Hi, couple of questions - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[evo360]

Hi guys,

I have recently started looking into becoming a personal trainer. Its something that I have thought about in the past as I would love to encourage and improve and promote fitness amongst people. About three years ago I was about four stone overweight, and pretty un motivated to do anything about it. I lost my job at the time and really didnt know what to do next. I decided to join the Navy but obviously having no real fitness and carrying a lot of weight I turned to boxing to try and get to the required standard. In short I loved it and couldnt get enough of it. The buzz I experienced after training was immense and I just wanted other people to know what they were missing. I lost the weight I needed, got strong and fit and got into the navy. As it turns out, this wasnt really the right move for me so I got out. I am now quite excited about the prospect of being a pt. but the problem is I am just getting over a hurrendous groin injury which I sustained during a game of football. Now I m confident that the injury is largely behind me, but so is my fitness! I am currently working but god I am so sick of it so I was looking to leave and start training as a PT in june. My questions for you guys are

1. My fitness isnt where it should be now but I could get to a reasonable level by june, but probably not to my best. Do you think I would be able to complete the course without being at quite 100%?

2. Swimming is not my forte, to say the least. Must be my technique because three or four lengths im blowing!! My fitness isnt that bad beleive me!!! Will this severly hamper me?

3. Can anyone give me a plan to stick to which will fast track me to a good level to start training? I do have some decent knowledge right now but from an insiders point of view, I feel would be invaluble.

Cheers guys I look forward to your responses and feedback.

[Christina]

Hello and welcome. Just curious... why do you need to reach such a high level of fitness? I am confused by your post. Are you in the UK? Do you have to pass some sort of physical fitness test in order to become a trainer?

Christina

[evo360]

No there is no fitness test as such but I would have thought that the course will be pysically demanding at certain points thats all. I just want to be sure that I'm ready before I jack in my existing well paid job! I'm in the uk btw. Any other opinions?

[Christina]

OK, I see. I am not sure how things are done in the UK, but in the US you just have to take a test. There are no courses that require a trainer to be physically fit. It obviously doesn't look good for a trainer to be overweight and/or unfit but being in top shape isn't a requirement for you to become a personal trainer. On the flip side, a trainer doesn't need to be a musclehead either.

Christina

[evo360]

Thanks for the relplies. I have spoken further to an adviser whom I'm want to do the course with and he concurs. Physical fitness is by no means a requirement but a good level of fitness with knowledge is the key. Thanks for your input

[EarnMorePT]

Hi evo360,

I am also a UK Trainer and I wanted to reasure you that just like the US you do not have to be physically fit to become a Trainer in the UK.

I can understand from a confidence point you would like to have a certain level of fitness as a valid reason for becoming a Trainer. However, the most successful Trainers that i work with are those that are not super fit or have athletic backgrounds. They are normal people, from normal backgrounds (not elite sport) and as a result clients can identify with them!

One of the most important steps I teach all my Trainers is to 'become the product of your own programme.' If you reflect health, vitality and a passion for what you do you will attract clients to you. This doesn't mean fitness this means health!

Well done for making the move to Personal Training. If you position your business correctly and become a 'heads up' Trainer you have the potential to thrive in this industry!

If you need any more help or advice give me a shout!

Matt

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

Hi Evo360
Since time is a limited just do circuits. try 3 strength exercise followed by 5 minutes of cardio

circuits are not only good for beginners but they can also really challenge people

many have heard of P90X. its basically a circuit -a very intense circuit however but a circuit routine nonetheless.
Hope that helps
Joe