Starting a P/T career

tomo1991

Hey guys,
I'm looking for some advice preferably from people with experience in the fitness industry.

I was recently let go from my job and I am strongly considering a career change ( I was a mechanic ).

I've a strong interest in the fitness industry myself and have been training now for a couple of years and would consider myself as a bit of an "novice P/T" anyway.

1. Is turning my passion into a career a big mistake?

2. I understand that with no previous experience as such I will obviously need some sort of certification, a quick Google is showing floods of different places offering courses with prices ranging quick drastically from one to another,so, who is best to get certified with?

3. What are the job prospects?

Tom

CM24

I'm 25 and got qualified last Summer. Been training about 7 years myself. I'll try answer your questions.

1. It depends on the type of place you work. I was doing an unpaid internship in one of the big commercial gyms and didn't really like it. The bosses were just business people trying to make as much money as they could and didn't really care about the quality of trainer they hired. They were really condescending towards us. My job mostly involved letting people in and out of the gym, sweeping the floor, putting the weights back etc. Also had to teach loads of classes. Spin, Abs, Exercise to music etc. Oftentimes it would be 3 in a row. So by the end of the day my motivation to do my own workout was totally gone. I actually used to leave and go train in a different gym just cos I couldn't stand being in the work place anymore.

Occasionally I got to guide new members through their Induction Programme and I really enjoyed this part of the job. Getting to share your knowledge and help people make positive strides is a great feeling. Eventually I quit when I realised the bosses just wanted someone who would follow their orders and be chatty and smiley all day, rather than a knowledgeable trainer who focused on results. So, in summary I would say, stay away from the big gyms. You're not going to get paid until they deem you ready anyway. That's just how it is in Ireland at the minute, unless you've already got experience. I'd imagine the trainers working for themselves in private gyms or even Crossfit style gyms enjoy their jobs a lot more than I did. The one positive aspect of working in the big commercial gyms is that you don't have to put any effort into sourcing clients. There is a constant stream of noobs coming in looking for PT's.

2. I did mine in L.I.A in Blackrock when the place was only new and I'd definitely recommend them. I went in just for the sake of getting the piece of paper. I didn't expect to actually learn anything as I'd heard most courses in Ireland were crap. But the trainers there defo know their stuff and are genuinely passionate about it. They've also come on leaps and bounds since. They have specialist tutors dedicated to the different areas of training. They're going by the name Elite Fitness & Performance academy now. I'm not trying to influence you in any way, just my experience.

3. I know some very below par trainers who are somehow in paid jobs but when I went looking I could find nothing, only unpaid internships. If you've got contacts it makes it easier. You really have to put yourself out there and get chatting to other PT's/ gym owners. If you come across as well-versed and motivated then they'll come to you when looking to hire. Would help if you set up a dedicated Facebook page and market yourself as much as possible. I definitely didn't do enough work in this regard. To be honest, I lacked the motivation as in the back of my mind I knew I wanted to head off to Oz. More opportunities as well as better weather, I'm told! Heading this weekend.

I think setting up your own place can work as well. The interest in fitness/health is definitely increasing in Ireland. Women especially are getting more into lifting. I know a good few new places that are doing great business.

Hope that helps.

tomo1991

Cheers dude. I had a hunch about the Ben Dunne gyms etc anyway. I'll have a chat with the lads in my own gym and find out what thy think as well.

runawaybishop

tomo1991 wrote: »

2. I understand that with no previous experience as such I will obviously need some sort of certification, a quick Google is showing floods of different places offering courses with prices ranging quick drastically from one to another,so, who is best to get certified with?

This might help - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057039075