Summary

In this conversation, Jon Bond discusses the challenges personal trainers face when trying to acquire their first clients without feeling salesy. He emphasises the importance of building trust, being authentic, and focusing on the client's needs rather than traditional sales tactics. The discussion covers various aspects of personal training, including consultations, listening skills, marketing oneself, and overcoming self-doubt regarding pricing and value. Jon encourages trainers to be themselves, build relationships, and seek community support as they navigate their careers.

Takeaways

• Getting your first client doesn't require slick tactics or uncomfortable selling.
• Building trust and consistency is key to client relationships.
• Personal trainers guide clients rather than sell to them.
• Listening to clients is crucial for understanding their needs.
• Marketing is about communicating who you are to the right audience.
• Reframing the sales conversation can reduce anxiety.
• Valuing your services is essential for self-confidence.
• Navigating client conversations requires honesty and clarity.
• Building relationships is more important than traditional sales techniques.
• Community support can help trainers gain confidence and share experiences.

Summary
In this episode, Jon Bond explores the common mental barriers faced by new and aspiring personal trainers. He emphasizes that professionalism is about action, not just qualifications, and offers practical advice on building confidence, making progress, and supporting your growth in the fitness industry.

Key Topics:

• The gap between feeling capable and acting like a professional
• Why waiting for confidence delays your progress
• The importance of acting before feeling ready
• How to build confidence through consistent action
• The role of doubt and comparison in professional growth
• Practical steps to help clients within your scope
• The significance of seeking support and community
• Embracing mistakes and failures as part of development
• How environment influences progress
• Overcoming the myth that you need to be perfect before starting

Summary

In this episode, we explore the internal dialogue that holds many back from taking action, especially in their fitness journeys. Jon Bond shares insights on how fear, perfectionism, and social media distortions contribute to delaying progress and how to overcome them.

Key Topics:

• The common internal voice that sabotages progress in fitness and life
• Why people say "not yet" instead of fear, and how this becomes procrastination
• The myth that confidence must come before action
• How social media creates unrealistic expectations and distorted standards
• Practical ways to build confidence through action and support
• Why chasing perfection is futile and progress is the true goal
• Strategies for recognising and overcoming self-doubt
• The importance of support networks in personal growth
• Next steps: how to reframe your thinking and take action regardless of doubts

Summary

In this episode, Jon Bond addresses the common question: "Do I need to be fit before starting a personal training course?" He emphasises that fitness is not a prerequisite for becoming a personal trainer and debunks myths about the industry. Jon shares insights on the importance of passion, education, and a supportive network in personal training, highlighting that confidence and competence grow through action and learning, not pre-existing fitness levels.

Takeaways

• Fitness is not a prerequisite for personal training courses.
• Passion and willingness to learn are more important than pre-existing fitness.
• Confidence grows through action and learning, not before.
• The fitness industry has unrealistic expectations about trainers' appearances.
• Support networks are crucial for success in personal training.
• Personal training courses focus on education and development.
• Real coaches are made through experience, not aesthetics.
• Clients value empathy and understanding over perfect physiques.
• Your fitness journey can be a strength, not a barrier.
• Education should feel supportive and welcoming.

Summary

In this episode, Jon Bond discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence as a coach. He shares insights on managing expectations, the importance of action over waiting for confidence, and practical tools like graded exposure and positive data logging. Jon emphasises the value of self-reflection, understanding biases, and focusing on personal growth rather than comparison.

Takeaways

• Overcome imposter syndrome by recognising it and applying simple tools.
• Confidence is built through action, not waiting.
• Reflect on past successes to boost confidence.
• Avoid comparison culture; focus on personal growth.
• Graded exposure helps in taking manageable steps.
• Positive data logging reinforces confidence.
• Challenge unhelpful thoughts with rational evidence.
• Self-reflection aids in understanding personal biases.
• Confidence comes from competence and mastery experiences.
• Failure is part of success, not its opposite.

Summary

Jon Bond discusses the seven principles for a meaningful and sustainable fitness career in 2026, emphasising the importance of character, quiet credibility, creating value, respecting people, grounded gratitude, playing the long game, self-discipline, and intentional identity. He shares personal insights and experiences from his journey in the fitness industry, encouraging listeners to focus on internal growth rather than external validation.

Takeaways

• Character is more important than achievements.
• Quiet credibility is built through consistent hard work.
• Focus on creating value, not chasing validation.
• Respect people, not just metrics.
• Gratitude helps combat comparison.
• Play the long game for sustainable success.
• Self-discipline supports true health and values.
• Intentional identity guides decision-making.
• Social media should not define your worth.
• Internal growth is more important than external validation

Summary

Jon Bond discusses the importance of understanding one's 'why' in the fitness industry, emphasising that a deeper purpose drives success and client engagement. He references Simon Sinek's TED Talk on the power of 'why' and shares personal insights on how finding one's purpose can transform a fitness career. Jon Bond highlights the significance of emotional connection and authenticity in marketing and client relationships, urging fitness professionals to lead with their purpose rather than just their services.

Takeaways

• Find your why and transform your fitness career.
• Trainers thrive by understanding their deeper purpose.
• Simon Sinek's TED Talk emphasises the power of 'why'.
• Emotional connection is key in fitness marketing.
• Purpose-driven messaging attracts the right clients.
• Clients choose trainers who resonate with their values.
• Your 'why' is more important than your job title.
• Purpose leads to confidence and client trust.
• Understanding your 'why' helps overcome career fears.
• Storm Fitness Academy supports purpose-driven careers.

Summary

Jon Bond discusses the principles of strength training from the Iron Age, emphasising simplicity, consistency, and the importance of foundational exercises. He highlights the benefits of training the body as a connected system, the value of progressive overload, and the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Jon Bond also reflects on the evolution of strength training, women's attitudes to strength, and the importance of training for life rather than short-term goals.

Takeaways

• The Iron Age principles of strength emphasise simplicity and consistency.
• Modern training often overcomplicates with unnecessary variety.
• Training the body as a connected system is more effective.
• Progressive overload is key to sustainable strength gains.
• Women have increasingly embraced strength training.
• Training should be a lifelong commitment, not a short-term goal.
• Foundational exercises like squats and deadlifts remain pivotal.
• Quality over quantity in training leads to better results.
• Grip strength is a good marker of overall strength.
• Old school lifters focused on sustainable progress.