FitBodyGuru.Com

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. I would advise that you ask questions so you know what to expect from a PT. I think certifications are important, from a reputable school that is accepted nationally on a professional level. I also think that you need a PT that you enjoy working with, that takes time for you and pays attention to the details of your movement and asks you questions to tailor your program to your development. You need to make sure you are ready for more advanced exercises by being strong enough to do the elementary ones first. Safety is important because the wrong form can hurt you and set you back weeks or months from progress.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Many "big gyms" offer the same size fits all routines. I know because I have worked for some. I noticed that it was not as beneficial for the client and in the end, not for the company either, because in the end, the person wasn't satisfied with the service they paid for. I seen this as absurd.
Often these gyms are looking at the "numbers" so many sign ups, so many upgrades- the managers need you to get X numbers today... it doesn't always equate to a seeker who may know nothing about fitness to get buried in an avalanche of buzz word terms and glossy promises from middle salesman looking to make a quota. Same with the supplement industry. It is about making money. ( there are real and useful ones out there, don't get me wrong, but, there is a more important motivation to sell stuff that may be useless or even no good for you because the industry is mostly unregulated)
further, when a trainer is getting paid a minimum amount from a gym that is charging outlandish amounts for personal training sessions, it undermines the trainer in a way that is demoralizing from the hours of commitment, study, expense and experience, equating to apathy toward the customer. - I seen on occasion trainers sticking the client on a treadmill, or texting during a session while the person performing the exercise was doing it wrong!
I was working in a gym while I was earning my credentials and decided then that I would never be like this to my clients, even if I were to work for minimum wages I would give my craft integrity and build up my skills and reputation. and I still am doing that today. It is not just about the money, it is a passion that separates trainers from average after school jobs to people who help change lives. There were a few people like that who I met in my life and Im coming from that perspective.

Once a manager said hey," if they join & dont show up, thats where we make our money. you want them to have to keep coming back" I know its counterintuitive, but, I consider myself a sort of practitioner, and I like clients to LEARN moves and techniques and feel confident to keep working on my own.
As I have, I keep learning, and doing new things, and my clients, they keep coming back to add to their arsenal and continue the personal journey. Thats where I am coming from...

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. certification & experience for one, but other undefined things, like how to handle situations like when cancellations occur. It goes two ways. It costs time and money if I have to travel an hour to your house. I always act fair. I like to give a good service for my pay. So if an individual needs to reschedule, I respect that, but not if Im on my way to your driveway. being able to compromise is important.
I eliminate conflicts by asking a lot of questions, and offering a discounted first session to make sure its a good fit.
It is better to make sure it fits together well before you start than to make refunds and cancellations.
A client should understand that there may be other costs related to starting a program and should get a list of the necessities before they start, from water bottles to athletic shoes - to mats and other accessories you might need- its good to ask what will be needed.
I always ask my clients to get a notebook for a nutrition log and to take notes on the sessions until they learn what they need to do/

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. I would encourage them to compare me to anyone else to know that they are getting what they want. If my style is not adequate for them, I try to offer referrals to trainers and specialists that I know that are also outstanding.
They need to know that they are medically approved from their physician or family doctor to engage in a fitness program. They need to be ready to disclose any health conditions or prior injury.This is really important. They will have to sign a waiver for insurance, and more importantly, it will affect the effectiveness of your trainer and your program. This kind of information is imperative to a trainer developing exercises to be most effective in dealing with any health condition.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Because of my attention to the individual and my use of a variety of techniques across the board to get you there :)

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. that it is different everyday, allows me to travel, and that I get to see people change their life for the better and succeed. I like to stay fit myself, so, therefore it keeps me in the vicinity of like minded people striving to be the best they can be. I have the opportunity to meet many different kinds of people, from military personnel to scientists, athletes and entertainers, farmers, servicemen & women, ALL kinds of people, every day. & I love that.