How do solo trainers with young children maintain their business and schedule, and arrange childcare?
I am a recently married independent trainer and we are planning a child in the next year or two. Our concern is how I will continue to contribute to the household while unable to train for several months. And the second question is how I will manage childcare while training odd hours. I’m looking for actual experience and advice!
Danielle, you can do both. Your voice will be your greatest tool as training is teaching! I have trained individuals and smalll groups while injured several times. You give directives verbally while standing using arms only and/or modified lower body movements. Your long time clients will know what to do if you have taught them the names of exercises and shown them proper form. You simply direct them, giving them encouragement, praise, enthusiasm, motivation,education and accountability….good luck!
I have an 18 month old son, and while I did take a year off of training, I am getting back into it and have had the same struggles. I usually train in my home during naptime, which is ever changing from birth to about 16 months. I also have a couple clients who have adolescent children that they will bring with who play with my son while we train. I know we can’t afford child care on what I bring in and we also have no family close by, so we find ways to make it work. I’ve also just signed up as a coach with Beachbody and am working that in with my personal training biz. One of my fellow coaches has been a trainer for 25 years, and when her son was born she would take him along and use a play-yard to contain him and let him play. Being a Beachbody coach is turning out to be a great source of additional contacts and income.
I do both, and how often I train is dependent on how often I want my daughter in childcare and how often family can step in and help us. I love the balance of staying home and working some. If the gym you train at has childcare, that is an option. With a young daughter, I have made the decision that now is the time to focus more on her and raising her, and later (ie: when she is in school), I can increase the number of hours I train.
There isn’t one set answer. You and your husband need to determine what is best for your family at the end of the day.
Hello Danielle,
May I suggest that you consider Stroller Strides. I think that might be a viable option for you.
Although I do not have any experience teaching Stroller Strides, I am left with impressed with the success of its founder Lisa Druxman.
It appears that Stroller Strides might put you in a position to not only teach but take your child along with you.
I encourage you to click on the “Career Guide” link above and go the area where you can find reviews on certifications and trainings. Search for the Stroller Strides course and look at the reviews. They’ve received four wonderful reviews. Too, I was able to interact with, in this community, and speak directly with the National Director of Stroller Strides, Farel Hruska, at the IDEA World Convention. By the way she was WONDERFUL!
After chatting and meeting with Farel, learning of Lisa Druxman’s success, as well as looking at your profile and reading your aspirations, it appears that Stroller Strides might be a good fit for you.
I encourage you to reach out to them.
Wishing you the best.
P.S. I, too, have earned my graduate degree at CalU!