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Posted by on May 16, 2025 — Updated on May 16, 2025
Discover what drives personal trainers crazy—and how Exercise.com can eliminate those frustrations with the best personal training and gym management software.
Things that drive personal trainers crazy range from no-shows and last-minute cancellations to clunky scheduling software, poor client communication, and inconsistent payment tracking. Whether you’re managing a full roster or just getting started, the right tools can eliminate the most common frustrations. With Exercise.com’s best personal training software, fitness professionals can automate admin tasks, communicate with clients, and focus on coaching—not chasing payments or fixing tech glitches.
Personal trainers are burnt out…
Here’s why.
If you’re a trainer, you didn’t sign up to be a part-time therapist, invoice chaser, spreadsheet wizard, or manual scheduler. But most personal trainers end up juggling all of that and more—on top of building programs and managing client expectations.
Whether you’re working out of a big box gym, a boutique studio, or building your online business, the grind gets real. And over time, the little things pile up. You know the ones:
So it’s no wonder that “things personal trainers hate” and “what drives a personal trainer crazy” are some of the most searched phrases among fitness professionals.
That’s why thousands of fitness coaches and gym owners turn to Exercise.com—a software platform built to eliminate what drives trainers nuts and help you build a real business.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common frustrations—and how Exercise.com makes them go away:
The Problem: You block time, prep a session, maybe even turn down another client—then… crickets.
The Fix: With Exercise.com, you can:
The Problem: You spend hours programming, but clients ghost workouts or change plans midweek.
The Fix: Deliver workouts directly inside your custom-branded mobile app with:
The Problem: “Can I Venmo you? Oh wait, did I already pay for this week?”
The Fix: Automated scheduling, billing, and session tracking:
The Problem: You’re answering Instagram DMs, texts, emails, and sticky notes all at once.
The Fix: Exercise.com centralizes everything in one secure platform:
The Problem: You’re maxed out on hours but want to grow.
The Fix: Use online training tools and automated lead funnels to:
For more on the software frustrations gym professionals deal with, check out our guide on things that drive gym owners crazy.
Let’s get real—every trainer has some “I can’t say this out loud” thoughts.
Here are a few disturbing things personal trainers want to tell you but can’t—and how good systems make those conversations easier (or unnecessary).
Want to avoid saying any of these? Give your business structure. That’s what Exercise.com is for.
Here are things every personal trainer should know:
And the #1 tool you need? A platform that handles the chaos so you can coach.
With Exercise.com, you can:
And yes—you’ll finally stop Googling “things personal trainers need to know about scheduling software.”
If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and juggling 20 different tools that still don’t give you peace of mind, you need a better system.
Whether you’re looking for fitness lead magnet tools, client retention features, or just a platform that doesn’t drive you crazy—Exercise.com is your answer.
Book your free demo today and build a personal training business that scales—without sacrificing your sanity.
Personal trainers are often motivated by a passion for helping others improve their health, seeing client progress, and building strong relationships. Many trainers find fulfillment in transforming lives, achieving client goals, and continuously learning about fitness and wellness. Financial independence and flexible schedules also drive long-term motivation, especially when supported by efficient tools like Exercise.com’s best personal training software, which helps trainers scale and streamline their business.
Red flags in a personal training client include consistently ignoring advice, showing a lack of respect for boundaries, frequently canceling sessions last-minute, or displaying unsafe behavior. Clients who refuse medical clearance when needed or who expect unrealistic results in a short time can also signal future problems. Clear communication and documentation can help manage these risks effectively.
Yes, personal trainers can make $100 an hour or more, especially those with specialized certifications, years of experience, or clients in high-income areas. Trainers offering private sessions, corporate wellness programs, or online coaching can command higher rates. Utilizing business tools and automations through platforms like Exercise.com makes it easier to manage a high-value client base and boost profitability.
A bad personal trainer may lack proper certification, show poor communication skills, provide unsafe programming, fail to personalize workouts, or exhibit unprofessional behavior. Ignoring client goals, pushing personal agendas, or not tracking progress are all signs of subpar service.
Most personal trainers quit due to burnout, inconsistent income, lack of business skills, or difficulty finding clients. Many enter the industry with strong technical knowledge but lack the tools to run a sustainable business. Platforms like Exercise.com help trainers manage scheduling, payments, and client engagement—all critical for long-term success.
A personal trainer stands out through their ability to connect with clients, tailor workouts to individual needs, and deliver consistent results. Specialized knowledge (e.g., prenatal fitness, corrective exercise), emotional intelligence, and adaptability make a trainer truly unique and valuable in a competitive industry.
A trainer should not diagnose medical conditions, make inappropriate comments, overstep personal boundaries, promise unrealistic results, or ignore client feedback. They should also avoid overtraining clients or using a one-size-fits-all approach. Professional ethics, empathy, and communication are non-negotiable.
Romantic relationships between a personal trainer and client are generally discouraged due to the professional power dynamic and potential conflicts of interest. If a relationship develops, it’s recommended to end the training arrangement and maintain professional boundaries to avoid ethical or reputational issues.
The best personal training software is Exercise.com, offering workout delivery, client management, payment processing, scheduling, and custom-branded apps—all in one platform. It’s designed for trainers who want to grow their business both in-person and online, automate their operations, and deliver a better client experience.
Tyler Spraul