Is this the right career choice for me, how should I make this work or should I move onto something else?
Hello All, My name is Sri Murthy, originally from India and moved to Canada to pursue a career in fitness/personal training.I graduated with a diploma related to fitness and got certified (CPT).
Over the last two years I have been facing a lot of challenges in trying to land a job as PT,even after graduating with a diploma and a up to date certificate.
I have been on constant lookout for opportunities, attended interviews that did not materialize. To be honest I haven’t applied to some of the local big box gyms that did not feel right for me. Another challenge has been that PT is purely on commission only structure and I am concerned with sustaining myself financially as it takes time to develop cliente. Is my understanding about this correct? Some questions I’d like to know that answers for are:
1) Will the gyms/fitness centres provide me with clients initially?
2) How do I create financial stability in the long run?
3) How profitable is this in the long run (Yes, I know, it depends on how much I put in to it, but
could I develop this into a big business?)
Any thoughts, suggestions and insights will be appreciated.
Thanks for the help..Sri
I have relocated a few times. And often took a part time job to keep my savings intact while getting established. I would have no problem taking a part time job if things got tight financially.
I am passionate about my work as a fitness instructor. Even if I always had to keep a side job, I would still teach. I will most likely teach until I die. It is not a job for me, it is who I am.
Hello Sri Murthy,
I worked another job while doing personal training on the side. You may need to start in a gym you do not prefer just to get things started. You will always be able to move forward later if you work hard.
Do your best at all times and the rest should fall into place. It is hard, time consuming work to start your own business.
Maybe you could post your job request on this IDEA site in the Answers section for other trainers to help get the word out for you. Also, check back in case someone is looking for a good trainer like you, with education.
The www.SCORE.org instructors (retired entrepreneurs who offer free business seminars) tell us that we remain as small or large as we choose. Good luck to you.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
Hi Sri,
I assume that the business in Canada is similar to the one in the US.
It is not easy to make a secure living doing personal training, and many are looking for alternatives just as you are contemplating. Building a self-sustaining business takes years.
Many trainers start with personal training as a side business while they have another job and then try to transition into it full-time. This could be working at a club as staff (which usually does not pay very well) but will give you exposure to people. Most clubs do to ‘provide’ clients but expect you to go after your own business. However, you may get paid an hourly rate for the time you are working there.
You should, though, start with things you can do yourself. This site here provides an opportunity to present yourself with your credentials. A colleague made a plea just a few days ago that trainers should complete their profile here. I personally check this website when people not in my area are asking for trainer recommendations. An incomplete or empty profile is an immediate disqualifier for me. It would cost you nothing but a little time to complete it. If you are not even prepared to do that, then you may lack the initiative to make this a successful career in the long run. Sorry to be so harsh. Things will not be handed to you. Some aspects of success are luck but the rest if hard work.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com