Career Path Help

[ramsesthe2]

I'm working full time as a mechanical engineer but am looking to start a career in personal training. I'm considering getting a part time training job just to gain some experience and then offering an in-home personal training service and opening a studio once my client base grows.

Is this the optimal path? Am I better off offering the in home service right away or should I gain that initial experience?

For the experienced trainers, what would you have done differently at the start of your career? What were the major obstacles and challenges?

What do you consider the pinnacle of a personal training career? Owning your own studio with employees? What is the maximum potential?

Thanks for your help and will rep with my measly rep power.

[Lasharm]

I would recommend getting out there and working for a gym-even if only part time-to build up your resume. You can use your time there to build up contacts in the fitness world and to be getting your own studio set up.

Jumping right into the training world and building your own studio can cost you time and money. Depending on what type of studio, a cheap one (various weights from craigslist, some yoga equipment and balls, a bench, etc...) out of your home could cost a few hundred for equipment and then you have to get insurance to cover the unfortunate. Also, if you do this, you could end up without clients if you don't have any former experience in training (most people seem to prefer the more experienced).

Have you ever worked in a gym or do you have your personal trainer certification? If you haven't, make sure this is what you want to do before investing your cash into it. As far as certifications go, go to the local gyms and ask what certifications they would accept and go for it. There are good certs out there (ACSM, ACE, NASM, ISSA, etc...) , just don't get pulled in by one of the lesser known ones or the ones you can print off the web for $50... those make it impossible to get a job or insurance.

If this helps, please rep me... I don't know why I am in the red but I want out...

[bluemoldycheeze]

I think the best bet is to frequent forums like these and develop your own website showing your own progress and the services you offer.

If people notice your own personal results, they'll be more likely to buy personal training from you.

That's usually how people get into it. I think.

[QuadR]

Getting out there, getting experience is the best way to be considered a good trainer. Many times, so called trainers go and begin to fool a person with minimal technique, knowledge, etc... and this is how we get a bad name in many aspects. You should focus on gaining as much knowledge as you can, always learning something new whether it be exercises, techniques, supplements, dieting tips, etc... every thing you can grasp is your advantage to success and satisfaction, IMO.

Major challenges or obstacles for me personally, was making a name for myself, having a good rep and helping people reach their goal. It take dedication from you to help those looking for their goal to be accomplished. Once you have confidence in yourself, training someone, the rest comes easy, IMO.

The pinnacle for me is to be able to see a person who I have trained accomplish their goals due to my guidance dedication and assistance. There is no better feeling than a client giving you props as a return for their success, IMO.

Owing a personal gym is a good goal, but working and training clients at whatever facility, is a great feeling day in, and day out! Good Luck!!!

[ramsesthe2]

Thanks for your responses. I'm still in the middle of my own transformation but I'm hoping that initially being able to bring that transformation to the table will garner more clients. It looks like a good start would be working part-time at a gym so I will start applying places and let you guys know how things go!

[NorwichGrad]

Hey, man. I'm a Mechie-E as well. I do part-time personal training on the side because I love fitness. When you first got your BSME (or however you Canucks call it), it was just a piece of paper. Having earned the title "engineer" meant you had to spend time in the real world and learn from seasoned veterans, right? Same thing with anything else in life, including PT. Find yourself a good mentor. Even if you have to work as a dependent under somebody's wing, you owe it to yourself to receive that "education" from the school of hard knocks.

I was fortunate enough to become an apprentice of one of the most successful trainers in my area. 28 years as a trainer and a former Navy SEAL. Not all newbie trainers are lucky enough to land this opportunity. I'm getting great mentorship from him, and I am helping my clients reach their goals.

Good luck to you. It's not easy juggling two professions, but if you love and have passion for both, you'll be great.