NEW PT in isolated communit with no mentorship

[WorldWideWife]

Hey all,
First let me say this forum is great. I feel as though people can get some really great information here.

Ok so here is the problem. I have been recently certified and I am not sure where to go next. I live in a very small community with only one gym. Everyone there is a private contractor (1 other PT). I really don't have anyone that can mentor me. I am basically running my own business.

I have no idea where to start. I don't want to take on clients because I do not feel ready yet. I have no idea about the business.

From what I do know I would plan (1) on have a consult with the prospect, (2) do a fitness assessment, (3) show a proper warm-up/cool-down and stretches. and then start working them out.
Does that sound right?

What programs/softwares do people use to help with creating work outs, scheduling, diets?

What books are people reading?

What are people doing for their clients when they don't have a session?

I know this is a lot and I am sure this isn't the first time this has been asked so if there is another thread on this topic please direct me to it.

Thanks
Kendra

[Dave Chesser]

Originally Posted by WorldWideWife

I am basically running my own business.

I have no idea where to start. I don't want to take on clients because I do not feel ready yet. I have no idea about the business.

From what I do know I would plan (1) on have a consult with the prospect, (2) do a fitness assessment, (3) show a proper warm-up/cool-down and stretches. and then start working them out.
Does that sound right?

Welcome to the club.

I'm in a location with little to no PT either. Basically, you have to be the expert. That means reading everything you can get your hands on and getting some good DVDs to watch. You want the best info to draw on when getting started to make up for the lack of experience.

Other than that, just get started training anyone. Charge a lower price, don't turn anyone away, and just expect to make mistakes as you go along. Program workouts that stay within safe but effective boundaries and start looking at what's useful or not. Use the entire process as one big feedback mechanism and be sensitive to what's working and what's not and you'll gain experience quick.

Essential reading will depend on your specialty so it varies. Essentials for me were Infinite Intensity by Ross Enamait for programming and the E-Myth Revisited for business. A drop in the bucket but good places to start. Good luck.