Home Job – Working for Yourself: Personal Trainer

20. Jan, 2010 0 Comments

So you want to be a Personal Trainer

“Heart disease, stroke and other forms of cardiovascular disease remain the No. 1 and most costly killer in the United States, taking the lives of far too many loved ones and friends each year. Medical research is our best defense—leading to new ways to prevent, treat and even cure heart disease and stroke.” www.americanheart.org

Another common killer is stress. As our technology increases, we have a tendency to want things now. The tendency of wanting things now along with the way the economy is going—stress has been a major issue. Long-term stress on the body can cause you to age prematurely, have a lower resistance to sickness, as well as die at an early age.
One of the ways to prevent these common killers – is Exercise! Not only an active lifestyle is needed but you also need healthy eating habits—a personal trainer’s job is to provide all of these for his/her clients. Many Americans will need and have a desire to re-train their bodies in order to have a chance at a much longer healthier life; this is where you, as a personal trainer step in.

It’s a Business

Having a home job, working for yourself has its perks. You will never be out of a job as more and more people are seeking ways to get themselves in shape. But instead of looking at this like a job—this is very much your own business. You will have to advertise and market to gain clientele. You will need business cards, possibly a website, newspaper ads, etc. You can also setup your own schedule. You do have a choice of working with a company versus as a business. Also—do you look the part? I will only hire a personal trainer who looks the way I want to look in the long run. If you look like a couch potato or your stomach is hanging over your belt—I won’t hesitate to go to the next trainer.

Much more than a Business

Just like when I asked—“Do you look the part?” Looking the part in this profession involves the following:
· Passion – Are you going to continue your education? Will you stay motivated and zealous in regards to training?
· Fortitude – Do you have what it takes to stick with it? (even when business is slow?)
· Diligence – Are you thorough and attentive to your client?
Yes—you can be without these traits and still have a legitimate business. These qualities give you an edge and help you to become successful much sooner. And if you didn’t have these qualities, I would probably be willing to bet that you will either get burned out or bored fairly soon. That’s why people who have a home job, working for themselves should dig deep and look at the quality of business they give; and if the quality is over and above—you will probably be able to sleep wonderful at night.

What is Expected?

Your job is to teach individuals how to perform exercises properly so they can avoid injuries and be able to maximize their workouts for better results. Here are some of the top reasons people hire a trainer:

· Qualifications – This is where your training comes in. You went to school and look the part. You are supposed to know the correct and incorrect ways to perform an exercise. Trainers are qualified to create a personalized workout and nutrition plan to fit your goals.

· Motivation – Trainers are aware that if most people left it up to themselves to get up and workout—they probably would still be at home watching television. A trainer will be able to provide the necessary motivation (just like in boot camp) to get you where you need to be as he or she understands your desired goals and needs.

· Dedication – When you go to a personal trainer, sometimes you wish that you could be his/her only student. A trainer should be able to focus in on you and your needs and always provide you with up-to-date advice and attention. How well do you know your client? Have you done your homework on his/her specific needs?

Marketing ideas / Find your Niche

“Okay, I understand you want me to pay this much—but what makes you so different from the rest? I might as well save some money and go down the street.”

You have to find your niche in this market. Many markets, such as these, are over-saturated because of the demand for personal training. But how are you going to sell yourself, regardless of how the economy looks? One way to do it is to find your niche—how different are you from the rest? Do you have a specialty that not many trainers provide? Because I’m not a personal trainer—I can’t tell you what your niche should be; however, I can tell you that finding a specific niche will be the difference in deciding whom I will go to for service. I’m not going to give my money just to anyone—I need to know how you are different or better than the rest—and I have a right to do that!