Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
A. Usually weight-loss, leaning, and toning. Alot of misconceptions about Exercise have left people rather bewildered, so I have to do a little debunking, or re-programming, as we begin. I do get some interest too, typcially guys, who would like to add 10-20lbs of muscle too. Usually people already have a specific goal of what they want, or when, or a number in mind... And I come in and blaze that trail.
Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. Make sure you enjoy your "Trainer's" company. Said another way, make sure you want them in your life. You need to like what your "Trainer" stands for outside of working-out. Your Personal Trainer becomes an 'Insider' pretty quickly in your life, and will know all sorts of things about you. They will see you at your best, and at your worst. They have been hired to make your life something better than what it would be without them. If you think they give you a good workout but wouldn't trust them with much else, or care for them otherwise, keep looking. A good trainer will challenge all sorts of aspects of your life -- to help you reach higher in all of life. If you don't feel warm and fuzzy with them, or you think it's a little vanilla, then you can do better. And someone else out there can do it better for you.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. When people connect the dots. When it all comes together for them, and they are able to take over on their own. Yes, I might lose them as a client at that point... But It means they "have their wings" and are ready to go venture on their own. And new challenges are out ahead of me, too. I believe people need to learn how to exercise more than they need a highly-paid cheerleader. I do bring a kick in the pants as needed -- but the full scope and breadth of what I do is teaching people how to make it all work.
Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?
A. Stop worrying about what Personal Training Certificate is best, or what cutting-edge techniques you are doing in your buddy's basement. People need to like you. People need to believe in you. And people just want you to keep your explanation of 'Glycogenolysis' to yourself, and just get them in shape. Nobody cares what you know as much as you do. They want to know you can fix their problems. Period.
One day I walked into an area Gym in 2008 or 2009 to scope the place out. They agreed to let me use the facility for the week. And then they even offered to give me a free Personal Trainer for the day! I was actually quite interested in the offer, and since I was wearing baggy-clothes, I was just another person that day that had no idea what he was doing I guess. The experience was awful, and not to mention probably quite common.
