Is Anyone a Personal Trainer at Goodlife?

TubbsMcGee · August 2012

I sit behind a desk all day at work, so of course that's how I originally packed on the pounds when I got this job 6 years ago.

I decided I'd like a career that's more active and rewarding, so I gave my résumé to Goodlife when I saw that they were hiring for a Membership Consultant position. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job, but 3 days later, they called me up wondering if I'd be interested in a position as a Personal Trainer.

At first I was thrilled to receive the news, but now I'm having second thoughts.

*****My interview is tomorrow morning, and I was wondering if there's anything I should know about this company or position that would deter me from taking the job.

I did some research last night, and there's a site called ratemyemployer. com which had a few hundred posts from past employees stating that they hated their experience there.

I'm curious to know if:

a.) The hours are decent
b.) You only get paid for your time in the gym IF you're training someone (no pay for recruiting?)
c.) Is there a decent work life/personal life balance? (Will my life revolve around my job, will I have to take a lot of work home, etc.)

I'm not happy with the current job I have now, but if taking this position means I'm even MORE stressed out and taking a major pay cut, I'm obviously not going to take the position. I've noticed that the PT I originally had sessions with, as well as the membership consultant that signed me up, have both left--I've been trying to get in contact with them to see if it was for personal reasons, or, if they just couldn't stand the environment anymore.

Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated!!

:flowerforyou:

SuperAmie · August 2012

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rita-Catolino-Fitness-Model/255674821127639

Tosca Reno's coach right now ^^^^^^ She is a personal trainer at goodlife

Amazing!! (sorry thats all I gots) haha!

SuperAmie · August 2012

Honestly doll, I say ask all that when your there. The main points.. they are good questions.. Ask a million questions. Interveiws kinda work both ways.. You are also interviewing them to a point. Ask away!

vitty1 · August 2012

i just left goodlife after working there for a bout a year and a half... i was not a personal trainer but had many friend who were...

to answer your questions

a.) The hours are decent : NOT AT ALL, you basically make your own hours, but if your not training you dont get paid.
b.) You only get paid for your time in the gym IF you're training someone (no pay for recruiting?) : Only paid if your training.
c.) Is there a decent work life/personal life balance? (Will my life revolve around my job, will I have to take a lot of work home, etc.) : your life does revolve around your job unless your gym is VERY busy... i know trainers that were at the gym from 7:00am to 8:30 at night just waiting for client who never showed and it was a big waste of time...

personally, I loved working for goodlife, but i was not a trainer so i cannot speak for those who are trainers...

TubbsMcGee · August 2012

Amie, that's pretty neat!

And yes, of course I plan on asking a bajillion questions when I'm there.

I just don't want them to jerk me around and lie to my face about getting paid a certain amount for a set time every day.

TubbsMcGee · August 2012

Vitty1,

Thanks for all the info!

It's a small ladies-only gym, not too often packed. I guess this would be my main concern if you're setting your own hours and trying to find people to train.

Another question: did you get company benefits?

Is it possible to only work part-time, or were most of your friends considered full-time??

vitty1 · August 2012

i was part time so the only benefit for me was a free membership which was great! .. but most of the trainers were full time im not sure if part time is an option...i also worked at an all womens gym and it was not very busy for the trainers, you really have to create a network for yourself to ensure that you will have dedicated clients...

TubbsMcGee · August 2012

Hmmm....A free membership would be awesome, I'd be saving oodles of money right there!

But if the PT's are usually full-time, that's going to be rough to build a good clientele (especially as I'm still somewhat new to this area and haven't really met any one).

Thanks for the advice though

ANYONE ELSE, FEEL FREE TO JUMP IN, TOO!!!

TubbsMcGee · August 2012

I also feel the need to mention that I don't have my personal training certificate--

They offered to have me take their program, and upon further investigation, it looks like the program is unique to only Goodlife, and no where else. Meaning that if I were to end up getting the position and working there for a while but then decided to quit, my certificate would be useless anywhere else unless it was another Goodlife location. I've also read that you have to pay for the training out of pocket ("but can write if off on your taxes"), and you won't be paid for the additional training they provide.

That last part sounds a bit fuzzy to me. Is that legal???

ninerbuff · August 2012

My personal input: Be a trainer if your TRUE goal is to help people with lifestyle change. If that's the goal, then money, job and stress won't be an issue.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

bridies01 · August 2012

I also feel the need to mention that I don't have my personal training certificate--

They offered to have me take their program, and upon further investigation, it looks like the program is unique to only Goodlife, and no where else. Meaning that if I were to end up getting the position and working there for a while but then decided to quit, my certificate would be useless anywhere else unless it was another Goodlife location. I've also read that you have to pay for the training out of pocket ("but can write if off on your taxes"), and you won't be paid for the additional training they provide.

That last part sounds a bit fuzzy to me. Is that legal???

Yes - it is legal. Either you will be hired as an independent contractor, in which case all your out of pocket expenses that go into your business (personal training) will be netted against your income, or if you are a regular employee there is a place on your taxes to deduct unreimbursed expenses required for your job, but in that case it has to be a certain amount of your income before it becomes deductible.

TubbsMcGee · August 2012

I also feel the need to mention that I don't have my personal training certificate--

They offered to have me take their program, and upon further investigation, it looks like the program is unique to only Goodlife, and no where else. Meaning that if I were to end up getting the position and working there for a while but then decided to quit, my certificate would be useless anywhere else unless it was another Goodlife location. I've also read that you have to pay for the training out of pocket ("but can write if off on your taxes"), and you won't be paid for the additional training they provide.

That last part sounds a bit fuzzy to me. Is that legal???

Yes - it is legal. Either you will be hired as an independent contractor, in which case all your out of pocket expenses that go into your business (personal training) will be netted against your income, or if you are a regular employee there is a place on your taxes to deduct unreimbursed expenses required for your job, but in that case it has to be a certain amount of your income before it becomes deductible.

Thanks for clearing that up!
Sounds like there's room for someone to screw me over though...

Is Anyone a Personal Trainer at Goodlife?

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