Being a personal Trainer

[Vale Tudo]

Hey everyone, I am thinking about getting certified to be a personal trainer. And picking it up as a second job at night and maybe on the weekends. What I am wondering is if this job really makes any money or is it more of a fun thing? I am wondering from those of you with personal experience. Thanks everyone

 

[Robboe]

Here's a list of some standards you gotta fit:

1. you gotta clearly not know what you're talking about, but dress it up so you sound good.

Yup, that pretty much does it.

 

[ponyboy]

I should take offense at that, just like all other trainers should...but it was funny so I won't.

Training is very time consuming, can be very frustrating depending on the client, and is fine to do part time but you're always working around someone else's hours...so you typically work when other people aren't, if you get my meaning.

Good stuff is when you have a client who reaches their goals, feels better, buys you stuff (woo hoo!) and devloping a close trusting relationship with them. As a trainer, your job is to safely monitor the progress and general health of your clients and help them to get whereever they want to be. Some tips though (from someone with 3 years experience, which isn't really much, so take it for what it's worth).

1) Don't be afraid to say "I don't know." If you don't know the answer to something, then admit it and try to find the answer. A good trainer will not necessarily know everything about everything, but they will know where to find it if they need to. It is a continual learning process. Don't EVER assume you know everything.

2) Every person is an individual. What works for one probably won't work as well for another. Don't adhere to one methodology all the time.

3) Be safe and courteous in everything you do, espeically if you have to tell a client they can't or shouldn't do something.

4) Always explain WHY they are doing something. Too many trainers know what to do, but can't tell you why you should do it. Focus on that and you'll be better off.

As for financial rewards, it takes a long time to build up clients so you are making good money. At the gym I'm training at right now I get $30 an hour and then it goes to $40 when they are with me longer than ten sessions. So ten hours a week = $300/week...not bad, but it takes a while to get there.

Hope it helps.

 

[Arnold]

Personal training can be very lucrative.

Obviously you need to be educated and experienced in diet, nutrition and training. But to be successful you need to be able to sell yourself. You also need good communication and interpersonal skills in order to have a good raport with your clients and keep them inspired.

If you are not a good "salesmen" you will find it difficult to aquire clients, and if you lack the communication skills you will find it difficult to keep them.

 

[Vale Tudo]

thanks a lot for the responses guys I apperciate it

 

[Robboe]

Aww...who deleted my second post?

I was just having a little fun.

 

[Arnold]

not me.

but it was probably deleted for good reason!

 

[ali]

i agree w/ a lot that was said here and some i disagree. i have a 4 year college degree ( not that you can tell from the way i spell!) i exercise phis. and we learned through ASCM. you need to know your stuff. people are trusting you, paying a lot of money and want results. you need to get insured so you can cover your butt. yes it is fun, and yes you can jazz it up to sound even better then it is and to make it seem like you know more than you do, and you will get some cool clients and some phsycos! i think it's a good idea, but not something to be taken lightly. if people like you, it will show. good luck!