another new trainer

[Jessica]

Hi Everyone, I'm yet another person who is just getting started in this business.

I have masters degrees in kinesiology and psychology, and I'm studying for the CSCS exam now. My long-term goal is to train people both locally and online, so I'm looking into getting a website started, too.

Right now my only clients are women in town who sought me out for training and nutrition advice, so I need to figure out how to spin that into a real business. I need more experience training people, and I need to learn everything I can about different training methodologies.

I've read some threads on here and there is a ton of great information! So thanks to everyone who has shared all their knowledge- I am learning so much here. If anyone would like to offer advice on getting started in this business or anything else I should know, please do! I'm looking forawrd to learning from eveyone here.

[Chrisatc]

Good luck Jessica, off the bat, I wouild say solicit your current clients for their friends. See if any would be willing to give names or suggestions for a free session or two.

[RobLL]

You have probably checked out Alwyn's stuff, on line and T-nation may do for starters, but some of his professional/business development stuff will become appropriate as you develop business models. Good Luck

[OldGuy]

Welcome Jessica. I'm sure you'll find a boatload of information here. Best of luck.

[kuri]

Welcome aboard Jessica.

I'm pretty new at the training gig as well. Have you, or are you willing to put some time in employed at a gym?

It may be a good route for you to develop your skills as well as local reputation. For as much crap as we chain gym employed trainers have to put up with it can be good in those respects. Many if not most trainers that are serious eventually get to a place where they either go private or open their own facility.

[Jessica]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

RobLL, I've read all of Alwyn's stuff about training, but I do need to read more of his business development material. Thanks for the pointer!

Kuri, I'm debating the commercial gym aspect of things. I'd like to avoid it if possible, and see if I can't work out an indpendent contractor agreement with my gym. But we'll see- if that dosen't work then I may have to work at a gym for a while.

[kuri]

If your able to get enough clients right off the bat then going indie would be better. At least you'll be making more.

From what I've seen many trainers employed at gyms do this after a couple months anyway.