As has been mentioned, people with FM often experience increased pain after exertion as a result of tight muscles and being less physically fit overall. Many individuals feel discouraged and want to quit the program. A trainer may be able to support you in determining when pain is normal and necessary and how to best move through it so it diminishes with consistent exercise. A prescribed and supervised program is helpful for people with FM because it helps them achieve gradual increases in overall physical fitness and functioning. It also provides psychological and emotional supports that are valuable to maintain the program.

Fitness professionals should be aware that they will undoubtedly encounter clients with fibromyalgia at some time in their careers. Professional trainers need to know it is their responsibility to understand this condition and competently assist people who have FM with a suitable and effective exercise program. While there are no studies showing that trainers who are knowledgeable about fibromyalgia will get better results for their clients, it seems advantageous for people with FM to seek professionals who have some background in exercise physiology or other skills.

Trainers should emphasize flexibility exercises of all major muscle groups and make sure that the warm-up is an integral part of the exercise program. A conditioning program that is effective but "light" makes use of low-impact aerobic exercise suited to the individual. Programs must be progressed as tolerated. A trainer can be valuable in helping the person achieve attainable but challenging goals, incremental improvements, and help with motivational aspects and sustainability. Also, a trainer can identify issues related to proper posture and body mechanics to minimize strain on muscles and joints.