Advice for a Personal Training NOOB

[daamazingmrhan]

First Post!

So here's my story:

Graduated from college with a degree in marketing and entrepreneurship and went straight into the job market getting a 8-5 job.
After working for last couple years, I found that my job was mundane, boring, and frankly, I was tired of working for someone.

Now, I am here with a fresh new look at life. I want to get into the personal training business. As a passion, I've always liked helping and training friends for fun by giving them exercise plans to reach their fitness goals.

Since I'm new to the business, I was wondering if any of you could give me some valuable advice building up my clients, figuring out how much to charge, starting off in a gym or going off on my own, what it takes to get insurance, etc. I just need some general advice to help me get going. Considering that I don't have a degree in health science or physical education, how difficult is it to get noticed or at least get my foot in the door with a gym?

I've taken the first step in becoming certified by purchasing course material to get ACE PT certified.

Thanks in advance for all your advice and help!

[the_alcatraz]

The title of your post is in itself an oxy-moron. How can you be a personal trainer and a n00b at the same time?

[daamazingmrhan]

Quote posted by the_alcatraz The title of your post is in itself an oxy-moron. How can you be a personal trainer and a n00b at the same time?

CHANGED

[the_alcatraz]

Quote posted by daamazingmrhan CHANGED

Was just teasin bro...don't know much about personal training, but I'm sure a lotta good bros here will help you out.

Bump!

[OC Renegade]

When I started I got a TON of paying clients by training about 25 people for no cost, I just had them pay me with referrals (paying clients). Works good for trainers who do groups and are trying to build a good client base to launch their biz. A trainer can usually get a full clientel load of PAYING clients from 2 or 3 months of this type of strategy, it works for multiple reasons I won't go into here but the point is it works.

When it comes to what to charge I would go about 25% ( or more ) above what everyone else is charging in your area and make sure that your marketing reflects that. For example, on many of our websites we talk about how we DON'T specialize in being the lowest cost service in town, we specialize in results. When you charge more, you're almost immediately perceived as better.

Most people will happily pay more money if they think you're the best around. AND, the ones who won't pay more money are usually the clients who will give you all the headaches and aren't even worth dealing with in the first place. (late payments, breaking contracts, having the stop training because of the holidays or the economy, only referring friends who can't afford the training either, always expecting a break, overall flakiness)

My two cents
Chris
KickBackLife.com

[DBoh9]

Hi and congratulations on joining other health and fitness professionals! Coming into the industry, you have a ton of options on where to get started.

It's great that you've selected a certifying organization and have already gotten the study materials. With little experience, it may be tough to "go it alone" right away.

I'd suggest choosing a few health clubs and/or studios in your area that you think you might like to work at. Do a little bit of research on each, then go in as if you were a consumer looking to join the facility. You may be able to get a "free" workout for the day and get a better feel for the environment. If you like it, try to schedule an interview with their fitness director.

Great luck in your fitness journey,
Boh

David I. Bohmiller, BS, NSCA-CSCS
President/Owner
My Personal Trainer School LLC
http://www.my-personal-trainer-school.com

Quote posted by DBoh9 Hi and congratulations on joining other health and fitness professionals! Coming into the industry, you have a ton of options on where to get started. It's great that you've selected a certifying organization and have already gotten the study materials. With little experience, it may be tough to "go it alone" right away. I'd suggest choosing a few health clubs and/or studios in your area that you think you might like to work at. Do a little bit of research on each, then go in as if you were a consumer looking to join the facility. You may be able to get a "free" workout for the day and get a better feel for the environment. If you like it, try to schedule an interview with their fitness director. Great luck in your fitness journey, Boh David I. Bohmiller, BS, NSCA-CSCS President/Owner My Personal Trainer School LLC http://www.my-personal-trainer-school.com

As someone with 3 certifications and a Personal Trainer I agree that's the way to go.