Where should I begin? (Small gyms, Corporate, or Start a Business?

by Jesse
(Tampa, FL)

I've been working out and been a health knowledge sponge for around 7 years now. Recently within the last 3 years I was turned on to Paul Chek's teachings and plan to actively pursue his certification after I get the bread & butter completed and understand the business.

I'm looking to pursue my NASM cert first, but from there I'm not exactly sure how to start.

I've read and heard from many people that renting a personal training studio is the most profitable way if you can develop the client base you need. This seems great but I honestly do not make enough money in my current career to just hope this would work in my benefit.

I've been reading about the corporate gyms on here, but haven't seen much about small private gyms? Do the smaller gyms typically take care of their PTs better although may be more exclusive and harder to get in with?


No matter what path I go in it beats the cubicle job I'm currently working with the exception of my health insurance... but all the health insurance in the world isn't going to help me if I keep coming home to my son in a miserable mood.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
- Jesse
Tampa, FL

Transitioning to my own business

by Scott
(New Jersey)

I recently received my CPT license and and looking to have my own business outside of the gym within a year, as I am only working in my current gym to gain experience and build a clientele. I am confused on how to best go about this though.

First, I am not sure how to transition. Also, what facility options would I have outside of the gym?

Any advice would help.

Scott

Scared to start personal training...Help me Please

by Christopher

Hello,

I have a pretty good story behind my will to personal train. I struggled with child morbid obesity. As of 14 years old, I joined a gym with some of the most amazing people in Oklahoma to help me lose weight ( just guys around the gym, not trainers ). I soon lost weight, and my friend Ryan, ( RIP ), tried me out at weight lifting. Well between 15 and now my age of 20, am 6'1 and have been a bodybuilder for sence my 16th birthday. I pride myself in self education, I learned everything I know from the top bodybuilders, and nutritionist in northeast Oklahoma. I want to be a personal trainer for one to continue my love for health and fitness, and also to help others with their weight loss. Cause personaly, I know what its loike to be obese, and depressed and added with my knowledge of bodybuilding and supplements, and fitness. I have an entire family begging me to train others. I will be getting certified through the AFPA ( dont bother suggesting others cause this is what I want ) and plan getting my Master Level certification which includes personal training, advanced personal training, master personal training, nutrition and wellness consultant, and sports condition certifications.

I feel that 5 certifications, my body, and my will to help ALL ages, ( I really want to work with obese children ) will be a pretty damn good start for a 21 year old.

My fear is how to start out without being screwed over. I refuse to be taken for a fool just cause Im young, and I refuse to have some money hungry gym owner take my hard work and dedication to my lifestyle just so he can putt it in his pocket.

I am wanting to know WHERE is the best place to start with personal training, Im going to talk to my gym owner who is only 26 when Im certified and see if he will help me out cause hes a great guy, but I also want to eventualy have my own " In home service where I can do private training for all people young and old.

Please, if you can give me any advice on where to start, whether it be at a gym, or risking starting my own business, and some advice just in general.

Thank you, god bless, and happy holidays

52 year old new trainer...loving it, but scared to leap

by Nora
(Centreville, MD)

Nora at 52

Hi, all! My name is Nora. I was certified at year ago at the age of 52 (ACE) and am now going for the NASM certification. In that year I have had a wealth of experience! I am currently training a gifted athlete who hopes to compete in the 2012 Olympics (hurdle/track). She came to me with a severely torn hamstring, and only five months later, she's back and has already won major competitions and one championship. I've also worked with an 87 year old hip replacement/osteoporosis patient (who is now walking with a regular stride and pumping iron, yea!) and with several middle aged office workers.

The more I train the more I love it. My problem is...I have been a legal secretary for 30 years and have hated every single moment. The job I'm in now is more like a prison sentence and I'm eager to make the jump to training, but I have a lot to lose and I'm afraid to do it. My current salary isn't low and my bills aren't, either! And now with the economy tanking big time...well, I'd love to have your advice, please!

Work to Learn how to Run a PT Business

I worked at two gyms for a total of four years before going independent. I poked my nose in everywhere I could to learn how the business operates. When I was ready I already had good contacts to buy equipment and software. And my referral network was very strong. Since my clients were loyal to me and not my gym, they were happy to move with me.

Personal Training Success

(Rego Park, NY)

I have been a personal trainer for about 4 months now at a neighborhood gym and I love it!! It's the best thing I have ever done for myself. It takes a lot of patience and you must be willing to never stop learning and always come up with new and interesting exercises for your clients.

It takes a while to build up clients and I definitely agree that once you are really good at it and have built up a great network, you are better off training privately! (make your own hours and better pay)

SHOULD I TAKE A RISK!?

by DAVE
(IRELAND)

i currently work as a supervisor/ instructor/ personal trainer with a guaranteed salary. i work in a subsidiary centre as a consultant, pro bono. i've got some pt work there. this club employs no staff as it has a small client base. in today's economic climate who thinks i should take a risk and run this club, no salary, just payment for classes, pt and increasing the customer base. someone please encourage me to go for it! i have a family but am financially stable at the moment.

Corporate Training Info

by Mandy
(Tennessee)

Hey guys! I have recently become a personal trainer (about 5 weeks ago) and am working at a Snap Fitness (24 Hour Fitness) location in Tennessee. I have several clients and am enjoying it, but recently found out about a corporation in my city that built a gym on property but don't have a trainer. I have heard that corporate personal trainers make good money and I want to contact the company to pitch a proposal about hiring me as a trainer for their employees. However, I don't know much about that type of job to make the sales pitch and was wondering if anyone could help. I just need to know the basics like how much money to ask for, what hours I should be there, do the employees pay me or the corporation itself, do I offer group classes at a certain time or just whenever an employee wants to train... etc. I would like to keep my job where I am now, just add this as a second job. Any help? Thanks!

My Two Cents

by Steve
(Columbus, Ohio)

I was a personal trainer and fitness enthusiast for over 30 years. I attained my first certification in 1998 from I.S.S.A. After earning several other personal trainer certifications, and working for several other "big name" gyms, I started my own fitness business.

For anyone contemplating this field, I highly recommend staying away from the larger franchise gyms and starting your own business.
Being a professional Fitness Instructor was the best decision that I have ever made. Good luck to all! -Steve