Am I too Old To Become a Personal Trainer at 44?

salatheel · 06-17-2009, 09:05 AM

Becoming a personal trainer is something I always wanted to do. A little personal background. I have worked out on and off most my life. I am in the process of separation and getting a divorce. I plan on moving to Florida and want to become a personal trainer. I have worked in a gym before in membership sales. I have been in sales and retail management mostof my life. Do you think it's too old at 44 to start as a personal trainer? I am working hard on getting that hard lean look. Not so much geared at getting huge but rather ripped. I understand that in the beggining it may have to be my part time job to get it started. I don't have get rich dreams. Just dreams of doing something I really want to do. What do you think guys. Am I too old?

QuadR · 06-17-2009, 09:18 AM

Never to old! You should pursue it as you would anything else. If it is a goal, then accomplish it. I had the goal of being a trainer after being in rehab form an accident years a go. No big intention of being a gym owner, fitness guru, or other, just a personal goal. I have had great success and reward since then, particularly with the older crowd. Many of older folks "silver sneaker" in my area appreciate me just listening to them in between workouts. That in itself is rewarding enough for me other than helping people get and stay fit. Good Luck!!! You are never to old!!!

Lasharm · 06-17-2009, 09:20 AM

You're not too old to become a trainer.

Just remember your age may be an edge for you-especially if you are fit. You could target middle-aged and older clients and get "respect" a lot easier than most of the younger trainers(18-25y/o) just because you could relate to your clients. Of course, this doesn't mean you only have to train older clients.

Not sure about your education background but make sure you know your stuff. Also, call around to the gyms in the area you will be moving to and find out what certifications they accept and Base your certification decision on that. Since you are going through a divorce and money may be tight, you can go with a cheaper certification to get yourself in the door and then once you get in a better situation get a better cert.

Hope this helps.

Keltron · 06-17-2009, 09:26 AM

It's actually an advantage.

Most of my clients are in your age range. They'd be able to relate to you more.

NorwichGrad · 06-17-2009, 09:31 AM

Here you go, "old man" (j/k)

Here are two trainers more mature than us. One is a female who started when she was 52. The other trainer was a late comer as well. He's in his 60's.

No such thing as "too old" in anything. Good luck.

http://www.protraineronline.com/

http://www.protraineronline.com/past/Nov-Dec08/STM.cfm

askthetrainer · 06-17-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salatheel

Becoming a personal trainer is something I always wanted to do. A little personal background. I have worked out on and off most my life. I am in the process of separation and getting a divorce. I plan on moving to Florida and want to become a personal trainer. I have worked in a gym before in membership sales. I have been in sales and retail management mostof my life. Do you think it's too old at 44 to start as a personal trainer? I am working hard on getting that hard lean look. Not so much geared at getting huge but rather ripped. I understand that in the beggining it may have to be my part time job to get it started. I don't have get rich dreams. Just dreams of doing something I really want to do. What do you think guys. Am I too old?

No way. As long as you're passionate about health and fitness you can still get into personal training.

I have a good friend who used to work for a big dot com in San Francisco and after the crash he started personal training. He was old enough at the time to get his pension and he also started receiving social security but is still training at the age of 67.

AZN_BEBE604 · 06-17-2009, 10:48 AM

Never too old!
Follow your dreams Bro!

susanq7 · 06-17-2009, 02:04 PM

You're not old to become a personal trainer, I say go for it, if it's something you want to do. Best of luck!

salatheel · 06-17-2009, 02:24 PM

Thanks so much guys! I guess I'm not too old.

flexapeal · 06-17-2009, 03:46 PM

Yes you are way too old to be a trainer. What are you thinking old man? Gotcha! Nah bro your not too old. As a matter of fact, if your in pretty good shape at your age more places will hire you. Because as we age its harder to stay fit, so you will be looked upon like a role model for someone your age to get healthier. I say go for it, who knows where it might take you.

Mr.ILL · 06-17-2009, 04:04 PM

Sorry old man your time is over...

Haha jk. If anything I'd say its an advantage. Good luck!

KyleAaron · 06-17-2009, 05:50 PM

I wondered about this, too. I was assured by many PTs and institutions it's no problem, indeed as others have said an advantage. Many potential clients look at younger PTs and think, "well of course he's in good shape, he's 21!" But someone in shape past 30 is unusual, and past 40 practically unheard of.

When I asked about the mix in the class, the instructor said,

"We have a pretty good mix of males and females as well as age ranges. The most mature person we've had enrol so far this year was 64 and the youngest 18 and their backgrounds are as varied as their ages. Students, school levers, CEO's, bankers, a gentlemen in the course starting June was also [like Kyle] a chef."

I think a background in sales will be looked on very favourably by gyms, since they want to sell memberships. But even if you don't want to keep selling stuff, the sales background can still help in that you're used to dealing with people, and used to dealing with people who may be reluctant or say they're interested but really they're not. You'll get that in PT...

wdaniels · 06-17-2009, 06:39 PM

I think its an advantage..I am 35 and i stay busy..If anything it shows people you can stay inshape at any age,,but you have to practice what you preach..If people see you doing it,,that will inspire them to do it..Good luck

Schuh · 06-17-2009, 10:58 PM

You have age and experience on your side, you can sell yourself easy as an expert. People listen to age, its hard to start out young thats for sure, you have to try extra hard to place yourself as the expert when your only 20. All my trainers are young guys and it takes a few sessions or classes with them for my clients to start to listen and trust them.

torn8o · 06-18-2009, 03:48 PM

Glad I found this thread. I'm currently a technology trainer for a large law firm. Getting people motivated to learn is something I understand well. I've been looking for a new career path myself and since I am totally addicted to the gym, I feel like this will be a great way to go. Talked to a local school today who offers a double certification program for both CPT and CES. Pretty excited about starting class in September.

In addition to working as a trainer, you could also consider doing some in-house consultation for corporate clients, such as law firms. We have an in-house wellness program that has been fantastic. It's getting to be a pretty big deal these days.

Ilener · 06-18-2009, 05:47 PM

Hi there first post here... at 44 if you think you're too old to be a personal trainer, I must be nuts... I'm 52 my g/f is 51 and we are doing our exam on Saturday... Only Can-fit-pro cert, but none the less we'll be able to train clients... so go for it...