Author Topic: Personal Trainers Talk  (Read 132628 times)

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Personal Trainers Talk
« on: April 19, 2006, 11:36:19 AM »
Are you a Personal Trainer?  Are you interesting in becoming one, either part-time or full-time?

This is the palce to talk about rates, certifications, competing, and all the other issues that go into working this complex and ever-changing job!  Chat away!

michael arvilla

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2006, 12:18:12 PM »
is it ok to wear "posing trunks" while training clients?

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2006, 12:22:07 PM »
Mike, you're perfect for this place!  How many clients do you take on? What kinda rates do you charge?  I do a few websites for trainers.  Most charge 40 to 50 per hour, and require a 4 week signup/contract.  Seems like it's be a great way to pick up a few bucks, and if you're going to drive to the gym anyway, mighta s well knock out a few clients!

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2006, 12:40:53 PM »
is it ok to wear "posing trunks" while training clients?

if you want to keep your client...NO
ANIMAL

michael arvilla

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2006, 12:41:30 PM »
Mike, you're perfect for this place!  How many clients do you take on? What kinda rates do you charge?  I do a few websites for trainers.  Most charge 40 to 50 per hour, and require a 4 week signup/contract.  Seems like it's be a great way to pick up a few bucks, and if you're going to drive to the gym anyway, mighta s well knock out a few clients!
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.

alexxx

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2006, 03:40:44 PM »
Charles Glass charges 400$ per hour and is booked all day. 12 hours a day if not more! :o He is a great trainer!
just push some weight!

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2006, 04:36:38 PM »
i plan on getting certfied next month and already have a job offer at my gym for over the summer and nest year on the weekends and after school.   problem will be getting poeple to think that they hsould listen to a 16 year old. haha...they never do, but ill be paid a just for being there anyway, regardless of if im trainiing or not.
d[-_-]b actin all cool

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2006, 04:53:49 PM »
Charles Glass charges 400$ per hour and is booked all day. 12 hours a day if not more! :o He is a great trainer!

Incredible.  Glass must make a mint. No wonder he looks like he gave up training.  With that much money per hour, it'd be pretttty hard to turn down clients.  I'd prob work 12 hours a day too.

alexxx

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2006, 05:15:39 PM »
Incredible.  Glass must make a mint. No wonder he looks like he gave up training.  With that much money per hour, it'd be pretttty hard to turn down clients.  I'd prob work 12 hours a day too.

yes its like equavalent to 15 of your websites in one day! :o
just push some weight!

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2006, 12:15:16 PM »
yes its like equavalent to 15 of your websites in one day! :o

Do I detect a hint of jealousy in this post?
6 meals lift heavy and 1/2 hr cardio

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2006, 02:27:23 PM »
Do I detect a hint of jealousy in this post?

 :-[ Oh great webdesigner 240 what are some tips to get work?
just push some weight!

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2006, 02:50:48 PM »
:-[ Oh great webdesigner 240 what are some tips to get work?

I approach all clients shirtless.  And sometimes I apply baby oil to seal the deal.  But back to personal training.  I know Mr Intenseone makes a killing doing it.  Does he charge 4 times what the other guys do, or work 4 times as much?

Mike

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2006, 05:40:29 PM »
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.

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2006, 05:59:44 PM »
Bravo! 

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #14 on: April 21, 2006, 08:31:00 AM »
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.

GREAT POST!!!!
thanks.................. ...

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #15 on: April 21, 2006, 08:55:16 AM »
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.

Mike, one thing I can guarantee after being a trainer close to 15 years, is the better shape you are in the easier it is to get/retain clientele. You should have a nice little boost in biz from your whole show/prep/weight loss. Use it well.

michael arvilla

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #16 on: April 21, 2006, 11:17:22 AM »
Mike, one thing I can guarantee after being a trainer close to 15 years, is the better shape you are in the easier it is to get/retain clientele. You should have a nice little boost in biz from your whole show/prep/weight loss. Use it well.


hmmmmmmm............righ t now im so grouchy and irritable (im sure it turns potential clients at my gym off)


your right i should put on a smile and get some new buisness (last month i did like $3.500 in new PT clients)
this month i have done 0 dollars................. .

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #17 on: April 22, 2006, 09:45:42 AM »
I've been doing this for a long time, and the one main things I would never do or recommend is working for a facility. I always have been on my own, I have about 25-30 steady clients not including the athletes and I also have a kids group program that I have been doing for some years now. I only pay the facility $450.00 per month. I agree with Mike's post (not Arvilla) about not doing bodybuilding training, although I will use some compound movements, I stick to more funtional training, I will basically train the average person the same way I would train an athlete (ex: strength, conditioning, etc) i also do alot of circut training and to break up the program a little we'll go to the track for some of the conditioning. Bottom line is anyone can teach the basics it's the diversity of the training that separates a good trainer from a GREAT trainer. A trainer can make a very comfortable living doin this provided it's done right!!

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #18 on: April 22, 2006, 10:08:26 AM »
What most people on this board doesn't understand....that functional training is for everyone.  The more knowledge you have on core/stability training, the more money you're going to make.  I know personally 6 personal trainers that make @ 150k (on the books) ....just for tax reasons.  In reality...make over 200k annually.  Most of them are former Marine Bodybuilders with big ego's.  When they started, they had a hard time keeping clients & getting a large referral base going (they were training regualr people like a bodybuilder).  When they took up balance & core stability training they're income doubled.   Over time, their client base increased (huge referral business alone), & the results that people were wanting, were receiving it.



Mike

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #19 on: April 22, 2006, 01:20:44 PM »
What most people on this board doesn't understand....that functional training is for everyone.  The more knowledge you have on core/stability training, the more money you're going to make.  I know personally 6 personal trainers that make @ 150k (on the books) ....just for tax reasons.  In reality...make over 200k annually.  Most of them are former Marine Bodybuilders with big ego's.  When they started, they had a hard time keeping clients & getting a large referral base going (they were training regualr people like a bodybuilder).  When they took up balance & core stability training they're income doubled.   Over time, their client base increased (huge referral business alone), & the results that people were wanting, were receiving it.




Functional Training can incorporate Bodybuilding, if that's the function.

Now, am I gonna spend half the session adjusting this Bodybuilders posture and explaining why sitting on unilateral, fixed-plane machines is bad?  Of couse not, that's what he wants. 
Does this client care about balance, stability, flexibility and the like?  Hell no! 

Eventually you will convice them that they can live a longer life and function better outside the gym with these things but, remember, Bodybuilders don't care if they're healthy, they want to look good.

I will, however, use certain Bodybuilding excersises as a foundation of many workouts.  My 80yr old grandma can squat.  Hell yeah she can!  It might be a bodyweight squat, but it's still a squat.

Have you ever seen a 35yr old mother do a perfect clean and press, it's beautiful.  6 in a row and she's wiped.  Much better then the ab machine and bicep curls she was doing with her other trainer. 

phew....I'm done.

Mike

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #20 on: April 22, 2006, 01:22:22 PM »
I've been doing this for a long time, and the one main things I would never do or recommend is working for a facility. I always have been on my own, I have about 25-30 steady clients not including the athletes and I also have a kids group program that I have been doing for some years now. I only pay the facility $450.00 per month. I agree with Mike's post (not Arvilla) about not doing bodybuilding training, although I will use some compound movements, I stick to more funtional training, I will basically train the average person the same way I would train an athlete (ex: strength, conditioning, etc) i also do alot of circut training and to break up the program a little we'll go to the track for some of the conditioning. Bottom line is anyone can teach the basics it's the diversity of the training that separates a good trainer from a GREAT trainer. A trainer can make a very comfortable living doin this provided it's done right!!

People LOVE to be trained like athletes.  I periodize them as well (General Strenth and Hypertrophy, Strength, Power and Metabolic Circuits), that way they never get bored and I can have some fun.  Great Post!

CQ

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #21 on: April 22, 2006, 01:35:06 PM »
What most people on this board doesn't understand....that functional training is for everyone.  The more knowledge you have on core/stability training, the more money you're going to make.  I know personally 6 personal trainers that make @ 150k (on the books) ....just for tax reasons.  In reality...make over 200k annually.  Most of them are former Marine Bodybuilders with big ego's.  When they started, they had a hard time keeping clients & getting a large referral base going (they were training regualr people like a bodybuilder).  When they took up balance & core stability training they're income doubled.   Over time, their client base increased (huge referral business alone), & the results that people were wanting, were receiving it.




I am glad you brought up income as people assume it is poorly paid. It all depends on you.For me, I am booked solid, with a waiting list for peak times [6am/6pm etc]. After 14 years I should be, plus I have lost almost 100lbs and milk that for all it's work with my before/after pics plastered everywhere...hehe...It is my own gym, with overhead being covered entirely by the business itself. I charge $45 a session, however they do 30 mins cardio, so in reality I only have them for 1/2 hour...so I do [US dollars] $90 p/hr.

The biggest thing IMO about being a trainer isn't all just certifications and all that trash. It is just about you, your persona, how you relate to people [read: talk shit] and how you can improve their self esteem.

I live in a small area, so I have to focus on client retention as I have a limited client pool to draw from. I cater to the richer type people here.I do all the little gay things, like give them bday cards, email them things I find that they may like and all that crap.

As far as training style - pretty intense. A lot of changes & variety. They pay for results.

Plus, my gym I have alot of amenties people do not think of. Laptops w/internet on the recumbent bikes, my changing rooms are done up super nice like some rich persons house, sugar free easter eggs out now for easter that type of trash. Everyone is different, but my style as worked wel for me over the years. I hope to step right out of training people [in person] in the next 2 years....


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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #22 on: April 22, 2006, 01:46:50 PM »
I am glad you brought up income as people assume it is poorly paid. It all depends on you.For me, I am booked solid, with a waiting list for peak times [6am/6pm etc]. After 14 years I should be, plus I have lost almost 100lbs and milk that for all it's work with my before/after pics plastered everywhere...hehe...It is my own gym, with overhead being covered entirely by the business itself. I charge $45 a session, however they do 30 mins cardio, so in reality I only have them for 1/2 hour...so I do [US dollars] $90 p/hr.

Just depends reallly.  Most of these guys that I know, worked for clubs just to get their feet wet.  They also were able to establish & maintain good records & a large customer following once they left.  They all eventually opened up their own training studios & since then, make a lot more money.

It didn't happen overnight but they had a very detailed personal business plan & stuck to it.


Quote
The biggest thing IMO about being a trainer isn't all just certifications and all that trash. It is just about you, your persona, how you relate to people [read: talk shit] and how you can improve their self esteem.

You hit the nail right on the head.

Quote
I live in a small area, so I have to focus on client retention as I have a limited client pool to draw from. I cater to the richer type people here.I do all the little gay things, like give them bday cards, email them things I find that they may like and all that crap.

As far as training style - pretty intense. A lot of changes & variety. They pay for results.

Plus, my gym I have alot of amenties people do not think of. Laptops w/internet on the recumbent bikes, my changing rooms are done up super nice like some rich persons house, sugar free easter eggs out now for easter that type of trash. Everyone is different, but my style as worked wel for me over the years. I hope to step right out of training people [in person] in the next 2 years....



I would love to go somewhere where they pass out candy

 ;D

knny187

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #23 on: April 22, 2006, 01:53:49 PM »
Functional Training can incorporate Bodybuilding, if that's the function.

I can agree with that

Quote
Now, am I gonna spend half the session adjusting this Bodybuilders posture and explaining why sitting on unilateral, fixed-plane machines is bad?  Of couse not, that's what he wants. 
Does this client care about balance, stability, flexibility and the like?  Hell no! 

Although they should if not now....most likely later in life.

Quote
Eventually you will convice them that they can live a longer life and function better outside the gym with these things but, remember, Bodybuilders don't care if they're healthy, they want to look good.


True dat

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Re: Personal Trainers Talk
« Reply #24 on: April 24, 2006, 09:56:38 AM »
What's up fellows? I was approached by a guy last week and he asked me if I wanted to be the trainer at a gym he is opening. It is going to be a 24 hour gym (ANYTIME FITNESS). He is letting me be my own boss in that I am not going to be his employee so that I can set my own rates. Not to blow my own horn but I think that I can do really well with this. I am 6'2" 280 lbs and plan to compete in October. So I have the look that I think helps when someone is looking for a trainer. I train hard and serious when I am in the gym. I plan to take this next couple of months and get my certification through ISSA and would like to start with my rates being $45-$50 an hour. We have two other gyms in the city, one being worlds gym. The demand is out there for trainers because there is only a few in the city and none of them look the part. Any advice that can be given will be greatly appreciated. PEACE!!!