Personal Trainer - Finding a Mentor

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Personal Trainer - Finding a Mentor

by Christine
(Kenosha, WI)

I received my ISSA PT certification recently. I have worked out in the gym many times in my life but I have never taught anyone. Every job I've worked at (administrative, insurance, etc), I received OJT (on the job training). Why should this PT field be any different? It is sooo difficult to find someone who would be willing to be a mentor. I don't have the money to pay someone; I am completely penniless literally and am a stay at home mother (31 yrs old) of 2 young children (and husband).

How can a certified PT get OJT? I am someone who has to be on the floor watching and listening (and writing notes) to what is going on. Even though I got ISSA certified through an at home course, I am no expert and do not feel that I can just jump out and start training people.

Do other PTs ever volunteer to mentor their fellow novice PTs? Again, I do not have money to spend paying a PT to do this. Is there a website that lists these people (if any) that are available in my area (southeast Wisconsin - Kenosha county). Even people who teach bootcamps who would like to do a volunteer mentorship would be very helpful...

Thank you.

Desperately trying to find a PT mentor,

Christine

Finding Mentor
by: Leanne

I feel like I'm in the same boat, I would love to find a mentor to or a trainer to shadow. I do know someone in town that is a trainer too, but feel awkward about asking. Afraid that they might not want to, might think that I would be in competition for clients. So if there was a place to find one that would be great.

Trainer mentorship
by: Jan

I'm working on my certification thru NASM and recently attended a workshop and at the end the instructor gave us info on a 2 day mentorship at his gym in California. 2 days cost right around $900 not to mention hotel and airfare. Like you I can't afford that right now. So I just approached the guy that owned the gym where I'm a member and asked if he or if he knew another trainer would mind me observing their sessions with a client. He was very nice and said I could any time and recommended another trainer to ask also. I was a bit uncomfortable approaching the other guy since I'd never talked to him before but he was also really cool about it. So now I have two trainers to shadow for free. So it never hurts to ask the worst thing that could happen is for them to say no. Just remember these people have been where you are right now and chances are good that they want to see you succeed as well!

Never Hurts to Ask
by: Anonymous

People generally like to help others. A Personal Trainer especially.Dont be afraid to ask to shadow them. The worst they can say is no.If they do say no and view you as competition then you wouldnt want to shadow a trainer with that mindset any way. A trainer should view you as another person in need of a problem that needs solved. As a trainer try to view a person as someone who can open up a new world guided by their personal views.That way,you help them,they help you. you cant lose that way.

Personal Trainer - Finding a Mentor

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Personal Trainer - Finding a Mentor