How realistic is it to get off the ground without first working at a commercial gym?

[aintliftingthat]

I've been doing some research and thinking about going into training. I have a BS in Exercise Science, but no cert yet (which I plan to get soon). Been out for a couple years, trying to find my place in the work world and I'm just struggling, so I figured why not make a living doing something I love.

The problem is all the gyms around here hire trainers directly and they work a set schedule (usually full time). That won't really jive with my current job and these gyms also pay peanuts so I can't quit my current job, either if I want to be able to eat.

[GTTony]

You are actually in a pretty similar situation as myself right now. I have a full time job that will really pay off later down the line alongside my personal training side job. I've looked into the gym positions as well and don't think there is much room for growth there.

What I have done to make use of my NASM is offer private sessions at my client's homes, my home gym, and even at a public private gym for trainer-clients only. An older trainer told me that although you get a lot of experience dealing with people through a gym position, the pay is meager and you have to deal with a lot of other bull****. If you are personable enough and motivated you can easily find some clients to work with you after your working hours.

[Burnzy7]

I did. I started as a mobile PT and started a few community hall fitness classes. Built these up, then started a bootcamp (full straight away as all my current class members signed up) . Gained pt clients from the classes and the rest is history.
1 year later i now run my own warehouse fitness facility!

Sounds easy, worked on average of 14 hours a day, 7 days a week for the past year. But its certainly worth it. And i started with £80.00 in my bank (around $110?)

Hope this helps and i wish you sucess!

[aintliftingthat]

Thanks, guys. My main concern is just being comfortable around clients and getting experience there before really setting out. I'm going to train some friends to work the kinks out while working towards my cert. My GF is also an RD who is getting her own business up and running as a personal stylist, so the client stream is there.

[MaxFuark]

I got my start coaching boxing and them got my cert and started doiing personal training sessions with the weights and stuff we had at the gym. Built my business from the ground up and learned everything the hard way. It paid off though I get a great rate in terms of what I have to give to the gym for rent. Because of that I can charge less than other local gyms and make more per session.

I'm getting a solid stream of clients and starting up a bootcamp in the new year for more money.

[WoofieNugget]

Look for a company that specializes in home workouts or work place workouts - they are usually small companies that have a small staff of maybe 2-3 trainers. Either that or boutique gyms/studios will often be looking for extra trainers part time as well to take overflow.

[JohnSmeton]

plenty of people become Independent personal trainers from scratch. is this what you mean an independent personal trainer where you set your own rates and makes deals with other gyms to train in their facility?

[aintliftingthat]

plenty of people become Independent personal trainers from scratch. is this what you mean an independent personal trainer where you set your own rates and makes deals with other gyms to train in their facility?

Yes, I'm talking about being independent from the start. As far as where to train, I haven't though that through too much yet. The plan is to eventually own my own small facility, but until then I think the best plan is to buy some equipment and go to the clients. My reasoning is I think it will be easier to build a base if I market myself as, "mobile trainer who comes to you".