Fitness Cure

I can’t tell you how many people I hear want to be a personal trainer because they ‘like to workout’. Liking to workout and liking to teach someone else how/why to workout is a completely different story.

Here are some things about the fitness industry people don’t tell you about:

1. It’s a business. While everything stems from passion, the fact is: is that there’s paperwork, sales, deadlines, stress and drama. There is a bottom line – so regardless of how ‘passionate’ you are, or how ‘laid back’ you want your life to be: whenever there is a dollar sign you better believe you need to work, and work hard!
2. Not everyone is qualified to manage a gym. Most managers in any industry tend to be the ’sales generators’. This is also the case in the fitness industry. This means that if you are looking for guidance, leadership and a role model, you are most likely going to be disappointed when you seek ‘fitness inspiration’ from a gym manager/owner.

3. Not everyone is qualified to personal train a client. So sad. I think this is one of the saddest realizations when you get ‘in’ the fitness industry. Most trainers are young and have no idea what it means to train injuries, postural problems, pregnant women, old people, etc. Most trainers are young and train people the way they like to train themselves. Attaining a certificate from a national organization is easier than you think.

4. Most personal trainers are ‘part timers’ - that means they don’t get health benefits and don’t qualify for full-time employee perks, such as vacation and a 401k.

5. Specialty is the future. Specialize! You can be the trainer who teaches how to be better at golf, or rehabilitate clients…you can be known as a pilates pro or drill sargeant. Whoever you choose to be, make sure you choose to be something because you don’t want to get lost in the crowd of ‘wannabes.’

Are you mentally, physically and professionally fit for the job?

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