New to fitness industry - JP Fitness Forums

Heather · 08-02-2007, 02:55 PM

Hi All--

I've spent the past 15 or so years as a healthcare public relations professional and now want to make a move into the fitness industry. I trained as a client about four years ago, and ever since, I've wanted to learn more about fitness, and eventually make the move into fulltime employment.

I am taking an NCCPT course this weekend and have been studying and reading everything I can not just for the course, but for my own knowledge. I was offered a job in a gym a couple months ago, but as a regular, frequent member of the gym, I can attest to the high turnover rates that seem to affect the trainers in particular. So I was hesitant to take the job and then didn't.

Any advice anyone has on the better certifications (if there are "better" ones), or how to get started would be appreciated. Also, anything I should look out for or be cautious about?

Jean-Paul · 08-02-2007, 04:33 PM

How old are you? If you're in your early 20's, who cares if they have high turn-over... It will be good experience. If you are trying to make a career change later in the game, then it might be a good idea to avoid working there.

Turn-over isn't always the gym's fault so maybe you are being hasty. Speaking as a gym owner, this industry attracts a TON of flakes. I am amazed by the numbers of people who can't make it through a single month in my place.

I think they think that they can get some easy job with low expectations, and when they realize it's an actual job with things for which they are accountable, they crumple. The ones who make it usually have a bit more self discipline, understand that a fitness job is not all glamour, and have a solid work ethic. Not surprisingly, they wind up doing quite well in this industry.

There are quite a few good certs out there. NSCA CSCS is pretty much the gold standard, but some other good ones are ISSA, NASM, and even ACE has been improving lately. I generally don't care for ACSM, for what it's worth.

Welcome to the boards!

Heather · 08-04-2007, 06:40 PM

I am in my 30s and am now finally ready to make the transition into fitness. I was reading the other posts about Bally's. Ironically, they offered me a job a few months ago. I didn't take it, mainly because I didn't want to go to work fulltime during the day and then work there at night, leaving no time for myself to workout. But after reading what others on these boards have said, sounds like I made a good decision for many other reasons. I did like the aspect of having them pay for me to further my classes, but I've seen trainers come and go so quickly, I figured there must be a reason.

Jean-Paul · 08-04-2007, 09:36 PM

The only reason I asked about your age is that in your 20's you don't mind working for close to minimum for job experience, but usually in your 30's you have families to support or more financial obligations in general, making it hard to start all over fresh. If you don't mind starting fresh and you have some financial cushion (like a spouse with some financial stability and lots of patience), then I would think that Ballys would still be a good experience.

You almost have to have the maddening experience of a big box gym so you can learn what NOT to do once you break off on your own. Mills like that where they have to keep up ridiculous quotas that they rarely keep don't attract those looking for long term security.

This isn't a great field for non-risk takers. You really need to be prepared for some dry spells and sock any extra money you make away for the lean periods. I have seen people with what looked on the outside to be healthy businesses with lots of clients fold within a couple of months with one wrong move. How I avoided a similar fate with my previous manage-by-the-seat-of-my-pants style I will never know (but always appreciate).