Lookin to become a strength and conditioning coach.Is it worth it?The pay?HELP

[strongman72]

Well im a junior and high school and this is around the time when everyones figuring out what they want to be.I would love to keep powerlifing after high school.I wish i could just do that and get paid for it but thats not gonna happen.I was considering becomin a strength and conditioning coach or somethin of that nature.I love workin out and learnin about the these things.I basically wanna do something were i can also stay in shape.I've also thought about being in law enforcement but im still not sure.Is there good money in being a strength coach?What other things could I go into?Any help would be appreciated!

[AngeloBangelo]

Well I've looked at different job resumes over the last 6-9 months or so just looking at different salaries for people with that job, as well as their opinion with it. I am also looking into being a strength and conditioning coach. It'd be really fun to do something I like and get paid for it. My instructor for the basic strength and conditioning classes at my college used to be a strength and conditioning coach for a lot of pro sports teams, like the Chicago Blackhawks. I've asked him a lot of questions and he informs me that the salary is above average (He didn't go into detail), but he said it's very rewarding work. I wanted to know a bit more about the salary so I was just looking at what other people average at per year. Most coaches seem to make about 30-50k per year. That's not really above average at all, but my instructor was working with pro teams, so he probably made a lot more. The main thing that attracted me to this job is that I love powerlifting, talking about powerlifting, and teaching other people how to lift in general. This job probably isn't for someone who is insanely dependent on money, but it's probably more to do with the fact that there aren't a lot of jobs in a field like this that pay insanely well, so it's more about enjoying the work. You said you want to also be police officer possibly? I know they don't make much either. It doesn't seem like cash is a huge deal to you, so maybe this is a job you'd enjoy.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me and I'll ask my instructor (We still talk through E-mail even though I'm out of school right now) and get the answers back to you as soon as he responds.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

[strongman72]

Well I love powerlifting,I love lifting,I love teaching people what I know and I love learning new things in the gym.I just love being in the gym period!Money isnt a huge issue for me.Im not exactly lookin to get rich.That type of thing just doesnt happen for most people.I jus want to be able to make a decent living. Ya know?

[Audiowaves252]

You'd make more personal training, after you built the clientele.

[RProsser922]

You'd make more personal training, after you built the clientele.

Thats what I plan on doing. I am going to get certified as a Athletic Trainer online, get a degree in Athletic Training or Sports Physiology, and also get certified as a S&C coach. http://www.nsca-lift.org/ I heard its not easy getting certified but im sure its marvelous for your resume. Also, just the simple fact of attending college looks superb on a resume compared to someone who has less education, even if it has nothing to do with the job your applying at. I plan on just working my way up the latter slowly but surely.

Edit: I do believe John Prophet is a personal trainer, im sure he could enlighten us.

[John Prophet]

here is my advice....what I WISH id done, lol

first off...making money is a skill, just like anything else. It is a mindset.

if you JUST look at a "job" as your source of income you probably wont get very far. You need to learn about other ways to make money besides just punching a clock.

I recommend the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" which your local library probably has. Books like that can sort of open your mind up to false patterns of thinking etc.

for example...one guy can look at his job as his only income. So he makes $30k a year. Out of that 30k he makes house payments, car payments yada yada. He barely scrapes by.

The next guy starts off with that same 30k coaching job. But he takes that 30k and doesnt buy the house and car and leather jacket and new shoes and motorcycle right away etc. Instead he takes part of his 30k income and he builds himself a website and designs a football or track and field training DVD using the knowledge he has learned training his high school or college kids.

Before long he has $$$ coming in from the DVD and other sales. Thats just ONE tiny example.

So dont ONLY look at "getting a job".....trust me, EVERYONE has a job so why is almost everyone barely getting by, lol. Start studying on how rich people make money...not much of it has to do with "getting a job"

[John Prophet]

Edit: I do believe John Prophet is a personal trainer, im sure he could enlighten us.

you young guys have it made, lol. I am almost 40 and coming out of a background of poverty on both sides of my family...I am fighting an EXTREME uphill battle, lol.

So yes, I "work for myself" as a personal trainer and also I have run a small computer repair business. I am trying to build up the personal training business which I just started doing last Sept.

if you are starting off young you can PLAN ahead and plan and learn how to build up yourself slowly

learn what "residual income" is etc. Learn about taxes and incorporation.


Here is a little article on how to become the "top trainer" in your area. Notice how it doesnt really have much to do with sets/reps etc http://www.elitefts.com/documents/dominant_trainer.htm


So if you are young....let your friends become the champs and playing Halo 3. Let them spend all of their time and energy learning cheat codes etc...you take your time and get certified and learn about taxes/investments etc

Then when YOU are 40 you wont be trying to scratch out a living like im doing, lol...youll be set and your money will be making money for you

[Audiowaves252]

here is my advice....what I WISH id done, lol

first off...making money is a skill, just like anything else. It is a mindset.

if you JUST look at a "job" as your source of income you probably wont get very far. You need to learn about other ways to make money besides just punching a clock.

I recommend the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" which your local library probably has. Books like that can sort of open your mind up to false patterns of thinking etc.

for example...one guy can look at his job as his only income. So he makes $30k a year. Out of that 30k he makes house payments, car payments yada yada. He barely scrapes by.

The next guy starts off with that same 30k coaching job. But he takes that 30k and doesnt buy the house and car and leather jacket and new shoes and motorcycle right away etc. Instead he takes part of his 30k income and he builds himself a website and designs a football or track and field training DVD using the knowledge he has learned training his high school or college kids.

Before long he has $$$ coming in from the DVD and other sales. Thats just ONE tiny example.

So dont ONLY look at "getting a job".....trust me, EVERYONE has a job so why is almost everyone barely getting by, lol. Start studying on how rich people make money...not much of it has to do with "getting a job"

Sound advice!

[strongman72]

Thats what I plan on doing. I am going to get certified as a Athletic Trainer online, get a degree in Athletic Training or Sports Physiology, and also get certified as a S&C coach. http://www.nsca-lift.org/ I heard its not easy getting certified but im sure its marvelous for your resume. Also, just the simple fact of attending college looks superb on a resume compared to someone who has less education, even if it has nothing to do with the job your applying at. I plan on just working my way up the latter slowly but surely.

Edit: I do believe John Prophet is a personal trainer, im sure he could enlighten us.

This is probably what i'll do too.Its sounds like a good idea that is. Im on my own with college.My family struggles to pay the bills so recieve little help.But with my grades I should be able to get scholarships.

[AceMuscle22]

you young guys have it made, lol. I am almost 40 and coming out of a background of poverty on both sides of my family...I am fighting an EXTREME uphill battle, lol.

So yes, I "work for myself" as a personal trainer and also I have run a small computer repair business. I am trying to build up the personal training business which I just started doing last Sept.

if you are starting off young you can PLAN ahead and plan and learn how to build up yourself slowly

learn what "residual income" is etc. Learn about taxes and incorporation.


Here is a little article on how to become the "top trainer" in your area. Notice how it doesnt really have much to do with sets/reps etc http://www.elitefts.com/documents/dominant_trainer.htm


So if you are young....let your friends become the champs and playing Halo 3. Let them spend all of their time and energy learning cheat codes etc...you take your time and get certified and learn about taxes/investments etc

Then when YOU are 40 you wont be trying to scratch out a living like im doing, lol...youll be set and your money will be making money for you

sorry JOhn but halo 3 is not out yet

[John Prophet]

oops, my nut

[HitItHard]

im taking the cscs test later this year, and perhaps the acsm pt test a little afterwards.

[knowles.ja]

Here is a little article on how to become the "top trainer" in your area. Notice how it doesnt really have much to do with sets/reps etc http://www.elitefts.com/documents/dominant_trainer.htm

I'd just like to add that that link has some great information. Definitely good to know!

[Sapper599]

Well i can tell you this. I have a degree in Keneisiology and i'm certified by IFPA, CSCS, and I even have my ACSM certification. I worked for HIT center, Golds Gym, and a rehabilitation center. The money as a trainer wasn't consistant. It really depends on your area and how well you can sell yourself. Not how good of a trainer but rather how good your personal skills are. The money lies in middle age woman not athletes. The hospital work was more consistant but not near as much as I make with the Federal Bereau of prisons. So that was my route. Set out to be a trainer now i'm a corrections officer waiting on a position in Recreation to open up at the prison.

[Perceptionist]

I'll tell you straight up most strengh and conditioning coaches do not make good money. Of course there are some that do, but most do not. If you want to even be close to a premiere s&c coach you need to go to school and get your B.S. in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or a related field..at the same time find a mentor or a advisor, or even a top notch s&c coach (college or professional level) that can take you under his wing. You can then get your CSCS and get some work experience and even volunteer your time with other s&c coaches. During that time you can go for your MS or even your PhD in a related field. You can do your research with a sports team, anything that can help build PR and get your foot in the door. Remember it's not always what you know, it's who you know. Also never bring that know it all attitute, cause chances are you know nothing right now. Keep a open mind and keep learning. Then and maybe then you'll have a shot at working for a professional team. That's the straight up reality and the $ is still nothing spectacular, but hey you'll most likely love your job.

about making $? what JP was pretty much saying is investing. He used providing a service as a example. The hard part is finding that service that you can market and actually make some $ on. Don't we all wish we created youtube or myspace? what these guys have in common is they created a service and knew how to market it. That's why you always see these wierd inventions or ideas, trends popping out of nowhere. Providing that service or product that was either nonexistent (which is rare these days, don't recreate the wheel!) or not marketed correctly (modify the wheel!) is a way to really make the $$$. The hardest part is coming up with the idea and making it work. Then there is investing in property, stocks, etc...

Some of you kids will learn some day, some won't...

ok bye.

[Ibanez]

Professional sport teams will get you good money, but other minor league type organizations will only grant you part time money; so nothing much to live on.

Yeah, the personal trainers I have talked to say it's more about marketing yourself. Some guy actually grew to hate personal training because he would end up with middle aged women that just wanted someone to talk to.

[rm41400]

here is my advice....what I WISH id done, lol

first off...making money is a skill, just like anything else. It is a mindset.

if you JUST look at a "job" as your source of income you probably wont get very far. You need to learn about other ways to make money besides just punching a clock.

I recommend the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" which your local library probably has. Books like that can sort of open your mind up to false patterns of thinking etc.

for example...one guy can look at his job as his only income. So he makes $30k a year. Out of that 30k he makes house payments, car payments yada yada. He barely scrapes by.

The next guy starts off with that same 30k coaching job. But he takes that 30k and doesnt buy the house and car and leather jacket and new shoes and motorcycle right away etc. Instead he takes part of his 30k income and he builds himself a website and designs a football or track and field training DVD using the knowledge he has learned training his high school or college kids.

Before long he has $$$ coming in from the DVD and other sales. Thats just ONE tiny example.

So dont ONLY look at "getting a job".....trust me, EVERYONE has a job so why is almost everyone barely getting by, lol. Start studying on how rich people make money...not much of it has to do with "getting a job"

ditto on the "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" book. I have read it twice and made my wife read it! Everyone should read it. It leaves alot for you to figure out and research but it should help with your mindset.

Got Pipeline? lol

[irongrasshopper]

you young guys have it made, lol. I am almost 40 and coming out of a background of poverty on both sides of my family...I am fighting an EXTREME uphill battle, lol.

So yes, I "work for myself" as a personal trainer and also I have run a small computer repair business. I am trying to build up the personal training business which I just started doing last Sept.

if you are starting off young you can PLAN ahead and plan and learn how to build up yourself slowly

learn what "residual income" is etc. Learn about taxes and incorporation.


Here is a little article on how to become the "top trainer" in your area. Notice how it doesnt really have much to do with sets/reps etc http://www.elitefts.com/documents/dominant_trainer.htm


So if you are young....let your friends become the champs and playing Halo 3. Let them spend all of their time and energy learning cheat codes etc...you take your time and get certified and learn about taxes/investments etc

Then when YOU are 40 you wont be trying to scratch out a living like im doing, lol...youll be set and your money will be making money for you

thnx for the article it was really helpful and has given me the confidence to go for this, people had been telling me "it might not work", "why not just work in a gym and get a guaranteed income", but if one thing i have learnt from being a sales consultant it is that to be successful u have to listen to people who are successful. also i think other books to read aswell; how to win friends and influence people, how to be a sales superstar-brian tracey, master the art of selling- tom hopkins...... these books have helped me at selling and not just product but selling yourself, also found that your attitude determines everything

[tatortotajigalo]

It aint a full time job either. You could probably do it after your normal job.

[John Prophet]

thnx for the article it was really helpful and has given me the confidence to go for this, people had been telling me "it might not work", "why not just work in a gym and get a guaranteed income", but if one thing i have learnt from being a sales consultant it is that to be successful u have to listen to people who are successful. also i think other books to read aswell; how to win friends and influence people, how to be a sales superstar-brian tracey, master the art of selling- tom hopkins...... these books have helped me at selling and not just product but selling yourself, also found that your attitude determines everything

do yourself a favor and listen to this one a few dozen times. Its very deep http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...arch&plindex=0

[ehlpitel]

Interesting that this thread gets bumped now.

I'm actually about to transfer to get a BS in Exercise physiology and am hoping to get into strength coaching.

We'll see what happens.

[strongman72]

Im going into to college and am going to double major in a kinesiology field.One for strength and conditioning coachin and the other for Physical therapy.

I figure I could do both.

[lifterg]

A few things to add, since I have been an assistant with a division 1 team and currently own gyms.

The coaching positions are a good old boy network. Where you do your internship wi have more to do with getting a position than your grades or degree. Also realize that you will have no job security. When the head coach gets fired, you will too. If you do not want to move every few years wrong job.

The positions don't pay well. Yes the NFL guys get bank. When I left, I was offered a position as head at a smaler Ivy League school, and an assistant at a big D1 school. Neither paid a reasonable living, that was when I got out of coaching.

Personal trainering is a crappy way to make a living. They were described in an article as "the fry cooks of the fitness industry" and that is pretty close. Many gym owners view training as a necessary exil because most gyms actually loose money on training. That makes trainers very low on their priority list. Our big gym makes money every month, has about 5500 members and PT barely breaks even. Selling memberships wil make you more money, have better advanement potential and do more to teach you how to run your own club.

For those of you looking at a career in fitness, I would recommend minoring in marketing or business. Your desirability as an employee is based on your ability to make the owner money, not your knowledge o fitness.

[ArchDukeOfTops]

I've thought about making a small training facility when I retire, (in 20 years) geared toward training atheletes and serious competitive lifters.

This would be more for my enjoyment than a money maker though, as I don't see it making much money.

Who knows, I may not give a **** in 20 years anyway

[corbs2424]

In the fitness industry this is the best job hands down
sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=5310210

[gekkoboy14]

What you should do is open a facility that trains athletes, which is not affiliated with a university. That way you can charge $200/hr for training a group of athletes.

[sirwazzles]

In the fitness industry this is the best job hands down
sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=5310210

Strong first post.

[TrueAmateur]

What you should do is open a facility that trains athletes, which is not affiliated with a university. That way you can charge $200/hr for training a group of athletes

This could work... just be sure you are licensed so you don't get sued though. Oh, and the waivers... definitely a must.

[ArchDukeOfTops]

strong thread necro

[FitNeverQuit]

Collegiate strength and conditioning has grown tremendously over the last few decades. If you are seriously considering this as a profession, you truly have to commit to it. Most major universities are public thus their coaches salaries are made public. Most top-tear programs (Big X, Pac 12, Big XII) the head S&C coaches are earning well over $100k each year and assistant are less than half that. Currently, NCCA division 1 has a little over 100 programs with S&C coaches for various sports. To get into one of these programs you have to GRIND and get to know the right people. So realistically this isn't for everyone and you must be willing to make some sacrifices. Personally, after playing collegiately (Big XII football 2002-2004) I have decided to make S&C a reality. After graduating with my B.S. (Psychology) I earned my NSCA CSCS and CPT ***** and began personal training at Gold's Gym. Trust me, after nearly a 1 1/2 of PT the life isn't glamorous. All commission based but Gold's takes 60% cut....ouch. Not very stable, first paycheck took a month and was a wooping $40. Takes time to build clients but can be done. Currently, I'm 3 classes shy of my second B.S. (Kinesiology degree) and interning with the same Big XII football program. In the spring, I will graduate and intern again at another Big XII school with my former S&C. These internships are unpaid but necesscary to build my resume and get your foot in the door. I am lucky to know a lot of people in the field but still must attain my Master's degree and be and assistant for several years to earn a head job somewhere. So in the end, it has taken a lot of work and I'm not doing it for the $$$, because there isn't any $$$ until you get in the right situition, which takes time. If you're going to do it, do it cause you love it.