Demand for Personal Trainers

OzMister · 03-09-2014 4:47pm #1

Hey all,

Is their a demand for personal trainers at the mo. I already hold a full time job in another sector, yet have always loved keeping myself in shape. I normally work 3 days a week so I'm thinking of doing a personal trainers course and starting up a private practice on my days off. I just love living healthy and being fit and would love to be of help to others looking for the same. But is their a demand oft it?

Many a thanks

OzMister

Darkest Horse · 03-09-2014 5:33pm

In my opinion, not to the extent that there was maybe 7/8 years ago. On the other hand maybe there is but it's just spread over a wider group of trainers because of the low entry barriers and the propensity of bored people like yourself getting into it for the hell of it. I think I'm being a little harsh there maybe but to me the current fitness landscape is skewed more towards group training, crossfit and road cycling. They seem to be the current popular pursuits, love it or hate it. There is probably a good market there for semi-private training but only for those trainers that are really good and have accumulated a few years experience. Right off the bat, probably not. For the most part I think the profession, if you can call it that at this stage, is being undermined by the sheer number of people doing it who, in turn, offer cheaper and cheaper prices to attempt to carve out a place in a competitive market. If you can learn the game from a good trainer/coach and cut through all the bull**** of the commercial side of the fitness industry and programme safely and effectively and apply good business principles, there is probably a mediocre living to be made. Trainers don't get offended, these are my biased opinions derived from my experiences.

OzMister · 03-09-2014 5:54pm

Did I say I was bord? Did I say I was getting in to for the hell of it? Iv been training for the last 15 years and in much better shape than a lot of p.t I see round the place. My only regret is that I didn't pursue this as a profession a few years ago. I'm doing this because it makes me happy and for no other reason.

draiochtanois · 03-09-2014 6:09pm

This post has been deleted.

endacl · 03-09-2014 6:11pm

draiochtanois wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

In fairness, the op sounded fairly happy in the opening post. Before being shot down for no good reason...

tenifan · 03-09-2014 6:17pm

OzMister wrote: »

Did I say I was bord? Did I say I was getting in to for the hell of it? Iv been training for the last 15 years and in much better shape than a lot of p.t I see round the place.

I don't think it matters hugely if you're really fit, as much as whether you'd be a good trainer - good at motivating people, teaching them correct technique for exercises, even general skills in running a small business will be important (you need insurance for a start, and don't be surprised if the tax man starts sniffing about).

My current group trainer does it part-time and his classes are never empty. Some actually have waiting lists.

On the other hand, another trainer I know of gets plenty of people to his class but can't get any recurring business.. he's superfit and outgoing which gets him business, but he's not that good, which is why he can't keep it.

Anyway, to answer your question.. if you're in the right area, and have the right facilities, work hard and get a few good clients, your business can grow through word of mouth.

The fact you're doing a 3-day week, permanent job means you can grow your side business at your leisure.

Darkest Horse · 03-09-2014 6:31pm

OzMister wrote: »

Did I say I was bord? Did I say I was getting in to for the hell of it

No but I took it upon myself to presume that. I admitted I was being a little harsh. Sorry.

Being into health and fitness for years on end doesn't partially qualify you in my opinion though. Nearly every profile I see on trainers' websites start off by saying "[insert name here] has been passionate about health and fitness all his/her life" as if we are to take that as validation of their abilities. It's a prerequisite of course but it doesn't give you any more marketability than the next trainer.

OzMister · 03-09-2014 6:50pm

Darkest Horse wrote: »

No but I took it upon myself to presume that. I admitted I was being a little harsh. Sorry.

Being into health and fitness for years on end doesn't partially qualify you in my opinion though. Nearly every profile I see on trainers' websites start off by saying "[insert name here] has been passionate about health and fitness all his/her life" as if we are to take that as validation of their abilities. It's a prerequisite of course but it doesn't give you any more marketability than the next trainer.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and I don't think I'm better or less than anyone. I know my capabilities, and I know for a fact I'd be doing it for the correct reasons.

Golfnut77 · 03-09-2014 6:55pm

OzMister wrote: »

Hey all,

Is their a demand for personal trainers at the mo. I already hold a full time job in another sector, yet have always loved keeping myself in shape. I normally work 3 days a week so I'm thinking of doing a personal trainers course and starting up a private practice on my days off. I just love living healthy and being fit and would love to be of help to others looking for the same. But is their a demand oft it?

Many a thanks

OzMister

I've been working as a personal trainer for the last 12 years, I've never been so busy as I have been the last 3 years in particular, a massive uptake in clients particularly women. However, although it's relatively straight forward to become qualified, building a client base is a whole other story, I was lucky enough that my name got around through word of mouth in my area and now I have the clients to keep me going.

If you have a presence on social media then maybe something like Pat Divilly has done through his Facebook page, creating online workout programmes, as well as a cook book then maybe it would be easier for you to build a client base than it was for me starting out.

endacl · 03-09-2014 7:05pm

OzMister wrote: »

Everyone has to start somewhere, and I don't think I'm better or less than anyone. I know my capabilities, and I know for a fact I'd be doing it for the correct reasons.

The fact is, I suppose, that there are hundreds of people scraping a living at PT. And there are a few making a decent living. And a few less minting it!

Like any business, I'd say do your research. There is definitely a market, but it is glutted with people who are all doing the same thing, and in the same way. If I were you, I'd be looking at specialising. What can you do that nobody else is doing? What can you potentially do better than others?

I always thought, for example, that there would be a nice little niche for training at home. Making house calls for thirty minute sessions with portable equipment. Light weights, kettle bells, resistance bands etc. Plus, if you supply these, selling bespoke sets to clients might be another revenue generating stream. A roster of clients, weekly, fortnightly and monthly? Maybe a 'Tupperware party' type of thing once a month to drum up a bit of business.

The hardest part of setting up any business is setting it up! Best of luck with it.

draiochtanois · 04-09-2014 9:36am

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Vet Thrower · 04-09-2014 10:04am

It's relatively common for companies to have a link with personal finance advisers who come into the office for a day a month and are available to help people with mortgages, pension advice etc. In reality, they are there to sell financial products, but people like it anyway, so it's a win-win.

I think there is an opportunity there for personal trainers to start doing the same thing. Most American multinationals have a 'wellness' agenda that they need to be seen to do something about.

Set up in a meeting room once a month, carry out assessments, and give people exercise and diet programmes for the following month. As well as whatever fee you get from the company, you would probably win a few new clients, and you could even sell a few supplements or whatever while you were at it.

endacl · 04-09-2014 10:10am

draiochtanois wrote: »

If he wants to get into any business he will need to develop a thicker skin and a more pleasant disposition in general will help.

This isn't a business situation though, is it? It's a conversation on a discussion board. He asked a simple and reasonable question. I just thought your response to it was a little harsh and unnecessary.

Hanley · 04-09-2014 10:10am

Vet Thrower wrote: »

It's relatively common for companies to have a link with personal finance advisers who come into the office for a day a month and are available to help people with mortgages, pension advice etc. In reality, they are there to sell financial products, but people like it anyway, so it's a win-win.

I think there is an opportunity there for personal trainers to start doing the same thing. Most American multinationals have a 'wellness' agenda that they need to be seen to do something about.

Set up in a meeting room once a month, carry out assessments, and give people exercise and diet programmes for the following month. As well as whatever fee you get from the company, you would probably win a few new clients, and you could even sell a few supplements or whatever while you were at it.

^^^ legend of an idea

draiochtanois · 04-09-2014 10:34am

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Doug Cartel · 04-09-2014 11:51am

endacl wrote: »

This isn't a business situation though, is it?

If he wants to make a business out of fitness, then everything he posts here is now a business situation.

swimming in a sea · 04-09-2014 3:33pm

If you're good you won't have to find work all you'll be doing is turning it down.

They're so many poor Personal Trainers in the market, offering cheap rates and they just follow their client around the gym filling out a training log they probably downloaded off the internet.

Hanley · 04-09-2014 3:50pm

swimming in a sea wrote: »

If you're good you won't have to find work all you'll be doing is turning it down.

They're so many poor Personal Trainers in the market, offering cheap rates and they just follow their client around the gym filling out a training log they probably downloaded off the internet.

I wish that was true... but it's not.

Alf Veedersane · 04-09-2014 3:52pm

swimming in a sea wrote: »

If you're good you won't have to find work all you'll be doing is turning it down.

...assuming your voice can be heard above the din.

Darkest Horse · 04-09-2014 4:06pm

Hanley wrote: »

I wish that was true... but it's not.

Ha ha! I was just about to say the same thing!

OzMister · 05-09-2014 8:06am

draiochtanois wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Looks to me you don't want anymore people coming on to the market just admit it, for some reason my thread upsets you. I was only asking a general question about personal training, and you had to be a smart arse toward me putting words in my mouth and making unnecessary assumptions about my intentions. Iv dealt with people like you before and I will again, but I do it with a smile on my face.

Thanks for those who gave me solid info, positive and negative.

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 05-09-2014 1:36pm

I work in Sandyford, to my knowledge there are 7 gyms in the area of 500m around eachother. A Ben Dunne, 2 new large personal training olympic lifting type gyms. Crossfit Ireland, and two more established personal training gyms and one new small personal training gym. I have tried a few of them and they are all good gyms. Westwood is near also.

I do wonder how much saturation the market can take. And while I think there is great value in personal training this sort of density will lead to a race to the bottom, and make it hard to make a living at it.

While its easy to see this attitude as a attempt to limit new entrants into the market ( I have no dog in this fight), the fact is that on average half of personal trainers will be below average quality.

Like any business people who are good at their job (technically and inter-personally) will have success and those without will fail. You would want to have a strong desire to excel in business, marketing, professionally, and you would have to have the ability to withstand a number of years of financial deprivation.

I think personal training is a hard game, and inherent in it is that if your good your clients wont need you anymore as you will have taught them the skills to alter their body composition on their own.

Darkest Horse · 05-09-2014 2:58pm

Finley Calm Arena wrote: »

I work in Sandyford, to my knowledge there are 7 gyms in the area of 500m around eachother. A Ben Dunne, 2 new large personal training olympic lifting type gyms. Crossfit Ireland, and two more established personal training gyms and one new small personal training gym. I have tried a few of them and they are all good gyms. Westwood is near also.

I do wonder how much saturation the market can take. And while I think there is great value in personal training this sort of density will lead to a race to the bottom, and make it hard to make a living at it.

While its easy to see this attitude as a attempt to limit new entrants into the market ( I have no dog in this fight), the fact is that on average half of personal trainers will be below average quality.

Like any business people who are good at their job (technically and inter-personally) will have success and those without will fail. You would want to have a strong desire to excel in business, marketing, professionally, and you would have to have the ability to withstand a number of years of financial deprivation.

I think personal training is a hard game, and inherent in it is that if your good your clients wont need you anymore as you will have taught them the skills to alter their body composition on their own.

In principle that's how it should work but a lot of people just want accountability whether they know how to train and eat or not. The race to the bottom you refer to has long been under way. Like any industry with low entry barriers I think the onset of the economic recession caused many people to search for any port in a storm and because lots of people like training themselves, what better way to weather that storm than by training others and getting paid for it? It's this idealistic notion that motivates people to take various meaningless certifications from certifying bodies who play up to the dream and help saturate the market. I don't use this phrase lightly but to me the industry has become quite lowbrow in certain sectors/areas. But it's unfair to just come down on the fitness industry. It applies elsewhere also. For instance, a friend of mine who is a qualified solicitor who does not practice, noticed a similar trend in the legal game whereby an influx of people to do the law examinations was a factor in falling salaries. I'm not sure but I think the accountancy sector might be experiencing a similar trend.

Transform · 05-09-2014 9:04pm

Finley Calm Arena wrote: »

I work in Sandyford, to my knowledge there are 7 gyms in the area of 500m around eachother. A Ben Dunne, 2 new large personal training olympic lifting type gyms. Crossfit Ireland, and two more established personal training gyms and one new small personal training gym. I have tried a few of them and they are all good gyms. Westwood is near also.

I do wonder how much saturation the market can take. And while I think there is great value in personal training this sort of density will lead to a race to the bottom, and make it hard to make a living at it.

While its easy to see this attitude as a attempt to limit new entrants into the market ( I have no dog in this fight), the fact is that on average half of personal trainers will be below average quality.

Like any business people who are good at their job (technically and inter-personally) will have success and those without will fail. You would want to have a strong desire to excel in business, marketing, professionally, and you would have to have the ability to withstand a number of years of financial deprivation.

I think personal training is a hard game, and inherent in it is that if your good your clients wont need you anymore as you will have taught them the skills to alter their body composition on their own.

there are now 3 yes 3 crossfit affiliates in sandyford!

dont agree with the final statement as thats not my experience

Nervous Wreck · 05-09-2014 9:38pm

Finley Calm Arena wrote: »

I think personal training is a hard game, and inherent in it is that if your good your clients wont need you anymore as you will have taught them the skills to alter their body composition on their own.

Strongly disagree.

nice_guy80 · 05-09-2014 10:06pm

within 5 years there will be a crossfit in every town with 15000+ people

time for someone else to come up with a better alternative that can be re-produced

JJayoo · 06-09-2014 1:32am

Bring in Planet Fitness and Pizza Tuesdays

Remmy · 06-09-2014 9:26am

JJayoo wrote: »

Bring in Planet Fitness and Pizza Tuesdays

ha do any of the globo type gyms in Ireland do this? I'd pay the payg fee then carb up

nc19 · 06-09-2014 9:33am

My gym cant keep a PT on staff. As soon as the PT has built a reputation they leave and start boot camps etc. My gym has had a sign saying 'PT starting soon' for months

id say theres a demand

LuckyLloyd · 06-09-2014 10:28am

Finley Calm Arena wrote: »

I think personal training is a hard game, and inherent in it is that if your good your clients wont need you anymore as you will have taught them the skills to alter their body composition on their own.

Ha! I've found a good setup with good coaches that have helped me achieve superb results and I'll now, do what...stop working with them? That wouldn't be my attitude!!

NZ_2014 · 06-09-2014 6:47pm

Transform wrote: »

there are now 3 yes 3 crossfit affiliates in sandyford!

Can you PM me the name of these Crossfits, thinking of joining; thanks

Demand for Personal Trainers

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