Personal Trainer: A Custom Workout for a Classmate
In pairs, one student plays personal trainer: they interview their partner, design a short strength and mobility workout for their goal, and coach it while correcting technique; then they switch. Students practice individualized planning and explore a possible career path.
How to play
- Pair students up with one intake sheet per pair. The trainer asks the client four questions in 2 minutes: goal, activity level, aches or injuries, and an exercise they dislike.
- In 3 minutes the trainer picks four exercises from the class chart (squat, band row, glute bridge, plank…) and sets reps or time to fit the client's level.
- Workout (6 min): the trainer coaches the client with a stopwatch, counts reps, gives one correction at a time, and asks for effort on a 1-to-10 scale after each exercise.
- Feedback (1 min): the client rates on the sheet whether the workout matched what they asked for and whether they felt safe.
- Switch roles and repeat steps 1 to 4 (12 min). Wrap up in 1 minute with two volunteers explaining how they adapted the workout.
Rules
- If the client reports discomfort, swap that exercise for one that doesn't cause it.
- Safety: the trainer checks for a neutral back and knees in line before every set.
- Keep your partner's info private: what's on the sheet isn't shared with the class.
- Trainers encourage with specific praise, never put-downs.
Variations
Easier
The teacher provides three sample workouts and the trainer picks the best fit for the client.
Standard
Interview, design four exercises, and coach the workout.
Harder
The trainer includes a progression and a regression for each exercise and uses them based on the client's effort rating.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: their trainer picks chair-based or mat exercises with a resistance band.
- Autism or shyness: uses a written script of the interview questions.
- Lower fitness: as the client, asks for a general health goal and efforts of 5 to 6.
Learning goals
- Design a short workout tailored to another person.
- Coach strength exercises while correcting technique safely.
- Learn what a personal trainer does as a career option.
Equipment for a class of 25
- intake sheets: 13
- resistance bands: 13
- yoga mats: 25
- cones: 13
- stopwatches: 13
Teacher tip
Post a chart of 10 illustrated exercises on the wall. Circulate to check that loads are reasonable and trainers ask for effort ratings.
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