Chemist Turned Fitness Trainer
Hi. I am trying to change career fields. I originally went to college for chemistry and have a full time job in the chemistry field. But I also have a fitness training background and have started with my own business where I combine small group fitness and martial arts training together. It is through this that I’ve found where my true passion lies. I would like to get out of the chemistry field and work in fitness full time. I would like to get a personal trainer job to replace my chemist job. But my question is, with my own group fitness business, how do I approach applying for a personal trainer job in a gym when I have my own business? How do I address concerns that I may try to lure customers into leaving their gym and coming to my facility? That is not my intention of course.
Hello Nikki Jones,
Congratulations; it sounds like you are doing very well.
You will be applying as an independent contractor, then, if I understand you correctly. Just be upfront and honest, telling the managers what you are telling us. The gym owner may have you sign papers to make sure you keep your word, too.
You might even be able to work out something special with the gym who hires you; complementing each other’s services.
Good luck to you; please let us know how you make out.
Take care,
Natalie.
Hi Nikki,
let me paraphrase to make sure I understand your question:
You currently have a full-time job as a chemist and have started some small group training on the side as an independent business. It appears that you have a place to do so. You now want to quit your job as a chemist and work in a gym as a trainer on the fitness staff of a gym.
You are quite correct to be concerned about a conflict of interest which a gym owner would have. On the other hand, you are only offering group fitness in your own business but not that kind of equipment that a gym typically provides. And I assume that the gym does not have classes of the kind that you teach.
You obviously have to tell a prospective employer of your business, and the ultimately decision to hire you lies there. If you find a place that is not very close to your own business, that may squelch those concerns. On the other hand, you may offer a service exchange: people who take classes at your place could join the gym at a discount, and gym members could take classes at a reduced rate as long as they are members of the gym. that may create a win-win situation rather than a competition.
Wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Every gym drools over a trainer like you. They like bringing in new personal trainers, but PT’s take time to build up a client base. If you bring one in, they’ll most likely be more than happy to accommodate you and your clients in any way.
Ask for discounts on your client’s getting memberships there or an extra little % higher than what they already offer to you as a PT.
From your profile it looks as if you are not yet certified as a Personal Trainer. This is something to consider
I know many trainers who teach group classes at gyms/studios and have their own personal training clients elsewhere, either at home or another gym.
Define what is ethically correct and you will do fine.
If you have your own facility, why do you need to work at someone else’s gym?
Nikki! Great job on setting up your own fitness programming! Being a full time trainer takes time! Building a clientele to provide full time income is also a challenge. The personal training business, group or one on one is a revolving door of folks coming and going with your services as a Trainer! Even if you choose to go to another gym to develop your clientele you will bring folks to your personal gym intended or not! Every gym owner knows that will happen! Be careful in signing a contract that prohibits your training in other places as this will conflict with your potential of growing your business in diverse places. I wish you well in developing a foundation for your PT growth!
Kathy!