Back arrow icon
The Blog

Mastering Personal Trainer Software: A 10-Step Guide for Beginners

Getting Started
November 3, 2023
tim saye

Personal Trainer Software

Save time, and build your fitness business with the #1-rated personal trainer software!
Start free trial
image of female personal trainer

Are you a personal trainer looking to streamline your business and take your services to the next level? Look no further than integrating personal trainer software into your fitness business systems.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of mastering personal trainer software in 10 easy steps, showing you PT Distinction's easy-to-use but comprehensive online training platform.

Step 1: Set Up Your Account

Once you choose your online training software that suits your needs, you can sign up for a free trial and create your account. You only need your name, email address and a strong password to start.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Set up your account

After you click 'Create Account,' you'll be taken to choose the plan you'll be using after your free trial. Select the plan that accommodates the number of clients you have and provides all the features you need, then provide your payment information. Once the payments are approved, you'll be taken to the Dashboard, where you can take a short tour to see the main elements.

Afterward, head to the Account Settings section by clicking the little avatar at the top right so you can customize the software for your needs. Go through each of the settings below to ensure you are ready for client communications:

  • Name or Business Name
  • Picture
  • Email Address
  • Measurement Units
  • Timezone
  • Client Payments (PayPal)
  • Team Leader
  • Email SMTP
  • SMS Settings
Mastering Personal Trainer Software - PT Distinction account settings

Feel free to use the Help feature within the platform or ask questions in our official Facebook Group if you get stuck.

Step 2: Add a Client or a Group

Once your account is set up, it's time to add clients or groups to your software. This step is crucial for efficiently managing your clients' information, progress, and appointments.

However, if you want to test out all the software's features and play around before inviting real clients to try, we've already added a Test Client for you.

To add a client, navigate to the "Clients" section and click the "Add Client" button. Fill in the required information, such as their name and email address, and any relevant personal information like DOB, country of residence, gender, timezone, etc. You can add them to a group here if they join a group coaching program.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Add a Client or a Group

In the Groups section, you'll find a few system groups and an Onboarding Group created by PTD Ninja. In the Coaching items within that group, you'll find a file explaining how to use it to onboard your clients.

It will include a Welcome document and a range of onboarding forms, including PAR-Q, Lifestyle Questionnaire, and more. Check out our video on how easy it is to add clients to groups on PT Distinction:

Step 3: Create a Program

Now that your clients and groups are set up, even for just testing, it's time to create a program. A program is a set of workout routines, exercises, and goals you assign to your clients.

To create a program, navigate to the "Programs" section under Library on the main navigation. You'll find 21 pre-loaded program templates for you to adjust and use.

You can create a new program by using one of the templates or from scratch by clicking the "+Add" button. Give the program a name, and feel free to add a note.

Now you can start adding the workouts that could focus on cardio, strength training, conditioning or a combination of them.

You will be able to add exercises from the vast exercise library or add your own. You can create supersets and circuits, record results, and prompt clients to complete questionnaires on how they feel before and after a workout.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Create a program

Step 4: Assign Program and Library Items to the Client or Group

With your program created, it's time to assign it to your clients or groups. This will ensure that they have access to the program and can start working towards their fitness goals.

There are two ways to do this; the process is the same whether you want to assign a program to an individual or a group.

To assign a program, navigate to the client or group profile and click the "+Add" tab. In the pop-up window, select Program, then choose "Copy from library" or "Create new" at the next step.

Since you have already created your program, choose the library option, and on the following screen, find the program you want to assign, tick the check mark, and click "Next."

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Assign Program

You can rename it or "Save Program" if you'd like. When you're adding a program to a group, the system will ask you if you'd like also to add it to existing members. Then, on the final screen, you can immediately go to the Schedule and add the workouts to the calendar if you wish.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Add Coaching Items

In addition to assigning programs, you can add other coaching items to your clients or groups. These include assessments, habits, coaching documents, tracking, forms, events, and more. Assigning library items can provide your clients additional guidance and support outside their workout routines.

Step 5: Use the Set Up Assistant and Discover More

To get the most out of your personal trainer software, take advantage of the set-up assistant and explore additional features and functionalities.

The set-up assistant is a helpful tool that guides you through PT Distinctions's different sections and settings.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Set-Up Assistant

It provides step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure that you maximize the software's use. Take your time to go through each section and follow the instructions provided. Check out our video on how to make the most of the Set-Up Assistant:

Step 6: Set Up Your Mini-Site

PT Distinction offers the option to create a mini-site or landing page for your business so you can use it to promote your online personal training service even if you haven't got a fitness website.

The mini-site is a valuable feature that allows you to showcase your services, share client testimonials, and provide contact information to potential clients.

To set up your mini-site, navigate to the three lines next to your profile avatar on the top right, choose "My Mini-Site" in the drop-down, and follow the instructions provided.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Mini-Site

Customize your mini-site with your logo, brand colors, and content representing your business. Be sure to include information about your training philosophy, credentials, and any specializations you may have. You can also add your contact details and social media links so people can find you online.

Step 7: Integrate Your Website

If you already have a website for your personal training business, you can integrate PT Distinction into it.

This will create a seamless experience for your clients and enable them to access their schedule and program, complete their workouts, record results, and even make payments through your website.

To integrate your website, navigate to the options next to your avatar on the top right, choose "My Website" in the dropdown, and follow the instructions provided.

Note that this feature is only available for trainers on the Professional plan and above. If you aren't eligible, the system will notify you with a message on this page.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Website Integration

Once you choose your custom colors and complete the settings, you can head to the "Embed code" section, copy the code and use it on a blank page of your website. This will be the login page for your clients.

You will also need to grab the URL of that page and copy it back into your PT Distinction settings in this section. Check out this video guide created by Ash at PTD Ninja:

Step 8: Brand Your App

PT Distinction offers the option to create a branded app for your business if you're on the Pro plan or above. This can be a powerful tool for building your brand and improving client engagement.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - Brand Your App

To brand your app, navigate to the " My App" section under the options next to your avatar on the top right and go through each tab on the left to complete your branded app request.

Customize the app with an icon, screen logo, brand colors, and other branding elements critical to your business. This will create a professional and cohesive experience for your clients, enhancing their perception of your services.

Here's another video by Ash at PTD Ninja about how to create the elements you submit for your request:

Step 9: Create Pre-Made Packages

Pre-made packages are an excellent way to create a seamless experience for onboarding clients and automate as much of the process as possible. Offer pre-made packages directly on your website and seamlessly integrate new clients into PT Distinction.

These clients can promptly log in on your website or through your apps, gaining immediate access to all the content you've pre-configured in your package.

Head to the options feature next to your avatar on the top right and choose "Pre-Made Packages." You'll need to click "Add Package" and follow the instructions in the pop-up window.

You can link your pre-made package to the respective group so the client will be added automatically. In the "Sell Online" section, you can choose how you want them to pay. If you still have access to PayPal buttons, you can select either the sign-up form or the PayPal buttons feature.

Mastering Personal Trainer Software - pre-made packages

Choose the No Payment option if you'd like to use a different payment processor. In this instance, the easiest way to set this up is to direct the new clients to the page with the sign-up form AFTER they make the payment.

Step 10: Start Promoting Your Online Training Service

Now that you have mastered PT Distinction and your programs are ready to accept clients, it's time to start promoting your online personal training service. This step is crucial for attracting new clients and growing your business.

There are many free and paid ways to generate leads and get new clients to join your online fitness coaching programs. The free options include regularly publishing content, blogs, and social media posts.

You can also join Facebook Groups or create your own. Paid Advertising can also be effective in driving instant and ready-to-buy traffic to your services.

Encourage your clients to leave reviews and testimonials on your social media platforms. Positive reviews can significantly impact your reputation and attract new clients.

Coach, Anywhere on Your Terms

By following these 10 steps, you will become a master of PT Distinction. You will be able to manage your clients, schedule their workouts, and track progress with ease.

Your professional and streamlined approach will impress your clients and elevate your online personal training business. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and start mastering personal trainer software today!

Read More