Question for those working as personal trainers
gypsyish
Posts: 78 Member
I find myself at a crossroads in my life looking for a major career change. The idea of being a personal trainer has occurred to me off and on over the last 10 years at least. I'm debating going back to school for a degree in exercise science.
So basically, if you are or have worked as a personal trainer, do you think it was worth it? What are the pros and cons? Anything I should know going into it? There are so many websites that seem to be trying to make money on quick "certifications", that it's hard to find real info on it as a viable career option. I'm in the U.S. if that affects anything.
Sorry if this is the wrong forum btw, this is just where it made the most sense to me to post.
So basically, if you are or have worked as a personal trainer, do you think it was worth it? What are the pros and cons? Anything I should know going into it? There are so many websites that seem to be trying to make money on quick "certifications", that it's hard to find real info on it as a viable career option. I'm in the U.S. if that affects anything.
Sorry if this is the wrong forum btw, this is just where it made the most sense to me to post.
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Replies
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I've known a few people that have made their living as trainers. Here's the I gather from them
1. It's more of a sales/marketing job that you'd suspect. Much more.
2. The hours suck.
3. The pay sucks until you develop sufficient clientele.
That's the bad. There good is that they really enjoy working with people as they learn new techniques and reach their goals. And the dress code is as casual as it gets without becoming an adult dancer.0 -
I've known a few people that have made their living as trainers. Here's the I gather from them
1. It's more of a sales/marketing job that you'd suspect. Much more.
2. The hours suck.
3. The pay sucks until you develop sufficient clientele.
That's the bad. There good is that they really enjoy working with people as they learn new techniques and reach their goals. And the dress code is as casual as it gets without becoming an adult dancer.
I can't remember the last time I had to buy clothes.
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I've known a few people that have made their living as trainers. Here's the I gather from them
1. It's more of a sales/marketing job that you'd suspect. Much more.
2. The hours suck.
3. The pay sucks until you develop sufficient clientele.
That's the bad. There good is that they really enjoy working with people as they learn new techniques and reach their goals. And the dress code is as casual as it gets without becoming an adult dancer.
This pretty much sums it up. It's all about the hustle and business side more than the exercise. You might be the best & most knowledgeable trainer, but if you can't get people to sign on, you won't make it.0 -
Cherimoose wrote: »
That's a good question. I'm not really sure why it's always appealed to me. I guess I've always been drawn to professions where I feel like I'm doing some small amount good for a person, where I can be creative, flexible, and innovative, not returning to the same office/desk all day, every day is nice. I like the one on one nature of it. I like to work independently. My job right now is pushing people until they cry anyway, while also building their confidence and self efficacy up. I like the physical nature of it. And I kind of like the idea of marketing myself. I'm not expecting it to be some magic dream job where I make big bucks working perfect hours with people lining up out the door to see me. I know that most people make resolutions to lose weight and then quickly give up. But in the world of career options, it sounds like something I would personally enjoy.
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It sounds like it might be a passion for you. If you're not concerned about the wage, why not give it a shot?Cherimoose wrote: »
That's a good question. I'm not really sure why it's always appealed to me. I guess I've always been drawn to professions where I feel like I'm doing some small amount good for a person, where I can be creative, flexible, and innovative, not returning to the same office/desk all day, every day is nice. I like the one on one nature of it. I like to work independently. My job right now is pushing people until they cry anyway, while also building their confidence and self efficacy up. I like the physical nature of it. And I kind of like the idea of marketing myself. I'm not expecting it to be some magic dream job where I make big bucks working perfect hours with people lining up out the door to see me. I know that most people make resolutions to lose weight and then quickly give up. But in the world of career options, it sounds like something I would personally enjoy.
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What davpail said. Ive been struck by how unstable it can be for new trainers.0
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I've known a few people that have made their living as trainers. Here's the I gather from them
1. It's more of a sales/marketing job that you'd suspect. Much more.
2. The hours suck.
3. The pay sucks until you develop sufficient clientele.
That's the bad. There good is that they really enjoy working with people as they learn new techniques and reach their goals. And the dress code is as casual as it gets without becoming an adult dancer.
I work in pharmaceuticals and know several people who left the industry to become personal trainers. Of the 40+ who tried, two have been successful as they had already established clientele and fully understood the magnitude of the selling and marketing their brand. One now has her own gym (and several other side businesses), the other did this to spend more time with her family, but relies on her partner.
When you do this you have to realize that you are becoming a small business owner and should expect to put in ~80hrs/week to be successful, likely for the first 5 years. You need to establish a network of other trainers, clients, gym owners, corporate leaders, etc. before you consider making this jump.0 -
I've known a few people that have made their living as trainers. Here's the I gather from them
1. It's more of a sales/marketing job that you'd suspect. Much more.
2. The hours suck.
3. The pay sucks until you develop sufficient clientele.
That's the bad. There good is that they really enjoy working with people as they learn new techniques and reach their goals. And the dress code is as casual as it gets without becoming an adult dancer.
I work in pharmaceuticals and know several people who left the industry to become personal trainers. Of the 40+ who tried, two have been successful as they had already established clientele and fully understood the magnitude of the selling and marketing their brand. One now has her own gym (and several other side businesses), the other did this to spend more time with her family, but relies on her partner.
When you do this you have to realize that you are becoming a small business owner and should expect to put in ~80hrs/week to be successful, likely for the first 5 years. You need to establish a network of other trainers, clients, gym owners, corporate leaders, etc. before you consider making this jump.
Ugh. That sounds suspiciously like work.0 -
When you do this you have to realize that you are becoming a small business owner and should expect to put in ~80hrs/week to be successful, likely for the first 5 years. You need to establish a network of other trainers, clients, gym owners, corporate leaders, etc. before you consider making this jump.
Another option is to start at a corporate gym, where much of the business side is handled for you. Try that a few months and decide if you want to become independent. You might decide to switch to a related venture, like sports rehab, a bootcamp business, massage, etc.
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I am definitely not a personal trainer but wanted to mention that in another thread here not too long ago, some people (women) said they preferred male personal trainers. Like more than I would have expected to see. I think maybe it's because they don't believe women would push them hard enough. I wonder how much of the fitness profession is gendered like that. I have seen tons of women teaching group fitness classes like spin and Zumba etc., a bit fewer doing one-on-one personal training (usually IME they are athletes at some level), but maybe that's just my perception, or the gyms I've been in. If there's any basis for that, though, you might be at a disadvantage compared to other new trainers, who already have an uphill battle in getting business going. Interested to see what others might say about this.
But, obviously, women PTs exist and do well, so it's not like impossible.0 -
I watched a documentary where it was implied that some/lots of Personal Trainers supplement their income with Stripping or even porn lol! Any truth in this people? C'mon tell the truth?0
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I was a personal trainer and hated it.
It seemed like a great career doing what I loved with motivated clients who wanted support becoming the best version of themselves.
Reality was far from that ideal.
I found my clients stubborn and lethargic. Most wanted a quick fix for some upcoming event like a wedding or HS reunion. I found it very frustrating and went into sales before exiting the fitness industry altogether.0 -
Cherimoose wrote: »When you do this you have to realize that you are becoming a small business owner and should expect to put in ~80hrs/week to be successful, likely for the first 5 years. You need to establish a network of other trainers, clients, gym owners, corporate leaders, etc. before you consider making this jump.
Another option is to start at a corporate gym, where much of the business side is handled for you. Try that a few months and decide if you want to become independent. You might decide to switch to a related venture, like sports rehab, a bootcamp business, massage, etc.
That corporate gym doesn't help as much as you think0 -
I am definitely not a personal trainer but wanted to mention that in another thread here not too long ago, some people (women) said they preferred male personal trainers. Like more than I would have expected to see. I think maybe it's because they don't believe women would push them hard enough. I wonder how much of the fitness profession is gendered like that. I have seen tons of women teaching group fitness classes like spin and Zumba etc., a bit fewer doing one-on-one personal training (usually IME they are athletes at some level), but maybe that's just my perception, or the gyms I've been in. If there's any basis for that, though, you might be at a disadvantage compared to other new trainers, who already have an uphill battle in getting business going. Interested to see what others might say about this.
But, obviously, women PTs exist and do well, so it's not like impossible.
You're right, but your math is wrong. There are a lot of women that prefer a male personal trainer. The overwhelming majority of men prefer a male trainer. BUT there is a much higher percentage of women willing to pay for training than men. A female trainer in a normal market will have a large pool of willing and able clients with whom to ply her craft.0 -
I just hired a personal trainer for myself and my 14 year old daughter. I chose a female PT for many reasons, but most importantly so my daughter could see for herself that females can be strong and healthy and positive role models. Plus, because of her age, I felt she'd be more comfortable with a female than male. If you feel a passion for this, then I say go for it. Your clients will appreciate your enthusiasm.0
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I am definitely not a personal trainer but wanted to mention that in another thread here not too long ago, some people (women) said they preferred male personal trainers. Like more than I would have expected to see. I think maybe it's because they don't believe women would push them hard enough. I wonder how much of the fitness profession is gendered like that. I have seen tons of women teaching group fitness classes like spin and Zumba etc., a bit fewer doing one-on-one personal training (usually IME they are athletes at some level), but maybe that's just my perception, or the gyms I've been in. If there's any basis for that, though, you might be at a disadvantage compared to other new trainers, who already have an uphill battle in getting business going. Interested to see what others might say about this.
But, obviously, women PTs exist and do well, so it's not like impossible.
You're right, but your math is wrong. There are a lot of women that prefer a male personal trainer. The overwhelming majority of men prefer a male trainer. BUT there is a much higher percentage of women willing to pay for training than men. A female trainer in a normal market will have a large pool of willing and able clients with whom to ply her craft.
Aha! Thank you! I hadn't considered that at all. This makes total sense - I can see a lot of the potential male market maybe feeling like they'd be ok just using books and videos or getting guidance from peers, and women maybe feeling less comfortable in e.g. the weight area to begin with and being more open to professional assistance.
(So now I am envisioning male clients mostly comprising rich middle aged dudes who have no idea what they're doing.)0 -
One of the best market segments for personal training is women over 50 yrs. As a member of that group I don't think gender us a big deal in selecting a trsiner. Just need to find a good match.0
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I thought about this at one time as well...I'm a total fitness and nutrition geek so I thought it would be right up my ally as I have grown rather bored with the corporate world. I had some very serious discussions with my coach about it and what it would take and how to get started....
Basically, once I really started diving into the details I realized pretty quickly that it just wasn't happening. For one, I'd be taking a massive pay cut...like huge, at least initially and probably for quite awhile. That's all fine and well if I'm on my own, but I have a wife and two kiddos I have to consider.
And that was the other thing...I went into the idea of it thinking I'd actually have more flexibility and see more of my family...as it turns out, I'd be logging more hours than I currently do...and they'd ironically be during peak family time...evenings and weekends.
Doing the research was a good exercise for me though...being a PT was something I had glamorized in my head...the exercise made me realize that while it could potentially be a rewarding career (It would be nice to do something that actually makes a difference in people's lives), the life I'm currently living isn't too shabby.
Just make sure you do the research and know what you're getting into.0 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »I thought about this at one time as well...I'm a total fitness and nutrition geek so I thought it would be right up my ally as I have grown rather bored with the corporate world. I had some very serious discussions with my coach about it and what it would take and how to get started....
Basically, once I really started diving into the details I realized pretty quickly that it just wasn't happening. For one, I'd be taking a massive pay cut...like huge, at least initially and probably for quite awhile. That's all fine and well if I'm on my own, but I have a wife and two kiddos I have to consider.
And that was the other thing...I went into the idea of it thinking I'd actually have more flexibility and see more of my family...as it turns out, I'd be logging more hours than I currently do...and they'd ironically be during peak family time...evenings and weekends.
Doing the research was a good exercise for me though...being a PT was something I had glamorized in my head...the exercise made me realize that while it could potentially be a rewarding career (It would be nice to do something that actually makes a difference in people's lives), the life I'm currently living isn't too shabby.
Just make sure you do the research and know what you're getting into.
The hours are definitely a grind at first. As you said, you realize that most people want to work in the morning or in the evening, and in weekends.
As a new trainer, you feel compelled to rake any client and come in whenever they want. That means a lot of "split shift" days and 6-day weeks. I've seen it with all of our new trainers--I had to work 6-day weeks for a year when they gave us increased training quotas. It takes a while to learn how to manage your schedule and to be assertive enough to say no or ask clients to come at different times.
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