If you’ve ever thought, “What does a personal trainer do?” you’re not alone. Many Australians know trainers work in gyms or fitness studios, but their role goes far beyond counting reps or pushing you to sweat harder.

Personal trainers are professionals who help people achieve fitness, health and lifestyle goals through tailored programs. They provide motivation, structure and accountability along the way. In short, a good trainer becomes a coach and partner in your progress, not just someone standing beside the weights rack.

Throughout this article, you’ll find expert insights and tips from Australian-based personal trainers, Jonny and Kaleb. To learn more about their professional backgrounds and qualifications, simply click on their profiles in the authors and contributors section.

What do personal trainers do?

A personal trainer’s role is diverse and tailored to each client. Common responsibilities include:

• Assessing fitness levels: Trainers measure strength, flexibility and overall health to understand your starting point.
• Designing personalised programs: Every workout is adapted to your goals, whether that’s weight loss, building strength or improving endurance.
• Teaching correct technique: Trainers ensure exercises are performed safely and effectively to prevent injury.
• Motivating and supporting clients: They provide encouragement, accountability and realistic goals to keep you on track.
• Tracking progress: Regular check-ins and adjustments ensure continuous improvement.

So, if you’re wondering “what does a personal fitness trainer do?”, the answer is: they combine exercise science, coaching skills and real-world experience to help you train smarter instead of just harder.

Benefits of working with a personal trainer

It’s hard to think of any part of life that personal training can’t improve. It can boost your mood, help your body feel stronger, sharpen your mind and even improve the way you connect with others - and science backs it up!

One training style stands out for unlocking these benefits: strength training. That’s why many people are prioritising it in the gym. ‘Strength training isn’t just for young people’, says Kaleb. ‘It’s crucial for long-term health, bone density and overall quality of life.’

Why work with a qualified personal trainer?

Whether you are new to exercise or already training regularly, a trainer can help you break plateaus, avoid common mistakes, and feel more confident in the gym. Working with a professional comes with significant perks, not least the connection you build; that kind of rapport is hard to find anywhere else.

• Personalised guidance: Programs are built around your unique needs, not a generic plan.
• Injury prevention: Trainers focus on correct form and safe progression to keep you moving well.
• Accountability: Knowing someone’s waiting for you keeps you consistent with your routine.
• Faster results: Professional programs maximise efficiency, so you get the most out of every session.
• Confidence boost: Achieving goals with expert support builds long-term self-belief.

Expert tip: Build a connection

Build a connection with your trainer; it’s just as important as the workouts themselves. Kaleb says, ‘Almost everyone that comes through is looking for connection, for support - someone who cares about them, generally speaking. Having someone in your corner makes all the difference’.

Finally, don’t overlook where you work out. Jonny suggests that your environment is key to your success: ‘being by the water is great for mental health’, he says. By combining expert guidance with a supportive atmosphere, you set yourself up for a complete health transformation.

What's the difference between an in-person and online personal trainer?

Choosing between an in-person trainer and an online coach depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how you prefer to stay motivated. While both methods aim to boost your mood, sharpen your mind, and make your body feel stronger, the experience of how you get there varies significantly.

In-person training: The power of presence

In-person training is the traditional approach, where you meet your trainer at a gym or studio. This face-to-face interaction is often where that unique rapport is built.

As Kaleb says, ‘Almost everyone that comes through is looking for connection, for support - someone who cares about them, generally speaking. Having someone in your corner makes all the difference’.

• Real-time correction: Trainers focus on correct form and safe progression in the moment, which is vital for injury prevention.
• Tactile feedback: A trainer can physically adjust your posture or "spot" you during heavy lifts, ensuring you hit your targets safely.
• The environment factor: Working out in a dedicated space can change your mindset. Jonny highlights that even the location matters: ‘being by the water is great for mental health’, he says.

Online training: Flexibility and autonomy

Online personal training has grown in popularity because it fits around a busy schedule. You receive your program via an app or email and complete the workouts on your own time, while still having a professional in your corner.

• Personalised guidance: Even from a distance, programs are built around your unique needs, not a generic plan.
• Accountability: Knowing your trainer is checking your logged data keeps you consistent, even if they aren't standing next to you.
• Maximised efficiency: Online programs often allow for faster results for self-motivated individuals who want to train at odd hours or while travelling.

Whether you prefer the physical presence of a coach or the digital flexibility of an online program, having an expert involved ensures you break plateaus, avoid common mistakes, and build the confidence to succeed in the gym.

Investing in yourself through personal training

Personal trainers don’t just work with athletes, they also help everyday people invest in themselves. Whether you want to feel stronger, improve your health or build better habits, a trainer helps you stay committed.

You can work with a trainer in a gym, outdoors or online, choosing a style and schedule that fits your life.

Find trusted personal trainers on Bark who can guide you towards your goals with expert support.