Some clients love lifting weights. Others would happily spend an hour on the treadmill but would rather skip the weights section altogether! As a personal trainer, you will meet both types. If you are studying a Personal Training course Perth, one question worth thinking about is this… when a client wants to get fitter, should we focus more on strength training or cardio? The honest answer is that it depends on the person sitting in front of us.

First, What Does the Client Actually Want?

Before putting together a workout, we need to know what the client is hoping to achieve.

Maybe they want to lose weight. Someone else might want stronger legs for weekend hikes. Another person may simply want to walk up the stairs without feeling out of breath. These are very different goals, so why would we give everyone the same workout?

This is where a good personal trainer makes a real difference. We listen first, ask a few questions, and get a feel for what the client needs. There is no point planning a heavy strength session for someone who wants to build their walking stamina, or filling every session with running when their main goal is to get stronger.

Start with the person, not the exercise.

Strength Training: More Than Just Lifting Heavy

When people hear strength training, they often picture someone lifting huge weights in a gym. But it does not have to be like that.

Squats, push-ups, resistance bands, dumbbells and simple bodyweight exercises can all be part of a strength workout. The right choice depends on the client’s ability and experience.

Strength training helps clients build muscle, improve everyday movement and feel more confident using their bodies. Think about carrying shopping bags, moving furniture or picking up a child. These everyday tasks can feel much easier when we build strength over time.

And here is something worth remembering… clients do not need to lift the heaviest weight in the room to make progress.

As trainers, we need to choose exercises they can perform safely, teach them the right technique and increase the challenge when they are ready. Small improvements count. Sometimes, getting a client to perform a movement with better control is a bigger win than adding another five kilos.

Cardio: Helping Clients Keep Moving

Now, let us talk about cardio.

Walking, cycling, swimming, dancing and jogging are all ways to get the heart working. The good news? Cardio does not have to mean running until someone is exhausted.

For a client who spends most of the day sitting at a desk, regular walks might be a great place to begin. Someone who enjoys swimming could build their fitness in the pool. Another client might prefer a bike because it feels more comfortable than running.

The trick is finding something they actually enjoy.

After all, if a client hates every minute of their cardio routine, how long will they stick with it? Probably not very long.

We also need to consider their current fitness level. A beginner may need shorter sessions with plenty of room to build up gradually. Pushing too hard too soon can leave them tired, sore and ready to give up.

Should Clients Choose One or Do Both?

Here is where things get interesting. For many clients, combining strength training and cardio is a sensible approach.

Strength work helps them build muscle and improve movement, while cardio supports heart health and stamina. Together, they can fit into a well-rounded fitness routine.

But that does not mean every client needs to do everything in every session.

A client who wants to improve their running might need more time for cardio, with strength sessions supporting their goal. Someone who wants to become stronger may spend more time lifting weights while keeping regular cardio in their week.

We also need to consider their schedule. If someone can train only twice a week, the plan needs to work around that. A realistic routine beats a perfect-looking workout plan that nobody follows.

How Personal Trainers Can Make the Right Call

This is where learning to coach people becomes just as important as learning exercises.

During your Certificate IV in Fitness Perth training, you can build the skills needed to plan sessions around different goals, abilities and fitness levels. Understanding exercise technique is one part of the job. Knowing how to adapt a workout when a client struggles, loses confidence or needs a different challenge matters too.

We should also check in with clients regularly. Are they enjoying the sessions? Are they recovering well? Is the plan helping them move towards their goal?

Sometimes, a small change is all that is needed. And if a client is not making progress, we should be willing to review the plan instead of insisting they keep doing the same thing.

At SR PT Education, practical learning can help aspiring trainers prepare for the situations they will face when working with real clients.

The Best Workout Is One Your Client Can Stick To

So, strength or cardio? There is no single answer that works for everyone.

The best starting point is understanding the client’s goal, choosing suitable exercises and building a routine they can manage. For many people, a mix of both will work well. For others, one may need more attention at first.

As trainers, we are not there to force everyone into the same routine. We are there to help people find what works for them… and keep going with it.

That is what makes personal training more than just counting reps.

FAQs

1. Is strength training better than cardio for weight loss?

Neither is automatically better for everyone. Strength training helps build and maintain muscle, while cardio helps increase activity and improve stamina. A suitable exercise routine, along with eating habits a client can maintain, can support their weight-loss goals.

2. How often should beginners do strength training?

Beginners can often start with two strength sessions per week, depending on their health, experience and recovery. They can gradually adjust their routine as they become more comfortable with exercise.

3. Can clients do strength training and cardio on the same day?

Yes, many clients can do both in one session. The order and amount depend on their goals. If strength is the main priority, they may do strength exercises first. The workout should still allow enough time and energy for good technique.

4. Should personal trainers give every client the same workout plan?

No. Clients have different goals, abilities, preferences and schedules. Trainers should assess individual needs and adjust exercises, intensity and session length accordingly.

5. What should aspiring personal trainers learn about strength and cardio?

They should learn exercise technique, workout planning, client assessment, safe exercise progression and ways to adapt sessions for different people. Practical experience is also valuable because it helps students learn how to apply their knowledge when coaching clients.