Newbie seeks guidance - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[GFitness]

Hi everyone,

Just a few weeks ago I got certified by the NFPT and would like to get out there and start looking for clients. I'd like to focus on in-home training services because I don't feel I have the experience or credentials to seek out an agreement with a local gym. Does anyone have any advice for someone who's just starting out and could use a little direction? Any advice -marketing technique, business practices, training strategy -- anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Greg

[Christina]

Hi Greg and welcome to the forum! I am just starting out myself so I cannot offer you a lot of advice but have you had the chance to create a business plan? I think this would be a good starting point.

Christina

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

Greg,

Don't rule out contracting with a gym. You've got a certification and that is more than some personal trainers out there have. They should welcome you with open arms. Gyms are good places to get experience and started.

If you are going to train people in their homes, make sure you know the market/niche you are going after, where these peopel shop,eat, get their haircut, etc. And advertise in those areas. If you are friendly with a high end hair salon or spa, ask if you can put your cards out or "Partner" with them. If youv'e written any articles (They don't have to be published articles) bring them with you and ask the spa owner or hair salon owner if you can put them in with the magazines people read while they wait for their appointment.

Jim Labadie, Eric Ruth and Phil Kaplan all have great marketing idea materials.

Good Luck.

Dave

[GFitness]

Since I posted I've been talking with the director of a local gym about contracting with them. We're having a second meeting this week and I think it looks pretty good. Thanks so much for the advice and words of encouragment - the business world's scary when you're a greenhorn just startin out!

[klnelli]

Hello
You said the business world is scary 8) The best advice i was given when i first started was to be confident. You are a certified trainer...you have knowledge, and you have the desire. If you believe in yourself and your career the business world will not seem as scary. Be friendly and likable!

For marketing, I too have found Jim Labadie and Phil Kaplan helpful as they have free news letters that send out great ideas for marketing yourself. I also found a conference that is held once a year in Ft Lauderdale, Fl. Phil Kaplan will be one of the presenters. The entire conference directed towards personal trainers and how to have a successful business. The website is http://www.personaltrainerbusiness.com
Hope this helps

[FitNut77]

[/b]Thank you, klnelli, for suggesting that website! I've found it to be very informative and helpful, particularly for those wanting to start their own business in personal training. I am a new trainer myself, a recent graduate of NPTI and currently studying for my NASM exam, and have just landed my first job of my new career after 13 years in nursing. I plan on pursuing my own personal training biz one day, but am currently working in a gym to gain more knowledge and experience before I venture out on my own. I must admit, I am a bit nervous and my confidence was shaky at first but, I truly believe that, while certs are important in continuing education, landing good jobs and are reflective of a PT's knowledge for clients, it is also important how a personal trainer applies his or herself in the field and strives for excellence. One thing I learned in my healthcare career is that schooling is quite different from empirical experience!
I'm new to this forum, btw. Just joined today and I look forward to getting to know all of you . I've browsed a bit and have already found so much helpful information and advice! I definitely plan on visiting here often.

Andi

[Christina]

Hi Andi and welcome! What did you think of NPTI? I have a friend whose daughter attended one in the Seattle area. She loved it!

Christina

[FitNut77]

I absolutley loved it, but I have to admit it was a little hectic at first. They were starting classes in a new facility and, for the first few months, it was very disorganized. We kept getting booted out of the education room lecture because they were going to use it for interviews, meetings or kids' pizza parties! We'd end up using any room that was unoccupied, such as the hot yoga room! The instructor couldn't figure out how to turn down the heat, so we'd sit through lecture and fry LOL. We also ended up going through a few different instructors before they found the right one! At least half of the original class was disappointed and ended up quitting, relocating or just left and decided they'd continue once that location had gotten with the program.
I know all this sounds horrible but, once we got past all the chaos, the lecture and practical hours were very insightful and fascinating! I learned so much at NPTI. I didn't have thousands of dollars to waste on an education only to quit partway through it like the others. I was too determined and wasn't gonna let anything deter me. Some of the class kept in touch with the ones who'd gone to a different location and we would hear about how great things were for them there and there was never any problem. I decided to stay where I was because I prefer a challenge in any way I can get one and I knew that if I made it through that class, I could do anything! LOL
In the end, it ended up being the best investment I've made so far in my life. My favorite part was when we paired up with another classmate and did an 8-week client/trainer simulation.
Anywho...sorry about the drawn out explanation LOL

Andi

[Christina]

Hi Andi,

I laughed out loud when I read that you had to take one of your classes in a heated room!!! :lol: I assume the room was heated on purpose because of the type of yoga?

I'm confused... were the classes held at a community college? I assumed NPTI had their own building.

What a crazy experience! Glad you enjoyed it! How many people went through the program with you?
Christina

[FitNut77]

Yes, the room was overly heated for hot yoga classes. I eventually started keeping an extra set of light clothing in my car just in case we ended up in there lol.
My classes were held at Life Time Fitness. At first, there were about 20 people or so in my class but, after some dropping the class or relocating, we ended up with about 10 in the end.
Sorry it took me so long to reply. I was trying to find my way back here but couldn't remember the name of the forum! lol