hmmm, where to begin. Well I take on as many clients as come into World Gym looking for a personal trainer, so it varies. The gym charges rates based on the size of the PT package (ie: the more sessions you purchase the less per hour). You have to bust your ass to get clients as not everyone who goes to the gym thinks they need a trainer...but I have to say, the majority that do go to the gym...should have a PT. Clients are offered 4 VIP sessions (free personal training sessions). It is my job to help them understand that they need more training. Most don't go for it, they think they know all and can handle their training themselves (some can, some are an accident waiting to happen). PT sessions aren't cheap and that's how most members look at it. It can sometimes be a cut throat job. Those who do buy packages expect results (even when they are chowing down pizza on the side) and if they don't see it ... they don't resign. It can be a lot of pressure and a lot of work. I spend most nights receiving food logs from my clients and going over what they can and can't eat with them, so my job doesn't end when I walk out of the gym. It's a face to face job and you always have to put on a smile even when in a bad mood. Believe me, I love what I do, but it isn't glamorous by any means.
I've been doing this a little while, attended lots of seminars and have seen a lot of bad training. I think I might have some good advice.
First off, leave World Gym. I was at one of their conventions and I spoke to a few owners and managers and I really think they're tryin to "revamp their image. " This can be good and bad. I'd opt for a more stable, PT studio-type gym. You're in Florida right? Look up IHP (institute for human performance) in Boca Raton. That's the kinda place you wanna be at.
Second, no more bodybuilding training. I see these trainers having 80 year old women (literally) doing isolated bb bicep curls supersetted with tricep extensions. But that will make their arms smaller right? Wrong! It's ok to give them what they want but, eventually, you have to give them what they need and convince them it's what they want. After all, you're the professional. Look into NASM instead of ISSA, and to incorporate some functional and core training (bad words on this board). You'd be suprised how much a person will start to listen when you show them how to do a proper floor or stability ball crunch (proper neck alignment, neutral spine position, hyper extension, contraction, foot placement -not against a wall).
Last, try to get them to look beyond the $ signs and see the VALUE of the training. I call it the "layer beneath the layer." Sure, 66% of people join gyms to lose weight, but WHY? Their nephew called them fat. They can't fit in an airplane seat. They have to go to Big and Tall stores. 95% of all sales (gym sales included) are based on emotion. Get that first...their results will follow.
Sorry, I modified it alitlle, I had one of my front desk girls bust me for looking at "gay porno" i.e. Masters Olympia pics.
