Am I too old to be a Personal Trainer?

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Am I too old to be a Personal Trainer?

Will age as personal trainer be a problem? I am 57 and would like to start my own business as a personal trainer but worry it would not be worth the time or money. What are your thoughts on this issue?

Marilyn

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The vast majority of certified personal trainers I've seen in gyms are in their 20's or early 30's. Are older people unable to find employment in this field? I am in my early 60's.

Aubrey

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Am I too old to be a Personal Trainer?

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Turn your age into an asset
by: Katie - Admin

Your age is an asset if you use it right. Many older people feel more comfortable training with somebody their own age because the trainer really understands the changes our bodies go through as we age. Mature age trainers are rare, but very popular. In many cases, if an older client makes an inquiry, the gym owner knows that the older trainer will be the better fit. You end up having a whole niche market to yourself.

For more info, check this page particularly...

Niche Opportunities

Personal training is such an easy career transition. It doesn't cost much and you can be up and running in a few short months.

Good Luck...and go for it!

Katie

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Older people get intimidated at the gym
by: Aubrey

Hi Katie,

I really appreciate your prompt response to my inquiry and the helpful information you provided. During my workouts at my gym, 6-7 days a week, I noticed that, on many occasions, an older person who is 50+ years old who was new to the gym would be seen using the facilities for only a few days.

I can't help but think that these individuals were intimidated and felt out of place when looking at all the much younger and pumped up young people.I have maintained a fairly high level of physical fitness over the years and received a black belt in the martial arts at the age of 56, in 2001. Personal Trainer Certification would help me to see that these individuals achieve their goals.

Thanks again

Aubrey

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I'm going for it!
by: Sue

After 30+ years with Andersen Windows I am starting school to be a Personal Trainer. I start in October and I am really excited.

I will complete in Oct 2008 and which gives
me 1 year before I retire to get a business going. Now an empty nester, I plan on converting my basement into a gym. My target market is women
like me - overweight, menopause, and don't want to go to a gym. I have 2 years to get in shape. I will have to go through the Lease vs. Buy
decision for equipment. It would be nice to have the newest technology. I already have 6 clients.... This will be a wonderful thing in my life. Taking care of myself, and getting the fellowship I need after retirement.

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NEVER TO OLD TO TRAIN
by: REALFITNESSONLINE

You are never too old to train. New studies show that people can be well into there 60's when they start to train. The benefits are amazing!! And of course older people are going to want older personal trainers that understand the aches and pains of aging.

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Be Their Inspiration
by: Anonymous

If you are fit and exercise regularly, and can show people that you can be in great shape as a mature age person, you will inspire them. Show them what you would do to them and that you aren't too old to stay in great shape. You may even be an inspiration to those who aren't sure if they can do it.

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Never Too Old
by: Gary Tanaka

As long as you believe you can do it, you can!! Don't put limitations on yourself. Just go for it, and if it's not for you, then at least you'll know that you tried. The worst feeling in the world is regret. Did you hear about the 59 yr old guy who made his COLLEGE football team??!?!?! (Mike Flynt - it was all over the news recently). You're never too old!! Good Luck!!

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Never say Never
by: DD

Time is a man made concept and so is age - you really are only as old as you think your are. So think yourself and your clients young again by honoring the divine, ageless, limitless soul within.

Namaste,

DD

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Too old for What?
by: Anonymous

I am 56 and just completed my ACE certification. After spending 20+ years in the corporate world, I decided to pursue a second career. I am of the belief that the aging population provides a huge market and these clients are more apt to seek out mature and older trainers that they are able to relate to.

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Never too old!
by: Helen Lawson

I'm 38 years old and have been a personal trainer for just about a year now. My advice...

Emphasize your strengths: If you are very flexible then take Yoga & Pilates certification classes. If you are a good dancer then take some dance certifications (Zumba, Hip Hop, etc...). Even though these certifications are targeted towards group fitness you can use the things you learn to help your clients (your age) with calorie burning, stamina, balance, etc... My point: it doesn't have to be about just pumping iron! Mix it up!

Start off slowly by taking just a few clients a week. Gradually increase your schedule as your body allows. Make sure you have time for your own exercise program. Don't over do it! Your body will let you know when its reached its limits.

Helen Lawson
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
& Group Fitness Instructor
Home Fitness Trainers
Covering NY's capital region
HLawson@CapitalRegionFitnessTrainers.com

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Never too old to be a personal trainer
by: Dee, Mission Viejo CA

I turned 43 this year. I decided at age 40, after giving birth at 38, to become a fitness Instructor. I have gotten more business as a fitness Instructor than I could have imagined. However, one can only teach so many group classes.

I am currently studying to become a Personal Trainer as we speak. In fact, it is why I found this site. One of the reasons I am becoming a Personal Trainer is that I have been approach by many members at the gyms where I teach. They have asked me to be their trainer. However, I don't want to start until I am certified officially.

One of the biggest comments I heard is that many are not interested in choosing the cocky/militant young guy/girl working with them. Not everyone turns to a personal trainer to look like an athlete. For some, it is medically necessary.

With age comes wisdom. I believe if you are in great shape and know your stuff, you will surpass the young crowd and will gain more respect. Think who the clientele is? Most twenty year olds won't want or even need a trainer yet. Most are in their 40's or older needing a trainer with the expectation of maybe triathletes.

I teach aqua aerobics. Most of my participants are older. They have had issues of weight, surgeries, stressful careers, childbearing etc. I can related to all of those things because I have been through them myself. Clients appreciate that you have gone through some of the same things. A young 20 or 30 year old may not relate. You have a better chance of retaining your clients.

So don't give up. I'm not. I waited to become a Mom at 40. I don't want to go back to a corporate job.

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Submitted by: Dee, Mission Viejo CA

Title

Comment
I turned 43 this year. I decided at age 40, after giving birth at 38, to become a fitness Instructor. I have gotten more business as a fitness Instructor than I could have imagined. However, one can only teach so many group classes. I am currently studying to become a Personal Trainer as we speak. In fact, it is why I found this site. One of the reasons I am becoming a Personal Trainer is that I have been approach by many members at the gyms where I teach. They have asked me to be their trainer. However, I don't want to start until I am certified officially. One of the biggest comments I heard is that many are not interested in choosing the cocky/militant young guy/girl working with them. Not everyone turns to a personal trainer to look like an athlete. For some, it is medically necessary. With age comes wisdom. I believe if you are in great shape and know your stuff, you will surpass the young crowd and will gain more respect. Think who the clientele is? Most twenty year olds won't want or even need a trainer yet. Most are in their 40's or older needing a trainer with the expectation of maybe triathletes. I teach aqua aerobics. Most of my participants are older. They have had issues of weight, surgeries, stressful careers, childbearing etc. I can related to all of those things because I have been through them myself. Clients appreciate that you have gone through some of the same things. A young 20 or 30 year old may not relate. You have a better chance of retaining your clients. So don't give up. I'm not. I waited to become a Mom at 40. I don't want to go back to a corporate job.

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TOO OLD?????
by: Anonymous

I love telling students,(it's been my moto): When YOU get to be MY age I want YOU to be able to do what I can do.

I was pronounced with diabetes twice. One time I was running a lumber yard sitting in an office all day, the other time I was studying all day at college. I beat it both times: Get up and move.

I work hard, I play hard and I love hard. I take all my training to the extreme. When my friends and my doctor tell me I'm too old, I correct my friends and find a new doctor.

My new wife (Younger)and I, take 4 and 500 mile trips on a motor cycle, camping along the way.

I'm Sixty one and in the best shape of my life, Oh, I still have two semisters to go to finish my major in Physical Education.

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You have an advantage...
by: Klee

Hi,

I am an independent trainer working out of a private studio. We have a trainer in his 60's - He's always busy!

Most of my clients are over 50. I'm 34. I think that I'm at about the youngest age that works with their age. Otherwise, its difficult to relate- a 23 year old doesn't know much about trying to recover from exercise at 50. Conversation is also more natural for 'peers', a big part of keeping clients.

Older trainers who are in decent physical shape can actually have an advantage. Don't get psyched-out about who is "supposed" to be a trainer. Get out there!

www.scottsdale-fitness-training.com

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No way!
by: Dymphna

My personal trainer is 59 & inspired me to get my qualification as a PT. Age should not be a barrier...maybe do mobile or outdoor pt...not everyone wants to work out at a gym! Good luck!

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Am I too old to be a Personal Trainer?