Am I too old to become a gym manager?
My name is Matt. I discovered this site through a Google Search. A long time fitness enthusiast, I have spent my life working in an architectural firm as a project manager. In my twenties, I was a personal trainer. Now, I am researching recertification options. My goal is to leave the world of architecture and begin a career as a Fitness Club Manager. But I worry if I am “too old.” I just turned 50 but am told that I look younger (if that matters). I am looking for advice from gym owners and other managers. Do I stand a chance? I do not have a Bachelor’s Degree but have loads of business experience managing multi-million dollar construction projects. I’d love some truthful advice. Is 50 too old? My manager at Gold’s told me that I am at the perfect age….but he is 50, too. The other thing is, I can relocate anywhere in the USA. I have no ties.
This is not a “job request.” I am truly looking for truthful opinions. Is it too late for me?
My dream Job would be to one day work for Gold’s or a national chain, traveling the country evaluating and auditing individual gyms. Thanks.
Hi Matt,
while I agree with the others that age is not a major factor, the question of your experience may be. You are describing yourself as a fitness enthusiast, and you were a personal trainer at some point in your life. Managing construction projects for an architectural firm is impressive but how will this translate into the skills necessary for managing a fitness club?
If you were looking for a job in the corporate world of a Gold’s Gym or a similar company, your job would probably have very little to do with fitness. If you are looking to be a club manager, you would probably deal with an owner as employer who owns one of more franchises and who deals with all of the day-to-day problems of running a facility. Such an employer would look for a versatile person who can manage people but also have some practical knowledge and a fair amount of experience.
If you had asked to start a new career as a personal trainer, I would have given a wholehearted heads-up. To be frank, if I was looking for a manager of my gym, I would not pick you unless you had more specific credentials to offer, some of which only come with some years of experience.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com