So, I was looking for a better gig than bouncing while I am still in school. I was having trouble finding something that was fairly lucrative, but still provided flexibility to finish my degree. I have had my personal training certification for over six years and havent used it, so I figured to hell with it and went on some interviews for a personal trainer position. Surprisingly, I ended up at Anytime Fitness. Doing what I do in the gym, my first inclination was that me working there was kind of a joke. Then I thought about it a lot and realized that 99% of the people that work out have absolutely no desire to take it to the level I do, and I should be more respectful of that. Just because I need certain things to train, doesnt mean that their gym isnt perfect for their needs. I got extremely lucky and found and owner who takes very good care of his staff. $30 per hour and 20% commission on every membership sold. As long as it pays the bills, I realized it doesnt matter which gym I train people out of (as long as it isnt Planet Fitness). We as strength athletes are quick to damn a gym if it doesnt allow chalk or have a decent squat rack. We fail to realize that we make up a ridiculously small percentage of gym goers in this world. As long as people are at a gym, ANY gym, shouldnt them pursuing a healthier lifestyle be all that matters? Now, I will say, personal training sadly isnt about the knowledge you possess. I was talking circles around people in my interview. My training partner Mike has pointed out several times that there are quite a few people extremely successful in this industry who dont know shit, but they have a certain charisma and confidence that draws people to them. If you could couple that along with knowledge, there is a ridiculous amount of money to make in this industry. I asked some of my new clients what their old trainers had them do, some of the shit they told me is beyond mind boggling. Literally some of the dumbest shit I have ever heard. Then I asked why they trained with them (of course without bad mouthing their previous trainer to them). They said because they were personable, motivated, and SEEMED like they knew their stuff--seemed. Mind blowing. It really should be more difficult to get a personal training certification. I got mine at 22 and I know orders of magnitude than I did then. Granted, most PTs likely have more knowledge than the average gym goer, but they dont understand the application of that knowledge...at all. This industry is quite the twilight zone.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 01:12:46 +0000
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