Training under a different name? - JP Fitness Forums

BritLad · 01-09-2008, 05:22 AM

Okay, might sound bit of an odd question, but could I train under a different name?

Now your probably wondering why i'm asking, and probably thinking I have some dodgy past that I'm running from. I can assure you, the latter is not the case. The simply reason is my real name isn't that catchy or inspiring (at least IMHO) and over the years I've considered changing it legally. As I move forward with plans to become a PT, I'm thinking about the long term associated goals, such as building a 'brand' and again the name issue has come up in my mind.

This got me thinking, rather than legally changing my name, I was wondering whether it would be legal/moral to operate/train under a different name? Celebirties and music artisits do it all the time, i.e a stage name. Surely its no different?

Anyway, people's thoughts?

CDEI · 01-09-2008, 09:05 AM

Glad you asked 'cause I was thinking the same thing. My "real" name isn't too "catchy" -- like needing to repeat it numerous times when someone asks. However, I've been a writer for some time now and use a pen name, which I'm considering to use for training.

Hopefully, there will be some informed responses 'cause I'd like to know, too.

kuri · 01-09-2008, 09:57 AM

Makes me wonder what Jean Paul's real name is... I mean c'mon! And if anyone believes "Lou Schuler" is his real name I don't know what to say

David Bowie's real name is Dave Jones but he changed it because people confused him with that guy from the Monkeys. So unless your name is Pavel Tsatsouline or Arnold Schwartzeneggar, or you want to move to L.A. and star in a reality show then I'd say don't worry about it.

Jean-Paul · 01-09-2008, 10:59 AM

Joe Smith... My real name fails to inspire, so I took on the name, Jean-Paul de La Fayette Francoeur [whew!].

I would think that your real name would be fine. You make the name... The name doesn't make the name. If you are a world class trainer, then you will make that name legendary.

I don't know if I can be objective since I have been accused of having a stage name for years, but that's my take.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your real name?

CDEI · 01-09-2008, 02:03 PM

Funny, I was talking with my mother, I dropped your name, saying you were in Little Rock and she flipped! LOL -- Jean-Paul is Little Rock! (My mom spent some of her early years in AR.) LOL!

Personally, my real name is Carl David Sandridge. Lots of my friends call me Carl D., so that's where I get my writing name, Carl Dei. However, I was studying for my cert today, after posting on BritLad's thread, and started to consider just going with my "real" name.

The worst thing about my name is Sandridge. People always say, Huh? Sanders? Sandburg? It can get annoying (especially, after you spell it out and they still say Sanders).

What do think, JP & Kuri? Guess it's not as "bad" as Schwartz-whatever, and he ended-up not doing too bad for himself. : )

Keith S. · 01-16-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDEI

The worst thing about my name is Sandridge. People always say, Huh? Sanders? Sandburg? It can get annoying (especially, after you spell it out and they still say Sanders).

Your name really isn't that bad. Maybe you just need to stop conversing with people who are dumb?

S. Max Gordon · 01-16-2008, 07:20 PM

I train under my maiden name even though legally my name is still Morse and my business is registered and I'm certified under that name.

trainerty · 01-17-2008, 12:57 PM

I knew a guy who called himself Xerxes. This was about a year before 300 was out in the movies. I remember hearing his name called out in a nutrition seminar(so-called nutrition...more like "buy into my b.s. plan" scheme). I thought to myself, I know that isn't his name, but that is really "ear-catching". Names were being called out like we were in 1st grade and the speaker was checking for tardiness. Noone even budged for other names. When this guys name was fumbled out by the speaker, everyone popped their head up and looked around for him. I was expecting to see some guy standing in the back of the class with a classy hitman suit on and some black sunglasses (I was disappointed). I'm sure he made a few session sales just be the name.

LisaS · 01-17-2008, 03:33 PM

you can "brand" as a business without it being your name also if you have a clever catchy name. just a thought.

Cynic · 01-18-2008, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDEI

The worst thing about my name is Sandridge. People always say, Huh? Sanders? Sandburg? It can get annoying (especially, after you spell it out and they still say Sanders).

I'd call you Sandwich, just to push your buttons.

CDEI · 01-18-2008, 03:58 PM

Hey, thanks Keith! And Cynic, y'know, if I hadn't seen lots of your response during my time on this site, I might just be upset. LOL Yeah, yeah! (Not to mention, anyone with a True Romance quote is good people in my book.)

Actually, like I mentioned before, I'm sticking with my "real" name. Kind of just like the idea of making MY name mean something. So I just gotta bust balls, kick tail and doing some big things in our world.

Funny thing -- a girl asks my name yesterday, I say Sand-ridge!, and she spells and repeats, Sanders... : )

Cynic · 01-18-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDEI

Hey, thanks Keith! And Cynic, y'know, if I hadn't seen lots of your response during my time on this site, I might just be upset. LOL Yeah, yeah! (Not to mention, anyone with a True Romance quote is good people in my book.)

Trust me, there is only one here who I dislike. If I ever insult, it's probably a failure to communicate.

It's amazing that a two syllable name could confound so many. I'm used with dealing with Ravikumars and Saravanas and whole line of other exotic Hindu and Muslim names.