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hotbiz personal trainer
Home Based Business Idea
P E R S O N A L F I T N E S S T R A I N E R:
Business
Description:
If you are dedicated to the pursuit of a healthy and fit society then
this may be the hot home based business for you. The whole idea of
a "personal" trainer is a result of our busy society. It
has only been in the last ten years or so that anyone would think of
hiring someone to work with one on one. Only the rich, celebrities
or professional athletes were accustomed to the special program of individualized
attention. But for many both the convenience and a program
tailored to their needs has become not only a necessity but a
life-saver.
You will cater to individuals from all walks of life. As a trainer you will assist clients as they learn the proper methods for their exercise routine, provide counseling on healthy living including diet and achieving their fitness goals.
A typical fitness session will include workout instruction (specifically demonstration, usage, safety, repetitions). You will provide aerobic training and stationary exercise routines based on your clients needs and goals. One day you may be biking the trails while the another is spent weight training and stretching. You are the teacher who provides instruction on maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes both instruction and monitoring the success of your client. You can utilize tools to compile statistics and goals based on body fat measurement, specific heart rate levels and weight if applicable.
Your clients will choose you specifically because they agree with your philosophy on how to live a healthy life. Be clear when you state your goals and objectives. You are their personal motivator and fitness guru. It will be your strength and commitment that saves them when they may want to stray. Be flexible and available to attract and maintain a good relationship with your clients.
Your
Unique Skills
You
are teacher, listener, communicator, motivator, coach, inspired and
knowledgeable fitness enthusiast, and often become your client's friend.
Your enthusiasm and passion for a healthy lifestyle not only exude in what you say but in how you behave. You are the poster board for your business. You will need to continually update and transfer the latest information on nutrition but exercise and training methods for optimal performance. Attend the seminars, workshops and read the books/websites that can enhance your knowledge and allow you to provide a safe and effective program for your client.
Remember that this is your business first and foremost. Set strict policies and require clients to adhere to them. Be specific about extra fees (overtime), policies for cancellation/no-show and payment schedule/late fees. This is best presented in a written document at the beginning of your relationship so that there is no question and the client can refer back to it.
Required: Certification in CPR and first aid.
Tools
of the Trade
The
wonderful part of starting as a home-based personal trainer is that you
may already have much of the equipment to start with your first
client. As you attract more clients and evaluate their needs then
add on.
Standard exercise equipment would include weights/dumbbells, stationary machines such as treadmills, rowing/nautilus exercise balls, bands etc.
Make sure that you are appropriately dressed with well maintained and coordinated workout clothing, including shoes. A home-based exercise studio should be equipped with a music system and speakers. Purchase or create tapes of music and purchase videos to help enhance the clients workout.If you plan on meeting a client at their home or office be prepared to carry a minimal amount of workout gear. (You may suggest that the client purchase larger pieces - which this can even be a side business to rep products that you love!).
Getting Your Foot in the Door
You need to attract that first client. You will learn and modify your system with each client but the first one is paramount to your success. You can start by word of mouth. If you have an established reputation in the field this may be as easy as just letting everyone know that you are available. Ask the club or fitness location that you frequent if you can put your brochure or business card in a conspicuous location.
You can look for opportunities at colleges, health spas, specialty resorts, hospitals, retirement homes and more. There are many corporations that offer training services as a benefit to their employees. Design a workplace wellness program that enhances performance and brings a sense of well-being for your prospects.
TOP WAYS TO STAND-OUT FROM THE CROWD
- Be Creative - Be fresh. Put your thinking cap on and come up with a unique program that no one else provides. Ex. I read an article about a woman who opened a gym in her home and she caters to seniors only. After only 3 months she now has over 100 customers. She has gained their trust and confidence and they know she has experience with seniors. Her home is relaxed and there is no pressure. She has improved her knowledge of dietary requirements for seniors and she shares her information with her clients.
- Promote Your Successes - Have your satisfied clients rave about you both in writing and to their friends. You may even offer them a discount for new client referrals. A good trainer WILL have satisfied clients.
- Let Them Know You There should be nothing about your fitness philosophy that they don't see while evaluating your services. Don't be wishy-washy.
- Promote Online Your clients are typically busy people who research services on the Internet.
- Understand the Demographics of Your Target Client - Where do they shop, play, learn, etc. Have your brochure placed in those strategic locations.
Creative
Marketing Techniques
Go to local hotels and tell them you are available for one-time only
sessions for guests of the hotel. You should be prepared to meet
the client in the hotel workout area or in the clients hotel room and/or
outdoors.
On a large scale. Design a program that caters to corporations/conventions that allows you to present a fitness program for spouses while they are out of town with their husbands on a business trip. You can send these brochures to convention centers and the corporate offices.
Create your own workout tape. Sell it to your clients and create a website where they can view a snippet of it online.
Show
Me the Money
A
personal trainer can charge by the hour or by the session. A
start-up can begin for as little as $20/hour, while a recognized
professional trainer can charge up to$200 per hour. You can increase
your revenue by including additional products/services such as a health
club membership, nutritional products, a personal tape/product you
develop, exercise equipment, even clothing etc.
For More Information:
Online Resources
ACSM
The American College of Sports Medicine is one of the top certification
organizations out there. Check out their website for information about getting
cerfitied, learn about continuing education and get the latest on clinical
studies in exercise, health and fitness.
AFAA
Become a health and fitness professional through the Aerobics and Fitness
Association of America. They have many certifications to choose from and they
even allow some certifications online.
AFPA
The American Fitness Professionals and Associates provide extensive
certification options as well as up-to-date information about health and
fitness. Find out how to get certified, or how to access some of the best
fitness software on the 'Net.
American
Council on Exercise
ACE is one of the most well-known exercise organizations and should be your
first stop on your quest for certification. At their website, you'll find the
certifications they offer plus the dates and locations of all their tests. The
tests are hard and they are only offered four times a year, so get started on
your studying now!
Endurance
Plus
Endurance Plus offers certifications through their website, and they also offer
continuing education courses for those already certified. Get an extra
certification in Yoga or Endurance Sports for your CEC's or learn how to assess
your clients' posture!
Exercise
Etc.
Exercise Etc. is a great resource for those who are already certified and need
to fulfill certain CEC requirements. Here you can find online courses for as
little as $20 and they will count for most major certifications.
Other: wellcoaches.com, ustrainersearch.com acefitness.com nsca-cc.org acsm.org nationalgym.com fitour.com pfit.org physicalmag.com
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Added: Sun Jul 31 2005
Last Modified: Wed Aug 10 2005
