I’m A New Personal Trainer. How do i find gyms that take commission per session?
Hello Mrs. Pam
Had to answer a fellow NEW YORKER…
All previous suggestions are valid so I offer just this:
When I left home after 911 going south was like moving to the moon 4me @ least. I attracted interest from prospects and employers through my personal w/o. Your question is specific so I’ll tell you, you may have to be willing to lessen your stance a bit.
I don’t intend to mislead you or make you think it cant happen but, after YEARS in this industry as an employee or independent you have to fill a gap & the better you are @ it, the better your chances of securing what your after.
LET ME SAY THIS TOO – be prepared for business overhead expenses, that’s being realistic (in-home, parks & rec, renting space, ect.).
Try to build relationship’s w/mgr’s of training @ local places. Some of them should be physically active (haha). Be proactive luv, ask to train them to show case your skill. WHO WOULDN’T WANT FREE INSTRUCTION as long as it is of value.
It may take tunnel vision or persistence but I say this to you coming from the same starting position but, now sitting in the seat you crave…
peace
Hi Pamela. Yep, just ask them! Before you do that though, have in mind what you are willing to accept, AND what you can offer the gym to make this a true ‘win-win’ for you and them. That will give you a better chance of success in finding a place.
What I mean by what you can offer is something like: do you have specialized skills or knowledge that the particular gym does not already have in-house? If yes, then I would accentuate that in approaching them. This might not only allow you to gain entry into the gym for your own clients, but you may find them referring some of their clients to you as well.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
Karin and Harris have already provided you with some great ideas and suggestions.
From my experience you may find that local county or city recreation centers offer a revenue sharing split as opposed to paying rent, but still have you act as an independent contractor. I do it this way with the rec center I train at; I make all my own sales and the client pays the center, at months end I submit a voucher for my share of the revenue.
You may also have luck with private “mom & pop” training locations if you ask. Instead of a percentage split, you could try negotiating to pay a flat fee per session; up to a maximum total amount per month (for example $10 per session but no more than $400 per month).
Jonathan
www.integratedfit.org
Hi Pamela,
Karin’s points are great. Approach each gym separately and find out which ones are working with commission. Not all gyms allow outside trainers to come at their location, so do some research. Once you find the ones that you are interested at, check online to see what their policies are and proceed from there.
Also, working as an in-home trainer will give the opportunity to keep more money for yourself. You will have to be more creative, but at the end it will worth it.
Best,
Harris
Hi Pamela,
you will have to approach them one at a time because every gym has its own rules in that regard. You will also find that some gyms do not allow any personal trainers as independent contractors at all but may offer you ’employment’.
I would also suggest that you look at the option of being an in-home trainer which can be more profitable in the long run because gyms often take a big chunk of your profit.
Wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com