Being a Personal Trainer

[The Magus]

So after a looooong journey to get here, I'm embarking on a career in the fitness industry and was wondering if any other members here would like to share their experiences in workibg as personal trainers, fitness coaches, etc. Just starting out, I have a lot yet to learn and thought this is as good a place as any to network and share experiences.

Who here is or has been a trainer? How did you get started? What did you like best about it and what were your toughest challenges?

[inflated]

I run a gym in Ireland, and the best advice is get certified --ask local gyms what certifications they accept and go from there. Also working for a gym--you will not make much money. The best thing is to find a gym that allows you to be a trainer there without being employed by them--then you can set rates, specialize in training the way you think is best etc. You need to have an outward appearance of fitness--nobody wants a doughy trainer. Learn about nutrition it is even more valuable than training in the gym--nutritional advice and putting together diet plans for people is what most clients really need, not some lunkhead counting over them while they exercise. Have confidence in your knowledge and others will too.