Hi folks, so I've recently become registered as a personal trainer here in Vancouver, BC, Canada with BCRPA. Most of you have probably never heard of it, but it's really well known here and is required, from what I understand, to work at any public establishment, such as a community centre. I think most gyms and studios here ask for it as well, though I don't think it's required.
The fitness theory courses I took were in class and the PT was based on the ACE Personal Trainer Manual. Overall I feel I have a decent amount of knowledge to get started, but am really lacking the hands on experience. BCRPA registration requires you to understand some basic theory, have competancy with instructing some common exercise, demonstate some programming, produce client forms and some marketing material. Maybe it's just me but I feel there is so much more I need to learn before I can even get started in this industry - my background is not in exercise either, I took this cert as a way to get into the industry.
From reading parts of the NASM CPT manual, I feel the BCRPA does not really provide a system you can implement right away. You sort of have to develop your own or implement it from elsewhere..
Could be my job hunting skills, experience, resume, and/or state of the economy but I'm having troubles finding employment in this field. I've applied for entry level jobs at gyms and studios, and even places like health/ fitness product deals but have had little response.
What would you all suggest for improving my credibility and employability?
I should probably be practicing on friends and family.
Should I hire some trainers and see what it's like since i've never even worked with one before?
Should I try to contact a gym and ask to do some shadowing?
I was also thinking about going the self-employed route, but still have a bunch of stuff I'd need to prepare for that scenario, business planning, marketing, etc. And I still wouldn't have the hands on experience..
I don't think you should go the independent route just yet. You are too new and you need to be exposed to different clientèle. You don't need a website, you don't need joint ventures, you don't need an e-book...you just need to get you butt on a gym floor and meet/greet people.
Prepare a resume and send it in to as many gym/rec facilities in your area including community centers and YMCA's.
Practice your interview skills in front of a mirror or with someone.
If you don't train already yourself (and I hope you do), begin to do so.
I think the gym route will be a good starting point. You need interaction with strangers---yes, you can train friends, but they are not the same dynamics. Take a stranger...talk to them, build a rapport, and develop a bond. With that bond, create a realistic goal and work towards it with your client.
I tell my students...it is literally like asking a complete stranger to help you build a sand castle. You will both be in eachotehr's space, you will both need each others' help and understanding, you will both need to communicate to each other, and you will both have to keep you eye on the tide.
Hey thanks for the advice John! Heh I like the way you put it in your last couple of sentances.
I think the main thing working against me is the fact that I'm new to the industry and I have to real experience. Emailing in the resumes doesn't seem to be working - ive never been good at job hunting since most of my jobs have came through ppl I know.. Think I need to start bringing them in.
BTW, I'm Jon, I bought your book and am saving up to buy your DVDs!!
If you have never worked in the fitness industry before i would get a job in a gym doing FI or PT, this is where the real learning will start. You need time to practice all those skills that you have covered on your course and also develop the skills that are not so well covered such as client interaction and sales.
I normally advise that new trainers spendat least 6 to 12 months working in a gym before they even consider the self employed route.
SHodowing is a great way to learn! So if you can find a local trainer who would not mind you following them round for the day go for it! and definately train as many friends and relatives as possible!
I've got some volunteering lined up at a local chain gym. I'm not too sure what it will entail, but hopefully I get a chance to do some shadowing and finding out what this dynamic industry is like from a commercial standpoint.
What is FI though? Fitness instruction?
Also, can someone give me an idea generally how much clientelle comes through courting existing members?
Really hope you enjoy your time in the gym, it is so different seeing a gym from a work point of view as opposed to as a client! You will either love it or hate it!
I've got some volunteering lined up at a local chain gym. I'm not too sure what it will entail, but hopefully I get a chance to do some shadowing and finding out what this dynamic industry is like from a commercial standpoint.
What is FI though? Fitness instruction?
Also, can someone give me an idea generally how much clientelle comes through courting existing members?
Hey man, you've chosen a great career - My only piece of advice would be as you're training and getting comfortable with your clients, always be looking at how you can do it on your own - Other than that, get started and have fun with it!
i think u can start practicing by giving out some free sessions, be generous and your clients won't think that you're just approaching for cash and spend 3 hours for teachings that supposed to be done in 1/2 hour.
there's still alot to learn. I'm not sure how long you've been training but then lots of PT out there keep saying that the cert is just a piece of paper and u would be gaining real war experience by realistically training your clients officially + improving yourself through your training path.
go to a gym and don't be shy when u see people that really needs help. Lots of them are willing to get a PT but those bankers/ businessmen are just too shy of going onto the counter and ask "hey can u teach me how to use this machine".
if you're shy too then it will just be a waste.
alt. come to my site and get an account for 1:1 video consultation (as a Fitness Expert)
u can also help ppl through answering email for $$ (sorry folks, abit of advertisement.. LOL)
just remember, the best PT (or those that chargest the most with the most clients) is not necessary to be the champion of bodybuilding. communication skill and presentational skill is the key. practice, practice and keep an extroverted attitude. Don't be afraid of "i'm fine, i dun need help" then u'll be successful = )
I agree with Izzo, you've got to learn some basic skills in working with clients; ie people skills. I suggest shadowing some local trainers and watching them run their bootcamps and group sessions. That's probably the easiest way to go if you can't hired somewhere. Once you get more comfortable with the communication and motivation that goes on during a one-on-one session, group session or bootcamp, then you learn about marketing and managing your own training business. Obviously, the real money in training comes from working for yourself and as a contractor, but for now, working a salary position, or just shadowing another trainer until you get comfortable will really help you grow as a trainer. Hope this helps. If you want more information on marketing and promoting your fitness business, go to myfitnessmarketing.com. It's a FREE marketing blog for personal trainers and covers sales strategies, and marketing tips.
Help me start a career in PT
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