It may be hard to imagine a time when people didn’t have a personal trainer to guide their workouts, cheer them on, and gently (or not-so-gently) remind them that yes, you do have one more rep in you. But personal training hasn’t always been a thing for the average person. In fact, its roots go way back—we’re talking ancient history—before eventually becoming the powerful, personalized fitness movement we know today.
Let’s lift the curtain (and maybe a few dumbbells) on the origin story of personal training.
Ancient Times: For Warriors, Not Weekend Warriors
From Ancient Greece to Rome, athletic training was strictly for the elite: Olympians, gladiators, soldiers. These folks had coaches, sure—but they weren’t called “personal trainers,” and their job was to prepare people for war, competition, or survival. Not for fitting into their jeans or crushing their next 10K.
In other words: no one in 300 BC was hiring a trainer to improve their posture at a standing desk.
The Victorian Era: Physical Culture Takes Hold
Fast forward to the 1800s. In Europe and the U.S., a movement known as “physical culture” emerged, promoting fitness as part of a well-rounded life. Gymnasiums and exercise equipment popped up for the upper classes. But the idea of personal fitness help? Still not mainstream. Still mostly for men. Still pretty stiff (literally and figuratively).
The 1950s–1970s: Fitness for the Masses
Here comes Jack LaLanne, bounding onto TV screens in the 1950s in a fitted jumpsuit and a megawatt smile. He was one of the first to bring fitness into American homes, encouraging people to move their bodies for health—not just sport.
At the same time, more gyms and health clubs began to open, especially in the post-war boom. But even with more access, workouts were often one-size-fits-all. If you wanted help, it was still mostly DIY.
The 1980s: When Personal Training Became a Thing
The 80s changed everything. Enter: leg warmers, aerobics, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Fonda, and the birth of the “fitness lifestyle.” Being fit became aspirational.
Gyms began offering one-on-one coaching sessions. Celebrities had personal trainers, and suddenly, regular folks wanted that too. The idea that your workouts could be tailored just for you? That was revolutionary. And awesome.
The 1990s and Beyond: Certification and Customization
In the 90s and 2000s, personal training became a certified profession (literally). Organizations like NASM, ACE, and ACSM brought standards and legitimacy to the field.
Training wasn’t just about looking good anymore. It was about improving mobility, managing pain, aging well, and becoming the best version of yourself.
Today: Smarter, Safer, and More Inclusive
Today’s personal trainers are educators, motivators, and movement experts. They work with people of all backgrounds, ages, and fitness levels. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, prepping for a race, or just trying to feel better in your body—a good trainer can help you get there faster, safer, and with fewer ice packs.
At Portland Personal Training and Lloyd Athletic Club, we believe that personal training isn’t a luxury. It’s a powerful tool to help you move better, feel stronger, and live with more confidence. And yes, we still believe in that extra rep.
