Recent content by dumpthegym

Yeah - if you're going into a private gym that has other outside trainers, don't be worried - be professional and spend some time marketing and work with the owner to help you promote and you should be able to kick ass - Most independent trainers are lazy, do not market, and have low standards...

Ha, yeah LA FITNESS is the worst - not sure about the pay scale, but most gyms are about the same (except for LA FITNESS, which is the lowest) - I recommend using your gym time for experience to go independent - here's a post that will help you out: The Health-Club Survival Guide

If you just go in and ask you shouldn't have a problem - they are always hiring, and I know EQUINOX frequently hires new-b's - But before you go in there, be sure you know what you're getting into - working at one of these places can be real bad - I recommend it as just a way to get...

I'm sure you know the story of Carlos Leon - He's the Personal Trainer (although I'm not sure what he does now) that impregnated Madonna with her first child - It's just an example of a common stigma for trainers, especially males - there's a kind of perception women have of us, whether...

Kudos on pursuing your education in fitness - if you're concerned about money, you're setting yourself up for a long and profitable future in the fitness industry. But on the work and money issue, in training you always have to sell yourself and manage your own business, which are the hardest...

Ha yeah - it's about work, not working out -

About your question about credentials, I think this post from my blog will help you: Personal Training Certifcations | Career In Fitness

Yeah, just get the standard cert and bottom line get started. I'm assuming you want to make money as a trainer, and so much of that is getting into the real world and learning how to get clients that are paying you top dollar. No cert will teach you that. Consider racking up certs a fun hobby...

If you're doing these deals with the private gyms, you're better off picking a home base and bringing all of you clients there - the last thing you want is to go through big gaps in your day where you're commuting, etc. Also, having a home base gym will allow you to form good relationships...

Just get the ACE and get going - everything related to how much you earn will NOT be related to your cert, so just get out there and start learning the business side of it. Let racking up cert be a fun hobby for down the road. Good move becoming your own boss - good luck!

Working in all healthclubs suck - I'd advice anyone to get out and start training on your own, and force yourself to learn the marketing aspect of it on the fly - the best on the job business education you'll ever get. That being said, of all the large commercials, Bally's is probably the best...

Have always used these guys: C. M. MEIERS COMPANY They were recommended when I first became a trainer, through AFAA. Their company has grown very rapidly since I first became insured by them, which leads me to assume they're running a tight ship and doing a good job.

Yup, $50 a HALF hour is hardly uncommon - more and more trainers are shifting to this half hour model these days - But before you chalk it up as 200K, keep in mind that if this trainer was working for a gym, the gym is getting most of the money - And it's really not conceivable for a trainer...

Also, always keep in mind all of the little overhead costs that are eating away at your bottom line. I ran a busy studio for a couple of years and had no liquid assets. I closed it down and did things on my own, charged as high rates as I could get justify, always inching them up when I could...

Yeah, this business is truly survival of the fittest so the bad trainers don't phase me - they never make much and are gone very soon.