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RyanA · 06-19-2008, 06:31 PM

drew1980,
I got certified through NASM around August of 2007 and had a job within a month working for a gym chain in California. I should have kept my job, but I hated it. I knew there wouldn’t be much money in it, but I figured that by the time New Years rolled around I would be pummeled with clients. It didn’t work out that way. My last day at the gym was in April. By the time I had left I had started to build up some clientele. At that time I couldn’t hack it any longer financially and another job fell in my lap.

It was really an awesome opportunity. I learned a ton while being there and despite the financial position I put myself in I think it will pay off. Working with real people from a variety of backgrounds was really an eye opener. Training people is a lot different than talking about training people. I also learned what kind of people I liked to train.

Since leaving the gym I’ve gotten most of my income from another job but I’ve begun taking on clientele. I have in-home clients, clients that I train in a private studio that I rent (by the hour), and one client that I train at a local park. I’m estimating another 3 months before I can leave my current job and just train people. One thing about training people: I try and learn everyday and everyday I’m shocked at how little I know.

I think there are several reasons why many trainers don’t do as well as JP. For starters a lot of them just do it as a job. It seems to attract a lot of flakes too. I couldn’t believe how many people failed to make it through the interview process at the gym because of lack of preparation and professionalism. Aside from that I think success depends on your education (not your certification), your personality and your business sense.

I love doing this. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I hope that whatever you choose to do is as good for you as this has been for me.

06-19-2008, 06:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
RyanA Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 60	drew1980, I got certified through NASM around August of 2007 and had a job within a month working for a gym chain in California. I should have kept my job, but I hated it. I knew there wouldn’t be much money in it, but I figured that by the time New Years rolled around I would be pummeled with clients. It didn’t work out that way. My last day at the gym was in April. By the time I had left I had started to build up some clientele. At that time I couldn’t hack it any longer financially and another job fell in my lap. It was really an awesome opportunity. I learned a ton while being there and despite the financial position I put myself in I think it will pay off. Working with real people from a variety of backgrounds was really an eye opener. Training people is a lot different than talking about training people. I also learned what kind of people I liked to train. Since leaving the gym I’ve gotten most of my income from another job but I’ve begun taking on clientele. I have in-home clients, clients that I train in a private studio that I rent (by the hour), and one client that I train at a local park. I’m estimating another 3 months before I can leave my current job and just train people. One thing about training people: I try and learn everyday and everyday I’m shocked at how little I know. I think there are several reasons why many trainers don’t do as well as JP. For starters a lot of them just do it as a job. It seems to attract a lot of flakes too. I couldn’t believe how many people failed to make it through the interview process at the gym because of lack of preparation and professionalism. Aside from that I think success depends on your education (not your certification), your personality and your business sense. I love doing this. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I hope that whatever you choose to do is as good for you as this has been for me.