Secret Skills of Personal Training (ISBN 1438236581)

I actually purchased this book...:
As a medical professional just starting out in the fitness field, I found this book very helpful. I was reluctant to jump into the fitness field as a personal trainer, but my passion for exercise lead me to find some resources that would give me an idea of what to expect. The author's "20 Point Checklist of a Good Trainer" was particularly helpful, because I was able to see what characteristics I already had (as a nurse) that could be used as a fitness professional. I found the information useful and insightful. A great and fun read and highly recommended!!

It isn't a sales book...but that's what I like!:
The first thing I have to say is that I have never read or seen a book like this that covers the topics John does. So if they are out there, they aren't very good. John touches on a lot of areas that I haven't seen covered in any other fitness education materials, and I have read a lot of them. While he does mention that it isn't a sales book he does cover a lot of what is necessary to truly sell, not closing techniques and marketing advice, but how to be empathetic and learn what a client really wants. He does a great job of outlining the most ignored portion of personal training, the Personal part. Most people decide to get into fitness because they love fitness, not because they love people. There is a huge difference and John does a great job explaining this and elaborating about necessary traits. The book is worth the cost for his "Instruct, Inspire, Integrate" model. It's just a brilliant concept that should be emphasized much more than it is. The best part of the book is that it not only gives a lot of great tips, but it helps you plan for how to get started. From just starting a career in fitness, to gaining clients, to keeping old ones while still getting new ones John covers it all. This product is defiantly a great buy for anyone who is thinking about a career in fitness. Even with a couple years experience under my belt and having read plenty of fitness education materials I picked up a lot from the book and am very glad I got a chance to read it. If you are the type of trainer who is looking at you schedule wishing you had more clients or wondering why your clients never stay, this book is for you. If you are in another field but thinking of making the switch to fitness, this book is for you.