All. As soon as internalize that, your mind can really open.


• Strength Training Basics. Know your basic warm up, mobility, and exercise form.


• Know How To Squat.

I'm going to spend a little more time on that last statement, because I truly believe it is important. If you squat like crap, chances are your other lifts stuck too. I'm not exactly sure why this is, but it is an odd phenomenon.

I have NEVER met anyone that squatted like garbage and still knew a ton about training. Sure, no one really squats perfect, but have you ever seen someone shoot their knees forward, lose their arch, go 1/4 of the way down then "wow" you with strength training knowledge…."How much" is not nearly as important as "how."

So naturally, I invited him down and squat was the first exercise on the list. This is MY style of interview. Squat, step ups to RDL, and power wheel were all on the agenda.

We finished by making trying the sandbag challenge, and even though he got sick, he finished.

Of course knowing the science behind the movements is extremely important to grow as a trainer, but if you over look the basics, then you will never make it in this industry!

Joe Hashey's Bull Strength Conditioning

Get ready for a complete conditioning program that is easy to understand and even easier to implement!

Ready to look in the mirror and see those lean muscles smiling back? Bull Strength Conditioning, with complete DONE FOR YOU workouts, will end your search for the most effective program!

10-15 Minutes Each Workout Can CHANGE YOUR PHYSIQUE!

These workouts are plugins. Replace these resistance cardio circuits with the boring cardio you are currently doing at the end of your workouts.

Visit Bull Strength Conditioning to put a permanent end to never ending cardio sessions that aren't burning the fat they should.

More Articles By Joe Hashey

Return to the Workout Articles Archive