ok fellow trainers...what about YOUR own training?

[John Prophet]

as a trainer, do u still attack your OWN training with a passion....or have u found yourself burnt out from looking at the gym all day long etc.


I must say, from my own personal observations (in 1 gym only), most trainers talk way more than they walk.

I had a buddy doing lots of clients a day back b4 I started Pting myself. He'd be there from 6-7am and then at 7pm he'd be thru and he'd be leaving and id start calling him out like "dude, what about YOUR workout?" etc, lol.

So then I started pting and even though I have never had THAT many clients, I sort of see how it makes it harder.

Its a totally different mindspace to be training others and then have to shift into your own workout.


so are you passionate about still improving your own body...or are u just sort of maintaining....or do u even train yourself still?

[alikaeos]

as a trainer, do u still attack your OWN training with a passion....or have u found yourself burnt out from looking at the gym all day long etc.


I must say, from my own personal observations (in 1 gym only), most trainers talk way more than they walk.

I had a buddy doing lots of clients a day back b4 I started Pting myself. He'd be there from 6-7am and then at 7pm he'd be thru and he'd be leaving and id start calling him out like "dude, what about YOUR workout?" etc, lol.

So then I started pting and even though I have never had THAT many clients, I sort of see how it makes it harder.

Its a totally different mindspace to be training others and then have to shift into your own workout.


so are you passionate about still improving your own body...or are u just sort of maintaining....or do u even train yourself still?


I felt burnt out when i was in a commercial gym. Since I opened my gym up I've been working out way harder and setting PRs across the board. Now we try to post a video a week of our work outs or competitions this was the first one we did a few weeks ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7kijUKLEYw
its 4 trainers and 1 client. there are more if you click on kaeosfitness and we are making another one today.

[John Prophet]

yeah...cool idea. in a commercial gym its so cutthroat youd never see that type of camraderie etc


car push and sprint would be a real killer (puke fest)

[Sikk]

I still push myself very hard both with eating and lifting. I schedule time every 3 hours to eat, I drink water the whole day even while training other clients and when time gets cramped I have protein shakes on hand to chug.

Hasn't slowed me down in the least.

[afb0032]

yeah...cool idea. in a commercial gym its so cutthroat youd never see that type of camraderie etc


car push and sprint would be a real killer (puke fest)

I guess my gym is a special case then, everyone actually gets along and if we are busy on a certain day, refer some of the other trainers since we each have our own unique qualities and training styles

And to answer the question, I have no problem continuing to workout, i just schedule out an hour and a half block for my cardio/weights workout. In the evening after I get off work I go to bjj, muay thai, boxing, or mma training. Maybe it's a little different for me since I am training to compete someday, but I also feel I should be setting an example for my clients as well.

[Devils]

I was still going to the gym every training day when I was working as a laborer.

I'm too obsessed to quit, haha.

[EMISGOD]

When I was training other people, that was their time. When I was training myself, it was my time and I never had a problem with motivation there, particularly since my then-girlfriend was extremely turned on every time I left the gym after one of my workouts. :D

[Be-Be]

I belong to a different gym than I work at so I can have a change of scenery if I want. Otherwise I workout between clients or during a cancellation spot. I try not to let anyone at that gym know who I am so I can concentrate on my workouts. My problem is that I want to run around and correct everyone's form and discuss why they are doing some strange things that they do.

As far as a program, I have trouble sticking to one because I'm regularly thinking of new programs for my clients' individual needs and want to go through the routine before I throw it at them. You would think with a dozen programs and 100+ routines, I would have enough but there always seems to be an unique situation popping up.

My main motivation problem is when I've had 5 or six sessions in a row and I'm brain dead as well as physically tired. In my work environment, we work one-on-one with clients in private studios. Mostly free weights so I'm moving a lot of metal each session (especially with my guys) and I am focused very intensely on my clients during their session - lots of feedback, encouragement, etc. I find that if I'm physically and/or mentally tired I end up just going through the motions and sometimes those workouts just get skipped. I've found that as I get older, I just can't keep up the pace anymore and have started getting all sorts of injuries from trying.

[John Prophet]

I belong to a different gym than I work at so I can have a change of scenery if I want.

I have pondered that and I think it might be the best way to go.

Seriously...people around here evidently are so used to trainers not working out themselves that if u DO work out several times per week, it doesnt register to anyone that u r also a trainer. They think of you as just "some gym guy". Like somehow trainers have risen above the need to workout except for breif cameos.

When I do my own workouts thats MY time and I dont really feel like being under a microscope or having to put on some sort of front. I dont even try. I put on my game face and I am sure I look either gloomy or intense or whatever. Of course thats the opposite of the typical bright smiling Mr Sunshine I am supposed to be for being a trainer. So I think in the end it might be best to train yourself in one gym and train clients in another

[Be-Be]

It also resolves the issue of having noodle arms when you have a train a couple clients right after your workout because you fit your training in between them.

There is a trainer from the gym that I belonged to before becoming a trainer myself who also goes to the same "workout" gym as I so I don't think it's completely unheard of. We know each other but we never talk shop there even if all we're doing is sitting by ourselves in hot tub so I think he sees it as a time to turn the focus inward as well. (Though I do have an open invitation to go see him if I ever want to train to compete.)

[Arlecchino]

Only done the PT thing part time for extra money, but did that while I was coaching. And no, it never affected my own training. Quite the opposite, actually, as so many people I was 'training' as opposed to coached pissed me off, and I took it out on the iron.

:)

[MassFreak2063]

as a trainer, do u still attack your OWN training with a passion....or have u found yourself burnt out from looking at the gym all day long etc.


I must say, from my own personal observations (in 1 gym only), most trainers talk way more than they walk.

I had a buddy doing lots of clients a day back b4 I started Pting myself. He'd be there from 6-7am and then at 7pm he'd be thru and he'd be leaving and id start calling him out like "dude, what about YOUR workout?" etc, lol.

So then I started pting and even though I have never had THAT many clients, I sort of see how it makes it harder.

Its a totally different mindspace to be training others and then have to shift into your own workout.


so are you passionate about still improving your own body...or are u just sort of maintaining....or do u even train yourself still?

HA if there are any personal trainers that don't attack themselves with the same passion then it'll just make it that much easier for me to steal clients from them. You can't be a personal trainer and not look the part that would be like having a mechanic that doesn't know what a spark plug is doing work on your vehicle. Period end of story

[coloBB]

I also agree with having to workout at a differen't gym that you train clients. I have a memebership at a few gyms in the area. I never get tired of my workouts and am making huge gains!

[gogz]

I have been wondering this myself when I fully become a trainer. I obviously still want to work out properly but it will be hard

[John Prophet]

HA if there are any personal trainers that don't attack themselves with the same passion then it'll just make it that much easier for me to steal clients from them. You can't be a personal trainer and not look the part that would be like having a mechanic that doesn't know what a spark plug is doing work on your vehicle. Period end of story


spoken like a true 21 yr old, lol. (very idealistic)

I think you will find there are many trainers with tons of clients and the trainers barely work out...many trainers dont look the part AT ALL yet the $$ flows in.

We now have SO many fat people that evidently being fat appears to some as being "normal". So they think a trainer with 20% bodyfat is "normal".

[XNick EdgeX]

I was still going to the gym every training day when I was working as a laborer.

I'm too obsessed to quit, haha.

x2....I'm in the same boat as you bro. I've got a passion and obsession with training and always bring intensity to the gym, talking very little..and training very hard.

[EMISGOD]

HA if there are any personal trainers that don't attack themselves with the same passion then it'll just make it that much easier for me to steal clients from them. You can't be a personal trainer and not look the part that would be like having a mechanic that doesn't know what a spark plug is doing work on your vehicle. Period end of story

I'd tend to agree with this. I think you have to be very careful if training yourself at the gym where you train others or you get the inevitable question of why you're using certain exercises for you and not for them or why you might be using a slightly different form than you're telling them to use, with the implication that you're holding out on them. I've had people ask me that, but they only did it once. I first made sure I didn't appreciate them interrupting my workout, reminded them that the time they were paying for was their time, which was not right then and finished by advising them that they were always free to find another trainer that they might feel more comfortable with.

This comment:


When I do my own workouts thats MY time and I dont really feel like being under a microscope or having to put on some sort of front. I dont even try. I put on my game face and I am sure I look either gloomy or intense or whatever. Of course thats the opposite of the typical bright smiling Mr Sunshine I am supposed to be for being a trainer. So I think in the end it might be best to train yourself in one gym and train clients in another

comes because someone is worried about the client thinking of them as a "friend" or someone who is at their constant disposal, neither of which should be the case. This is one of the reasons I also stress keeping things on a professional level, but it is also a concern when working out at the same gym you train people at...

[MassFreak2063]

spoken like a true 21 yr old, lol. (very idealistic)

I think you will find there are many trainers with tons of clients and the trainers barely work out...many trainers dont look the part AT ALL yet the $$ flows in.

We now have SO many fat people that evidently being fat appears to some as being "normal". So they think a trainer with 20% bodyfat is "normal".

yea not as much money as someone that looks the part instead of just playing it like say jenny lynn

[MassFreak2063]

I'd tend to agree with this. I think you have to be very careful if training yourself at the gym where you train others or you get the inevitable question of why you're using certain exercises for you and not for them or why you might be using a slightly different form than you're telling them to use, with the implication that you're holding out on them. I've had people ask me that, but they only did it once. I first made sure I didn't appreciate them interrupting my workout, reminded them that the time they were paying for was their time, which was not right then and finished by advising them that they were always free to find another trainer that they might feel more comfortable with.



i'd just simply tell them that they're goals aren't the same as mine. I train to be a bodybuilder, and if i have a client that wants that then i'll train them the same but i don't think i'll have a whole lot of clients like that

[John Prophet]

yea not as much money as someone that looks the part instead of just playing it like say jenny lynn

yeah, our world is weird like that. Who do u think would make more money on a diet book...Oprah or, say, Charles Glass?

[MassFreak2063]

x2....I'm in the same boat as you bro. I've got a passion and obsession with training and always bring intensity to the gym, talking very little..and training very hard.

me as well....and regardless of whether i was training people 50 hours a week or not i'd still bring it for myself. I did when i moved furniture 60 hours a week so really nothin can stop my passion

[MassFreak2063]

yeah, our world is weird like that. Who do u think would make more money on a diet book...Oprah or, say, Charles Glass?

oprah is king midas, but i of course would buy glass cuz he's badass....i dunno whyat this comment has to do with anything though almost seems like you think i said the opposite of what i did

[John Prophet]

i'd just simply tell them that they're goals aren't the same as mine. I train to be a bodybuilder, and if i have a client that wants that then i'll train them the same but i don't think i'll have a whole lot of clients like that

thats sort of a problem though.....they wont come up to u and ask in the first place, lol.

Thats why I think its best to train somewhere else unless u r just one of those "flashy, drama, circuit trainer" types yourself...because thats all peeps relate to.

When they see me doing a powerlfiting style bench workout myself, they are turned off before we even speak and the door is shut. When they see me make the slightest grunt while doing deads..or psyching up and doing a heavy double with push presses..its over, lol. Even just showing mild intensity will scare off most clients

Its even worse if, as I think was the case breifly, the person working the front desk tells them "he is a powerlifter". Thats just an automatic no for most prospective clients

It would probably be about the same if they said "he is a bodybuilder"


Now if they said "he is a non descript 150lber in a polo shirt" then youd be in like Flynn!

[John Prophet]

oprah is king midas, but i of course would buy glass cuz he's badass....i dunno whyat this comment has to do with anything though almost seems like you think i said the opposite of what i did

Maybe I misunderstood you....u have to admit its not super clear what u meant

[EMISGOD]

i'd just simply tell them that they're goals aren't the same as mine. I train to be a bodybuilder, and if i have a client that wants that then i'll train them the same but i don't think i'll have a whole lot of clients like that

I didn't want to dignify their question with an actual answer, actually.


yeah, our world is weird like that. Who do u think would make more money on a diet book...Oprah or, say, Charles Glass?

Are you implying that this is because Oprah is fat and Glass is not? This comparison is invalid as Oprah and Glass are not doing the same thing or appealing even remotely to the same market. A better example would be to pick 2 trainers whose names no one has ever heard of and whose faces are not unknown, one of them fat/chunky (or even at that 20% bf point) and the other one ripped and ask maybe 100 random people, just taking the looks of these people at face value, whom they would rather have train them.

Every time I hear some overweight trainer at the gym talking to someone else, the following is always a part of what he says, "I might not look it, but I know what I'm talking about." Even then, people don't believe him because he looks like someone who has just let himself go completely into slop...an extreme case, but the same hurdle that anyone who is out of shape has to overcome before the client engages in suspension of disbelief...

[MassFreak2063]

thats sort of a problem though.....they wont come up to u and ask in the first place, lol.

Thats why I think its best to train somewhere else unless u r just one of those "flashy, drama, circuit trainer" types yourself...because thats all peeps relate to.

When they see me doing a powerlfiting style bench workout myself, they are turned off before we even speak and the door is shut. When they see me make the slightest grunt while doing deads..or psyching up and doing a heavy double with push presses..its over, lol. Even just showing mild intensity will scare off most clients

Its even worse if, as I think was the case breifly, the person working the front desk tells them "he is a powerlifter". Thats just an automatic no for most prospective clients

It would probably be about the same if they said "he is a bodybuilder"


Now if they said "he is a non descript 150lber in a polo shirt" then youd be in like Flynn!

those aren't the clients i'm trying to attract. The clients i'm trying to attract would see the hard work, dedication, and passion and say to themselves..."well if he puts that much into himself and has such passion, then he definitely knows his stuff and can get me the results i want" No mediocre person is going to elicit that. And i don't want mediocre clients either. If i'm doing this i want people that actually want to achieve their goals because to stay a client of mine we'll be makin some progress

[MassFreak2063]

Maybe I misunderstood you....u have to admit its not super clear what u meant

sure it is....if you take pride in yourself and you body and your training and have that passion burning within you can and will be able to make much more money than some joe schmo period......jenny lynn if you don't know is Ms. Figure olympia and she charges around 110$ a session from what i heard last and is always completely booked

[EMISGOD]

those aren't the clients i'm trying to attract. The clients i'm trying to attract would see the hard work, dedication, and passion and say to themselves..."well if he puts that much into himself and has such passion, then he definitely knows his stuff and can get me the results i want" No mediocre person is going to elicit that. And i don't want mediocre clients either. If i'm doing this i want people that actually want to achieve their goals because to stay a client of mine we'll be makin some progress

I guess this depends on what you mean by "mediocre"...


sure it is....if you take pride in yourself and you body and your training and have that passion burning within you can and will be able to make much more money than some joe schmo period......jenny lynn if you don't know is Ms. Figure olympia and she charges around 110$ a session from what i heard last and is always completely booked

Interesting...I would have thought she'd be able to get a considerably higher dollar amount than that...where did you hear that number?

[John Prophet]

if you take pride in yourself and you body and your training and have that passion burning within you can and will be able to make much more money than some joe schmo period

like I said bro..your young. You will find that what u posted is only true some of the time. Youll see. There is way more involved than physical appearance.

Why r some pro bbers broke and some rich?? It damn sure isnt from differences in contest winnings alone.


The best looking trainer I ever saw in my gym was this guy who competed in the Nats as a lightweight. Obviously, for a local gym he was just awesome. Tiny waist, big delts, plenty of cuts year round. Abs and midsection to die for. Yet he never had more than 1-2 clients and he had to give it up.

Meanwhile some of the "top" trainers hardly look like they work out at all.


Thats what I meant when I said life is weird like that.

[MassFreak2063]

I guess this depends on what you mean by "mediocre"...



Interesting...I would have thought she'd be able to get a considerably higher dollar amount than that...where did you hear that number?

well she lives in Kentucky or Tennessee now so i think it's dropped off since she was in california maybe....i just know it's alot lol

[MassFreak2063]

like I said bro..your young. You will find that what u posted is only true some of the time. Youll see. There is way more involved than physical appearance.

Why r some pro bbers broke and some rich?? It damn sure isnt from differences in contest winnings alone.


The best looking trainer I ever saw in my gym was this guy who competed in the Nats as a lightweight. Obviously, for a local gym he was just awesome. Tiny waist, big delts, plenty of cuts year round. Abs and midsection to die for. Yet he never had more than 1-2 clients and he had to give it up.

Meanwhile some of the "top" trainers hardly look like they work out at all.


Thats what I meant when I said life is weird like that.

like was said earlier by the other guy....we're assuming all other things equal the in better shape trainer makes the sale

[John Prophet]

like was said earlier by the other guy....we're assuming all other things equal the in better shape trainer makes the sale

all things r never equal.

But even if they were....I know it sounds freaky, but many fat people would rather be with a slightly less buff trainer.

yes, I know its weird, lol.


I can tell u flatly..the highest earning trainer in my gym has what looks like over 20% bodyfat. Im not putting him down btw, just stating a fact.

Meanwhile the ripped Nats competitor only got a few clients at a cheap rate.


Obviously a lot of it has to do with the locale. The requirements for PT appearance in Venice beach are going to be different than in backwoods anytown USA

it also reflects back onto the fact that your average client just is NOT going to be a competitive bber. Who is the average fat soccer mom going to feel more comfy with.....a guy with 18% bodyfat or Dave Palumbo?

[MassFreak2063]

all things r never equal.

But even if they were....I know it sounds freaky, but many fat people would rather be with a slightly less buff trainer.

yes, I know its weird, lol.


I can tell u flatly..the highest earning trainer in my gym has what looks like over 20% bodyfat. Im not putting him down btw, just stating a fact.

Meanwhile the ripped Nats competitor only got a few clients at a cheap rate.


Obviously a lot of it has to do with the locale. The requirements for PT appearance in Venice beach are going to be different than in backwoods anytown USA

it also reflects back onto the fact that your average client just is NOT going to be a competitive bber. Who is the average fat soccer mom going to feel more comfy with.....a guy with 18% bodyfat or Dave Palumbo?

i already said i don't want clients without drive and ambition, i don't feel that anything you're saying is remotely true where i live and from a logical point of view it doesn't make sense either. Anyone with a brain can see and reason that since this guy is in insane shape and works his ass off and has more passion than i've ever seen around fitness that he would be the best person to help me get results

[John Prophet]

i already said i don't want clients without drive and ambition, i don't feel that anything you're saying is remotely true where i live and from a logical point of view it doesn't make sense either. Anyone with a brain can see and reason that since this guy is in insane shape and works his ass off and has more passion than i've ever seen around fitness that he would be the best person to help me get results

ok bro...but I think you will find you are mistaken, lol.

after 40 years on this planet I can promise you that not many things in life reduce down to cold logic. People do rash illogical things all the time. for instance why do women marry violent criminals?? Im not sure, but they do. It damn sure aint for logic


u want only clients with drive and ambition. How many of them do u think are out there?

anyone with a brain?? who says clients have brains? if they had brains why would they have let themselves get to 300lbs in the flrst place??


you are already a trainer or just planning to be one?

I mean, I agree that the way u say it is how it SHOULD BE and I wish it were....but its not, lol.


How the hell do the spice girls make millions while Mozart died broke and was buried in some long forgotten paupers grave?

[MassFreak2063]

you seem to have a very negative outlook on life that i don't need to partake in.

[AussieMike]

Anyone with a brain can see and reason that since this guy is in insane shape and works his ass off and has more passion than i've ever seen around fitness that he would be the best person to help me get results

You're right, however there are a lot of other factors that come into play, for example, a lot of people have barriers that have to be overcome before they become like you and i. Psyching them out for a gruelling session is not always the best way to go, rather to try and work out the underlying emotions that are preventing them from exercising. Remember, even though we are not psychiatrists, people do see us as somebody to confide in and build their confidence up.

Side note -
I am one of the strongest believers in discipline and gruelling, hard work and i try and pick up clients based on that.
However, i am slowly getting my eyes open to the reality of it all.

[CYLON RAIDER]

I have a journal in the POWERLIFTING/STRONGMAN journals section about my own training. Check it out!

[EMISGOD]

u want only clients with drive and ambition. How many of them do u think are out there?

He wants clients who are willing to work to improve themselves, unless I am misunderstanding him. This is the correct view to have as those who will not put in the work reflect on the trainer.


I mean, I agree that the way u say it is how it SHOULD BE and I wish it were....but its not, lol.

It is exactly that way for a number of trainers, actually and was definitely that was for me when I was training people...


How the hell do the spice girls make millions while Mozart died broke and was buried in some long forgotten paupers grave?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_Amadeus_Mozart
http://europeanhistory.about.com/library/bldyk11.htm

Mozart did not die broke and was not buried in any long-forgotten grave. The Spice Girls currently are very far from making anything approaching millions. I don't know where you get your information, but you may want to double-check it in the future...

[Be-Be]

i already said i don't want clients without drive and ambition, i don't feel that anything you're saying is remotely true where i live and from a logical point of view it doesn't make sense either. Anyone with a brain can see and reason that since this guy is in insane shape and works his ass off and has more passion than i've ever seen around fitness that he would be the best person to help me get results
Clients have plenty of brains. Many times they just have emotional/psychological issues that have caused them to make some very bad choices. They also have a life full of priorities and, the women especially, are trained to believe everyone else comes first. Taking time to work out or eat right means that you are neglecting your family and everything else that should come before you. An overweight 50 year old with a multi-million dollar business has drive and ambition - it's just to build his business not to workout. There are many reasons why people find themselves in trouble and I'm here to help them. Obviously you have no compasion for them and have prejudices against them without meeting them. I hope as you grow and mature you realize how horrible you sound at times.

As far as believing people are in shape because of a lot of hard work. Nope - people (brained and nonbrained ones both) don't believe this. Society has trained us to believe there is a secret to health and fitness. Models know it. Bodybuilders know it. Actors know it. "Naturally" skinny people know it. And they aren't sure if its a food or a pill or a miracle contraption that only costs $49.99 but they do know that its out there and somebody isn't telling them what it is. Some seem to think just hiring a trainer will get you results. The worst of these people are the ones who pay $1200 show up for a couple sessions, find out its hard work and not a "no sweat, no strain, lose weigh while you sleep" situation and disappear. On the positive side, it is easy money.

[EMISGOD]

Clients have plenty of brains. Many times they just have emotional/psychological issues that have caused them to make some very bad choices. They also have a life full of priorities and, the women especially, are trained to believe everyone else comes first. Taking time to work out or eat right means that you are neglecting your family and everything else that should come before you. An overweight 50 year old with a multi-million dollar business has drive and ambition - it's just to build his business not to workout. There are many reasons why people find themselves in trouble and I'm here to help them. Obviously you have no compasion for them and have prejudices against them without meeting them. I hope as you grow and mature you realize how horrible you sound at times.

You're confusing posts. The guy you're quoting did not say they didn't have brains...

The guy you did quote reminds me alot of me when I was training people in that it seems like he has low to no tolerance for sloth and understands that people can only be helped as much as they allow themselves to be...

[MassFreak2063]

He wants clients who are willing to work to improve themselves, unless I am misunderstanding him. This is the correct view to have as those who will not put in the work reflect on the trainer.



that's exactly what i meant

[John Prophet]

Mass freak, you are a trainer already? or are you speaking about the future?

[MassFreak2063]

Clients have plenty of brains. Many times they just have emotional/psychological issues that have caused them to make some very bad choices. They also have a life full of priorities and, the women especially, are trained to believe everyone else comes first. Taking time to work out or eat right means that you are neglecting your family and everything else that should come before you. An overweight 50 year old with a multi-million dollar business has drive and ambition - it's just to build his business not to workout. There are many reasons why people find themselves in trouble and I'm here to help them. Obviously you have no compasion for them and have prejudices against them without meeting them. I hope as you grow and mature you realize how horrible you sound at times.


the entirety of that paragraph are excuses.....and they have no place in training and improving yourself....either you're ready to change and do the work or not.....there is no middle ground if you want results

[MassFreak2063]

Mass freak, you are a trainer already? or are you speaking about the future?

test is being graded as we speak....LLC for the business will be filed this week

[John Prophet]

so basically, you are speaking hypothetically.

[MassFreak2063]

so basically, you are speaking hypothetically.

not really since I create my own reality. If you guys want to attract the kinds of clients you talk about whatever. I wont be. Emiisgod had so much business he couldn't possibly handle it all when he trained and he says he looks for the same as me (or nearly) so don't continue trying to sway my view please, the people exist and i will train them and lead them upon the path to greatness

[John Prophet]

lol...keep us posted

[EMISGOD]

not really since I create my own reality. If you guys want to attract the kinds of clients you talk about whatever. I wont be. Emiisgod had so much business he couldn't possibly handle it all when he trained and he says he looks for the same as me (or nearly) so don't continue trying to sway my view please, the people exist and i will train them and lead them upon the path to greatness

FWIW, I have every confidence that you will be a success right out of the gate. You've got your head on straight and as long as you don't needlessly complicate things (fitness is a very simple equation -- put the work in, get the results), you'll be fine.

As to the naysayers, all I can tell you is that some people wear failure well. I don't think you are one of them.

[jules_d1]

That happened to me when I was guitar teaching. I'd take 3 or so students and then i didnt want to play myself....not cool.

I have not had this problem with my training so far. I usually do my session after my morning clients (anywhere between 10 and noon) so its out of the way. I find if i do it in the evening or later on in the day its not as great. I;ve always tried to train at that time so its all good.

I guess if i get too busy it may happen but i always leave time to my training session. Its my time of day to shut everything else out and have "me" time

Plus its also good to just blow out the cobwebs and move some heavy ass weight after a morning full of sessions with middle age- elderlys

[PrisonerDilemma]

you seem to have a very negative outlook on life that i don't need to partake in.
Admirable, but naive

Reality is that you need to train indiscriminately in order to pay the bills

Waiting around for self-motivated individuals may leave you broke

[kserajuddin]

Interesting...I would have thought she'd be able to get a considerably higher dollar amount than that...where did you hear that number?

Yeah you hear that a lot - it's funny how that works -

Training is the only business where the world's top trainers don't even cost 25-50% more than some of the worst -

Billy Polson, one of the Men's Journal 100, charges only $90 - that's what I charge -

But,

A lot of these top trainers can see multiple clients at once and the client does not mind - they don't even drop the rate - I'm sure Jenny sees at least two people an hour -

[John Prophet]

$90/session

how mucn does an apt rent for where u r?

[TeddyTank]

Jesus $90 a session? A guy who I used to know charged $39 (I converted from pounds for your convenience :))


A question seeing though we are on the lines of self training and clients. I'm a powerlifter so if it came to the point of training another powerlifter and then word spread to other powerlifters would the likely hood of training with them for a charge happen?

When I first started powerlifting I would of loved some one to train with, and you will find youngens such as my self would train much better and progress better if they trained with some one else instead of being taught, say a fellow powerlifter who is a personal trainer.

Or would this be speculation and a stupid thing to think :)

[John Prophet]

Jesus $90 a session? A guy who I used to know charged $39 (I converted from pounds for your convenience :))


A question seeing though we are on the lines of self training and clients. I'm a powerlifter so if it came to the point of training another powerlifter and then word spread to other powerlifters would the likely hood of training with them for a charge happen?

When I first started powerlifting I would of loved some one to train with, and you will find youngens such as my self would train much better and progress better if they trained with some one else instead of being taught, say a fellow powerlifter who is a personal trainer.

Or would this be speculation and a stupid thing to think :)


I would guess that u wont find any powerlifters who want to hire a trainer. The closest u might get would be to find sort of beginner lifter who needs just the basic stuff and his routine would look similar to a powerlifting routine.

[Sikk]

Everyone here has valid points, so I'll add my 2 cents.

John is correct that people don't naturally gravitate always to the most intense, ripped and big trainer. 90% of your clients will be ppl looking for training for the first time. People WILL be intimidated by a pro bodybuilder who also trains.

why?

Because they have it set in their minds that he will work them as hard as he works himself and treats fitness as a full time job.

A lot of ppl just want to "test the waters" or "lose a few pounds for summer." These ppl a LOT of the time gravitate to the trainers who are not as in shape as the top tiered guys/girls there, because they want someone more on their level physically. Also, ppl pick trainers based on the look that THEY want. For instance, if a potential client wants to lose 15 pounds and look good in a bikini, she will pick out a trainer who has the body they are looking to get and train with them as motivation. They will steer clear of the huge dude, or the ripped up females.

Now I say this as a NORMALITY that goes on in gyms, it happens for me all the time. I've had clients of other trainers tell me they love my work ethic, but I intimidate them. Which is fine, to each their own.

On the other hand...

If you only want to train ppl who are truly passionate about it then go for it. I kind of do the same thing. I sell training sessions in bundles, 6 weeks at a time for 3 sessions each. If you miss 3 workouts, I drop you and keep your money. Real simple.

If you eat like ****, smoke, drink every other night, come in tired, leave early or come late then I'll drop you.

At first it was really hard to find ppl like this, but over time I have a nice load of clients that I carry while I'm still full time in college.

Best of luck to you.

[John Prophet]

I sell training sessions in bundles, 6 weeks at a time for 3 sessions each.

so you basically sell 18 session packages? they write one check for all of it or they split it up or what? is that the only package u offer?

what if they can only afford to train 2x per week at that same price? do u still take them on?

[kserajuddin]

Jesus $90 a session?

haha - that's not too uncommon where I'm out in New York -
I've got a kind of sales cycle where I let them try out my training first for a little less -
I then form a relationship with them in this time and show them what a superior product I have -
After that, charging higher rates isn't a problem -

and yeah, rent is real high out here -

I think I just hijacked this thread - my bad

[Sikk]

so you basically sell 18 session packages? they write one check for all of it or they split it up or what? is that the only package u offer?

what if they can only afford to train 2x per week at that same price? do u still take them on?

ill answer this in your new thread

[EMISGOD]

Everyone here has valid points, so I'll add my 2 cents.

John is correct that people don't naturally gravitate always to the most intense, ripped and big trainer. 90% of your clients will be ppl looking for training for the first time. People WILL be intimidated by a pro bodybuilder who also trains.

why?

Because they have it set in their minds that he will work them as hard as he works himself and treats fitness as a full time job.

A lot of ppl just want to "test the waters" or "lose a few pounds for summer." These ppl a LOT of the time gravitate to the trainers who are not as in shape as the top tiered guys/girls there, because they want someone more on their level physically. Also, ppl pick trainers based on the look that THEY want. For instance, if a potential client wants to lose 15 pounds and look good in a bikini, she will pick out a trainer who has the body they are looking to get and train with them as motivation. They will steer clear of the huge dude, or the ripped up females.

Now I say this as a NORMALITY that goes on in gyms, it happens for me all the time. I've had clients of other trainers tell me they love my work ethic, but I intimidate them. Which is fine, to each their own.

On the other hand...

If you only want to train ppl who are truly passionate about it then go for it. I kind of do the same thing. I sell training sessions in bundles, 6 weeks at a time for 3 sessions each. If you miss 3 workouts, I drop you and keep your money. Real simple.

If you eat like ****, smoke, drink every other night, come in tired, leave early or come late then I'll drop you.

At first it was really hard to find ppl like this, but over time I have a nice load of clients that I carry while I'm still full time in college.

Best of luck to you.

When I was training actively, I wound up training mostly "normal" people who just wanted better fitness for their lives, but I also trained a couple "meatheads"/gym rats, advised a guy who was prepping for a bodybuilding contest, though I could admittedly do little for him, trained a number of athletes for particular sports and advised a guy who was training for a marathon.

If you have the knowledge and are good, they will come, but I agree that standards cannot ever be lowered. I was kind of like a trendy club in that you had to go through certain things in order to even get in the door and once there had to live up to what I expected or you could expect to be replaced with someone who would. Once everyone was clear that there were to be no deviations (excepting very special circumstances), it ran like clockwork.

[Environ]

I'm as passionate as ever about it. I don't have a choice either (not that I need one). I teach exercise classes 5 days a week in addition to being a PT. I have to set the standard with the classes. It is not uncommon for me to teach 3 classes back to back. And, just standing there calling out moves is NOT an option. The gym I work in has the best reputation for classes in the entire city (because they are all freelance classes).

With regard to the PT side of things, I believe that your own abilities and, to a lesser extent, apperance (see the thread about appearance for my views on this) are very important. For example, if you expect a client to be able to do pull ups, you should at least be able to demonstrate how to do it correctly.

Finally, I work out for myself. It's something that I want to do for myself. 3 days a week, I train with one of my clients. He has told me that, by training with him, he feels more motivated.

[alikaeos]

yup we are all still at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VriVm7tSMK8

what we did last saturday and the asian kid is a client

[njmuscle66]

sure it is....if you take pride in yourself and you body and your training and have that passion burning within you can and will be able to make much more money than some joe schmo period......jenny lynn if you don't know is Ms. Figure olympia and she charges around 110$ a session from what i heard last and is always completely booked

Jenny Lynn can charge 110 bucks a session because she is Jenny Lynn...........Give her the same physigue and call her Jenny Smith and her rates will drop accordingly. Yes you have to maintain some level of fitness however it is knowledge, marketing, and personality that attracts clients.........not a contest ready physigue. Typically the individuals with the best physigues usually make the worst trainers :)

[njmuscle66]

the entirety of that paragraph are excuses.....and they have no place in training and improving yourself....either you're ready to change and do the work or not.....there is no middle ground if you want results

So your ENTIRE marketing effort is targeted to only people who you have determined have the focus and commitment to get in peak shape. Like others have pointed out and you refuse to acknowledge people get trainers for different reasons. Sorry but not everyone wants to be or look like a contest ready bodybuilder. Some times the trainer serves the same role as the bartender (listening to problems) or people get a trainer so they can say at their next social event. "Kathryn you never will believe what I did. I joined a gym and hired a trainer..........Yippee for me.

[njmuscle66]

test is being graded as we speak....LLC for the business will be filed this week

hold on to the day job for now just in case..............

[John Prophet]

Jenny Lynn can charge 110 bucks a session because she is Jenny Lynn...........Give her the same physigue and call her Jenny Smith and her rates will drop accordingly. Yes you have to maintain some level of fitness however it is knowledge, marketing, and personality that attracts clients.........not a contest ready physigue. Typically the individuals with the best physigues usually make the worst trainers :)


when I see Jenny Lynn I keep thinking of Jenny Craig...gets confusing

[huddlestonalex]

So your ENTIRE marketing effort is targeted to only people who you have determined have the focus and commitment to get in peak shape. Like others have pointed out and you refuse to acknowledge people get trainers for different reasons. Sorry but not everyone wants to be or look like a contest ready bodybuilder. Some times the trainer serves the same role as the bartender (listening to problems) or people get a trainer so they can say at their next social event. "Kathryn you never will believe what I did. I joined a gym and hired a trainer..........Yippee for me.

Most of my clients are of this kind of mindset "I have trainer...look at me...look at me" blah blah blah and that kind of client can suck but bottomline, if you are not open to all sorts of clients, you automatically limit your earning potential. There is no way around it. Some clients can really frustate me and that can screw up some workouts but other clients can actually have the opposite effect. About training at another gym besides the one you work at, it can alleviate scaring off potential clients with your intensity but you run the risk of not attracting new clients who are into that kind of intense workout, so catch 22 but I personally workout at my gym and do as the guy posted earlier, I have the regular, Hi am your trainer attitude then I have the I wanna lift leave me alone attitude lol.

[jando]

If I only have a few clients I become more motivated because it feels like I have something to prove to myself and the gym. That i'm just not another all talk schlub trainer. If I had a really long day I'm always too tired to come in. Tuesday and Fridays I'm always off so I make sure those are intense days. I get in about 4 good workouts a week.

[gischer]

I train pretty intensely as a PL'r. Typically I lift before I train any of my clients, or in a break between clients.

I actually find that doing lots of heavy lifting impresses a lot of people. There are very few people in my gym who train purely for strength, thus when I pulled a 475 single Deadlift the other day, (though not impressive by PL standards, I have never seen anybody in the gym top it) I had several young, skinnyish guys, asking me questions, and for advice.

I suppose it doesn't attract many female clients, but it does help circulate my name and improve my standing with the male gym members, which in my opinion doesn't hurt for getting referrals and such.

There is one succsessful trainer at my gym, who, after finishing his own workout, starts perfoming some creative adbominal work on the pullup bars, and then goes on to do some other unique looking exercises simply for show. He claims to have picked up several people this way as well.