The Fitness Industry is booming y’all. No longer is being a trainer a part-time job for a college student…it’s become a $40k-$80k+ for many, many people.

If you are interested in becoming a trainer then it really is as simple as 1-2-3.

1: Decide that you want to become a trainer

2: Talk to the fitness manager of your gym

3: Complete the minimum requirements

AND Then get started!

When I first became a personal trainer, I didn’t know ANYTHING about weight training. I took the random weight training class and sometimes performed crunches on the gym floor, but I never knew ‘what it took’ to become a personal trainer. In my case, the fitness manager approached me (after I won a push up contest amongst friends) and asked if I had ever thought about entering the fitness industry. The next day I interviewed with him and proved that I not only had a passion to help people, but I had a minimum amount of fitness knowledge and ability to learn. He then gave me a book to study so I can pass the prerequisite fitness test in 2 weeks. (I passed it in one!) Soon after, I became hired despite having no experience and no education.

I took a 5 day course provided by the company and coupled that education with my personal studies and daily workouts with my manager. In as little as one month I became a personal trainer and started training clients for $50+ /per session. (of course, I only received a cut of that)

My 1-2-3 approach sounds too simple, but it really, really is. Keep in mind that if you want to get hired at exclusive health clubs, then having a degree or a national certification is required. Of course, I highly recommend having a national certification like NASM, ACE, AFAA and ACSM, but I encourage you to first talk to your potential fitness manager to see what their minimal requirements are first. For me, I received my NASM certification many years after first becoming a personal trainer.

The 1-2-3 lesson is good life lesson for all y’all because what I’m really saying is that you: Have to embody passion then direct it towards the person in charge (not someone on a website who can give you advice but not real direction) and then follow through by taking the first, simple steps to get started. Of course, you won’t be a superstar trainer in your first few months, but you have to start somewhere so do whatever you can to get started and push!

Here’s some extra tips:

- Research local gyms
- Befriend your gym’s fitness manager
- Research when a national fitness certification will be hosting workshops in your area
- Talk to your favorite group instructor
- Learn the basics of anatomy and physiology
- Create a plan and follow through

Make your passion your career!

 
Check out my interview with Fitness Manager Jason Allen! We talk about what it takes to get it, what it takes to succeed and how to balance your passion with career and family!