Help on a few questions

[knigja3]

hi, Im brand new to the thread so the first thing I want to say is hi. My name is Jamie and i'm recently highly considering becoming a perosnal trainer. But I did have a couple of questions.

Is there anything that you wish you knew before going into personal training both good or bad?

Secondly, how well do the studying materials cover things such as setting up fitness routines, and things such as that.

And also how long did it take to make the jump from your current job to being a personal trainer?

I work a desk stop now in sales that i'm sick of and would love to get into the industry to help people out and make a healthy experience out of their lives. I'm looking to either get ace or ISSA certified within the next 3 to 6 months and can't wait so if anyone has suggestions in getting started it would be wonderful. Thanks!

[knigja3]

Also, i thought of one other question and decided it was not worth a new post. but for all the trainers that went out on their own how do you do taxes? Do you have an accountant do all that kind of stuff? Do you write out receipts? I tend to think that receipts and such would be part of looking professional. Thanks again!

[Tom@foresight]

Hi Jamie,

Welcome to the forum, great to meet you!

Is there anything that you wish you knew before going into personal training both good or bad?
No, as i have always worked in the fitness ndustry and stared at the bottom, i got a good view of how the industry is! I think alot of people see being a PT as a easy job, it is far from it! I have seen alot of people come and go, the ones that go have mainly been the ones who like going to the gym themselves, and think being a PT will be a easy ride, it is not. It is just like any other job... hard work! But great fun too! I also think it depends what kind of specialty you are looking to go into and what kind of place you will be working (self employed, chain gym, ind?)

Secondly, how well do the studying materials cover things such as setting up fitness routines, and things such as that.
I think it depends on the training provider, most are great and you get alot of detail. However i always advise people once you have passed you exams do a load of reading around areas you are not sure of and practice it all on yourself and friends and family. Take what works!

And also how long did it take to make the jump from your current job to being a personal trainer?
I have been a PT since 2000, setting up my own company in 2002.

Beig a PT is a great joba and as you said you get loads of oppertunity to help people. My main words of advice if you do it is to always strive to be the best and give your clients 110%!

Good Luck!

TOM