I just got certified as a trainer and I’m wondering what should I do and where should I begin?
Hi Jeremy,
Congrats on your certification. It’s a great industry to be in for many reasons. I saw you live in Plano TX, which is probably one of the best areas in the country to be a personal trainer. There are lot of people there with extra income to spend on personal training. Also the mentality there is such that will help your business to grow. If you have enough experience and confidence to go on your own, I would strongly suggest to you to do that. If not and you need to create connections and/or get some more experience with training a variety of clients then starting at a gym would be the best option. I know there are many small personal training studios in Plano and Frisco and that could be another option for you if you don’t want to work in a larger gym.
If you do go on your own, networking should be at the top of your list. That is how you are going to create new contacts and grow your business. As for logistical checklist, IDEA has put together all that information for anyone who is looking to become a trainer and needs these documents. You should also have a lawyer go over any documents you will be using to be sure you are protected. Here is the link is:
https://www.ideafit.com/pfbundle
Good luck to you!
Best,
Harris
Hi Jeremy. Congratulations! Every trainer’s situation is different and so the answer to whether you should start in a gym or strike out on your own resides in you. You know your situation better than anyone else! Are you comfortable being your own boss? Do you have experience as a business owner? Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Are you good at marketing and networking, or alternatively do you already have a large collection of friends and potential business contacts? Are you comfortable with your existing knowledge and training skill set? These are just some of the questions that I would ask myself if I were you. If after taking an honest look at your current situation, you feel ready to strike out on your own, I say ‘go for it.’ Having your own business and being your own boss has many, many benefits.
Get yourself good competent accounting and legal counsel to help you establish your new business. That expense and effort is worth its weight in gold in my opinion.
Good luck to you whatever you decide and welcome to the field!
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
WITH THE ABOVE CORRECT, I WOULD SIMPLY BREAK IT DOWN TO YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH FOR START UP COST AND, YOU WISH TO OPEN YOUR OWN STUDIO,THEN TRY. OR, YOU CAN WORK IN OTHER STUDIOS AND, SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO OPEN YOUR OWN. IF YOU JUST LIKE TO WORK IN OTHER STUDIOS THEN DO SO. BUT, YOU MUST MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN IN EITHER CASE. IN MY CASE I TRAINED A FEW PEOPLE FOR FREE. THEY GOT GREAT RESULTS AND, THE WORD SPREAD. IT PAYED OFF WELL FOR ME. I HAVE HAD A STUDIO FOR 30+ YEARS FILLED WITH CLIENTS. MAKE SURE THOUGH YOU DO LISTEN TO THE ABOVE AS THEY ARE CORRECT WITH THE LEGAL ISSUES. BRIAN ROZZI.
Go to a gym and learn more about the people you want to train, about personal training styles, and equipment options. Consider the gym environment as on the job training or foundation building. As mentioned above, this is also where you may get leads on in home training. Gyms are fun and can supplement your in-home training.
Figure out your passion and create your niche
Sometimes it’s best to start out a a fitness facility to gain exposure and give yourself time to figure out what it takes to make money in this industry
Constantly look for opportunities, join the Chamber of Commerce, participate at local events in your town, possibly post on Craigs List, become a Linkedin member, make up flyers and business cards, wear a Personal Trainer T shirt , put a LOGO on your car.