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Home » IDEA Answers » WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE PROFESIONAL TRAINERS WHEN BIG CORPORATIONS BUY NEW GYMS AND PAY $16.00?.
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Question asked by Octavio. Pozos Perez 553 days ago

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE PROFESIONAL TRAINERS WHEN BIG CORPORATIONS BUY NEW GYMS AND PAY $16.00?.

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All the money in many many Certifications and knowledge we spend 'Fitness Professionals" in more that 18 or 20 years of trying to get better qualifications to get paid the top rates as "Master Trainers and Groups Ex instructors" at Ballys had no value for the L.A Fitness Corporation after the purchase of 171 Bally Total Fitness clubs last Dec 6 2011.
On Tuesday Dec 6 2011 from nowhere all the employes "Personal Trainers and Group Ex instructors" got the notice that we had been sold to L.A. Fitness, that same day they cancelled all the Group Exercise classes with out a notice to members and instructors (we didn't get paid since then the classes i had in the schedule). On wednesday dec 7 again from nowhere got the notice that the club will close at 5 pm so the new owners will take the computer systems of the gym out leaving the trainers no way to redeem the session of the existing clients.On thursday Dec 9 got only rumors that we will be paid as trainers only $16.00 per 30 mins per session and not honor the p.t contracts that we had sold the month of november or before, some paid in full by our clients at the rate that "Master Trainers' WITH MORE THAN 5 YEARS in the company and have more than 3 or 4 certifications supposed to get paid $30 to $35 dollars per hour os session.

So we will be welcome to work for L.A. Fitness accepting that they lowering or paid to $16.00 and the other $22.00 that we supposed to forget and be happy that they will get in their banks what we already deserved and sold..

In my case i had told that i had being paid working for Ballys 11 years $26.00 because i was one of the more qualified instructors and was the Group ex assistant Director at Ballys Hollywood before the economic crash got into the Country. In all this years every time i ask for a raise i had the answer of management that the raises where frozen because the economy and that i should not complain since i was paid the most of the group ex instructors in Hollywood...So the crisis just hit BALLYS not the instructors " i guess that is what they thought in their small crazy minds".
i was not teaching for money his 11 years , i was teaching BECAUSE I LOVE TO TEACH not exactly for the money. So i just keept 3 classes to avoid more injuries in my body since i had 7 clients every day from Monday to Friday, and saturdays 8am till noon.

We got a "big slap on the face the trainers" who worked our harts and bodies for 18 years and in my case 11 years.We where the ones who can sale $8,000 t0 $10,000 dollars in most regular bases every single month and making Ballys Hollywood number #1 in Personal Training Sessions, had 50 to 60 people in our Group Ex Classes and again in my case NEVER MISSED OR CANCELLED ONE CLASS IN MY 11 years at this gym.

The group Ex called me and offer me $20.00. The lady told me that is what i had being paid at Ballys all this time which was SHOCKING for me to realized that all this time trusting about my decent paid, i had been stolen $6.00 FOR MANY MANY years, and she was going to offer me $20.00....VERY DISTURBING for me.

Now i think AFTER 20 YEARS OF TEACHING , spending thousand of dollars in IDEA every year, paid for Certifications and Trainings THERE IS NO ROOM TO HAVE A DECENT PAY in this big corporations of gyms as "Profesional Trainer or Group Ex.instructors" Reason why this type of gyms had THEIR OWN RECIPES AND MANDATORY FORMAT OF CLASSES so any, i mean any person have to teach the same CLASS. THE EXPERIENCE,TALENT AND CREATIVITY OF THE TEACHER is not requiere anymore.

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Answers (16)

Answered by Shannon McMullen 552 days ago
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Like the economy, gyms are becoming increasingly polarized toward either a "Walmart" economic model or a very high end, "Nordstroms" model.

The industry is simply mirroring existing demographic shifts. The good news for you, Octavio, is that you live in probably one of the very few places where you can make a decent living as a trainer, if you cross the 405. I don't know where you are in LA but I just switched to working in Santa Monica from the valley since the opportunity to make a living there is much higher. I still live in the valley, but work in Santa Monica, serving a higher income clientele.
1 Comment
THANKS SO MUCH SHANNON......
THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASOM AND I THINK THIS IS ONE TO MAKE ME MORE SUCCESSFUL AND INDEPENDENT...
BLESSINGS
OCTAVIO.
http://www.octaviosfitness.com/
Comment by Octavio. Pozos Perez 550 days ago
 
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Answered by Shawn Fears 553 days ago
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Time to open your own studio. I charge $60/hr in Alaska. Surely wherever you are you can get more than even $26 on your own. I wouldn't even think about less than $50/hr and to me that is a pay cut. There is no reason to even work at a corporate gym if you have any experience, in my opinion.
2 Comments
Thank so much Shawn for your advice.
Blessings
Octavio.
Comment by Octavio. Pozos Perez 553 days ago
exactly. I quit the gym because I got tired of giving them 60% of my fee. Now I can charge less ($60 per session) and make more as a trainer. My group ex pay is $25 per class. The going rate around Metro Detroit area seems to be $20-$30 per class. I understand LA Fitness is less.
Comment by Laura Cepuran 147 days ago
 
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Answered by Karin Singleton 553 days ago
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1447 Questions Answered, 12 Questions Asked
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I can understand your anger and frustration. But there as a positive way to look at it. Through all your certifications and experience, you have set yourself apart in the fitness field, and nobody can take that away from you.

10 years ago, the gym where I worked as an independent contractor closed, and the new facility offered me an 'employment opportunity' that was laughable. It seemed like a scary thing at the time, but it soon turned out the best thing that ever happened to me.

Take a deep breath and tell the corporate guys (whatever). I am sure you can do well by yourself.

I wish you good luck.
2 Comments
THANK SO MUCH KARIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT...

IT IS JUSY PAINFUL WHAT THEY DID TO MY FRIENDS TRAINERS FIRED THEM IN CHRISTMAS AND MUY CLIENTS NOT HONORING THEIR SESSIONS AND NOT GIVE THEIR MONEY BACK.\

I WILL SURVIVE...
BLESSINGS
OCTAVIO.
http://www.octaviosfitness.com/
Comment by Octavio. Pozos Perez 550 days ago
Octavio, I also once have witnessed how the corparate world treated a very dear colleague of mine. I left shortly thereafter .....

But I believe there is a legal issue here as well if the club does not honor contracts or returns the money. Do you not have a lawyer among your clients who can walk in there with suit and tie and make the case?
Comment by Karin Singleton 550 days ago
 
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Answered by Danielle Vindez 553 days ago
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Octavio I hear your frustration and disappointment. You have worked hard and have enjoyed your travail. Unfortunately we can not control every aspect of our lives. However,
it is my understanding that in a high end corporate club, at least in California, quality personal trainers can make up to $40. Before the crash it was $60.

You might also try hospital programs, or company fitness centers. As Shawn mentioned you have other options. Today credentialing, or degrees are not enough. We can be more resilient by reinventing ourselves. This may be the start of something grand and wonderful for you.

Stay well
Danielle
2 Comments
THANKS DANIELLE, I HAD MOVE ON AND WENT TO A PRIVATE AND EXCLUSIVE TRAINING FACILITY IN WEST HOLLYWOOD.

ALSO REDOING MY WEBSITE AND THINKING WHAT YOU ,MENTIONED ABOUT HOSPITAL AND REHAB FACILITIES...

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ADVICE...

BLESSINGS
OCTAVIO.
http://www.octaviosfitness.com/
Comment by Octavio. Pozos Perez 550 days ago
My pleasure Octavio. You look very fit, certainly, that will help sell your abilities.
Happy Holidays.
Comment by Danielle Vindez 550 days ago
 
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Answered by LaRue Cook 552 days ago
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Octavio. I agree with the other posters. At this stage in your career, and with the obvious passion you bring to your work, you're better off on your own, or at least is being "independent" and contracting yourself out to other gyms at YOUR own rate!

I'm always a "silver-lining" guy and so think of it this way. Once you're able to charge your own rates, it will take many FEWER clients and training hours for you to make the same amount (and more) than you can at the gym's rate.

Embrace the change, forge ahead, and good luck!

I hope this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
1 Comment
INDEED MY FRIEND LARUE.....

I WILL BE HARD JUST THIS DECEMBER, YOU KNOW EVERY BODY SPENDING IN PRESENTS...BUT I PRAY AND HOPE THAT JANUARY WILL BE BETTER AND MORE WORK FOR ME...

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR KIND SUPPORT...
BLESSINGS
OCTAVIO.
http://www.octaviosfitness.com/
Comment by Octavio. Pozos Perez 550 days ago
 
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Answered by Melissa Rodriguez 552 days ago
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Best of luck if you decide to go solo, Octavio! It will be exciting and rewarding.

You should have plenty of good resources on IDEA and through PFP (www.fit-pro.com) to get you started. SCORE (www.score.org/) may also be a good, free resource.
3 Comments
THANKS SO MUCH MELISSA!!

NOW THAT I AM LITTLE BY LITTLE KNOWING THE PRIVATE GYM I JUST MOVE I FELL THAT WORTH WHAT I DESERVED....

YES IDEA WIL BE MY GUIDE TO SECCED THIS INJUSTICE TO US.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT
BLESSINGS
OCTAVIO
http://www.octaviosfitness.com/

Comment by Octavio. Pozos Perez 550 days ago
@Melissa, Score is a great organization. I'd forgotten about them! Thanks for the reminder!
Comment by Shannon McMullen 550 days ago
The advisers/counselors at SCORE are really good.

I went there because I was thinking about buying a small personal training/group ex studio, and they were very helpful for a second opinion.

One of the advisers was so convinced that it wasn't the option for me that he went the extra mile to call me the day after to warn me against it and steer me towards a start-up business.

I ended up not doing either, but I was impressed with their service. Most of the advisers at SCORE are retired business owners or professors that work with SCORE on a volunteer basis. It's great to see they care about what they do.
Comment by Melissa Rodriguez 550 days ago
 
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Answered by Stephen Landrum 552 days ago
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706 Questions Answered, 7 Questions Asked
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Thats aweful! Good luck in your future. You really might be better off on your own. The populace is getting wise to big box gym's "dollars before patrons" attitude as of late. They are going to pay the price eventually and you'll come out smelling like a rose with all of your experience.
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Answered by Debbie Russell 551 days ago
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191 Questions Answered, 10 Questions Asked
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We actually have a new LA Fitness opening in our area and was contemplating perhaps teaching a class. I've have never worked in a commercial gym and not so sure I want to start especially reading your post! I have been quite happy working in corporate gyms.

You might want to look into getting into the field of corporate fitness and find a staff position at a worksite-based wellness facility. There are some very good co's that provide fitness management services for corporations which have state of the art facilities. It is truly a rewarding position financially and personally for trainers who love what they do as I can see that you do from your post !
1 Comment
Not all gyms treat trainers the same. If you want to work for a Big Box gym here's some things to ask

1.) Do they allow you to maintain your own private clientele?
2.) Do they restrict your time on the floor for prospecting?
3.) Do they provide avenues for revenue enhancement through commissions or Tiered training levels?
4.) Do they provide an organized leads/prospecting process?
5.) Do they provide additional training, supervision and support?



Comment by Shannon McMullen 550 days ago
 
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Answered by Jason Martuscello 551 days ago
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292 Questions Answered, 5 Questions Asked
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Get a degree - It will stand the test of time.

Fuel the Movement,
JM
1 Comment
THANKS SO MUCH!!!!
BLESSINGS
OCTAVIO.
http://www.octaviosfitness.com/
Comment by Octavio. Pozos Perez 550 days ago
 
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Answered by Susan D'Alonzo 550 days ago
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1172 Questions Answered, 19 Questions Asked
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Sounds like a good time to move on!
When one door slams shut another opens wide
Good Luck!
2 Comments
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR GOOD WISHES SUSAN.....
VERY APPRECIATED..
BLESSINGS
OCTAVIO.
http://www.octaviosfitness.com/
Comment by Octavio. Pozos Perez 550 days ago
The purchasing power of the Latino community is tremendous. Have a look at the success of Zumba within the Latino community. Surely with all your experience you can market within your community. You are bilingual and experienced.

May I suggest you read a book called "Who Moved My Cheese" written by Spencer Johnson. This book will give you some valuable professional insight so that you can be prepared for the inevitable changes that will happen in your professional life.

I wish you well.
Comment by Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali 549 days ago
 
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Answered by Kurt Gillon 505 days ago
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109 Questions Answered, 18 Questions Asked
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Start making investments into equipment, creating a mobile gym where you can train at the park, homes, regardless of the location.
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Answered by Harris Sophocleous 401 days ago
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It's time to go on your own. All you need is to have the right attitude, your knowledge, your reputation and your passion. Try to join as many networking groups as you can in your area and promote your self and expertise. It's the best way to get some new clients and open new doors of opportunity and you'll never know who you might meet at these meetings. The professionals who go to this type of network meetings are serious about helping other professionals and they always have new leads for you.

Good luck!
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Answered by Sorya Cordova 399 days ago
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After the navy got into modeling which led me into corp training and onto private training. Make my own rates and make my own hours.
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Answered by Aaron Cobb 359 days ago
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Well I agree with the other posters here, the theme is GO ON YOUR OWN!! I have always been an independent contractor and would never consider working as an employee of a gym. As a contractor I negotiate my own terms with gym owners, charge what I want, schedule when I want and answer only to my clients. There is a huge sportsplex in town that my family and I are members of and the trainers there are required to have a degree and a certification. I make more money than they do! Find some cheap office space to rent, buy used equipment and run your own place. I live in Michigan, the average rate for PT where I am at is $45/hr so I have to assume that you can command more an hour where you are, especially since you have been around a long time.

Good luck!!
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Answered by Mac Dodds 50 days ago
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265 Questions Answered, 3 Questions Asked
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This is an opportunity! Take it and run.
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Answered by Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali 50 days ago
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1424 Questions Answered, 59 Questions Asked
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Invest your money differently by earning a degree.

All the best to you.
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