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
Aloha Matt. Your only 50? Your just a kid. And now you have a whole new direction in life. That is so cool. I am 56 and have managed, worked, and coached in all types of facilities. You can do anything you want to do, as long as you really want it. And why settle for being the manager? Why not open your own place? I have opened my own fitness businesses in Ohio, Florida, Colorado, and Hawaii. I know that architects are pretty smart people, so I am sure you could make it a reality.
You could keep your current gig and start a studio part time until it is full time or enough for you to be secure and happy. Happy counts more than money in my world.
Just wanted to add to your comment to me (comment section was not working properly)…
Although you are concerned about age discrimination–and you may find some–you may also find that your age will help you. There is a need in your age group for individuals who understand the concerns of an aging population. People are living longer and taking care of themselves–and you may find yourself better able to relate to the concerns of this population (and others as well).
(I turn 46 myself next week and I’ve noticed the age of my clients changing over the past few years. I’m now training more individuals in their 50s and 60s and 70s a lot more than before). I believe there is a need in fitness for more individuals in your age range!
I went back to college at 45 and graduated with a degree in exercise science at 49. It is never too late and you are never to old. If you have the knowledge, you have the opportunity. I am now head personal trainer at the Y where I work. I have more clients than any other trainer because of my age. The only thing that limits me is time. I would have more clients if there were more evening hours.