My 1st paid personal training session

[logdiva32]

I had my first paining client today. I just decided Sun, that I would become a personal trainer. Checked the going rate and cut it in half (for now). I have 7 "workout partners"; folks who have asked my to help them workout, I run around to gym's like crazy helping people. Then still have to squeeze in my workout during lunch. So, I have spent all day checking on certification prograns, testing and such. Seems like NESTA??
Any suggestions?

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Diva... lol... your first "paining" client???

I assume you mean paying???

Anyways, just wanted to say congratulations on making the decision and for getting a client.

Way to go!

[roguedog]

LOL.. I loved that freudian slip!! I knew you folks loved torturing us.. secretly.. down deep!

bah wah wah bah wah hah hah.....

[han-grrl]

I'm in Canada, so i don't think i can be much help. I know ACE is very well respected.

Choose your certifications wisely. Ultimately they are businesses too, so they operate like businesses. there is a lot of $$ for upkeep such as insurance, continuing education.

if you aren't insured or certified, just watch yourself. i am sure your friends would never sue, but its their families who might end up a tiny bit more upset if their relative got injured.

ok the fun stuff - it really is a great job, i loved what i do, i love to teach and its inspiring watching my clients surpass their goals and do things they never thought they would be able to do.

Also, i suggest making a plan for yourself. What are your goals for this type of work, what do you hope to accomplish. that way you can tailor your education and courses to what you need and want to do.

HAVE FUN!!

Hannah

[logdiva32]

Yea, funny huh, "paining". She did say that she doesn't sweat when "she" works out on her own, LOL. I reminded her that is what she is paying me for.. Education in my area sucks. Looks like it will be all on line and remote for now. Should get certified before the end of April, that is my plan anyway.
But this is how aligned all this is for me. When I took my client at the gym last night. The guys from the local college personal trainer program, were there. They did a assesment on her for me, and I talked to them about their certs and such. It is going good, for it only to have been 48 hours since my decision. I have 2 clients this afternoon. Got to squeeze in my workout, now. Later, thanks all

[logdiva32]

I am so thrilled. 1 of my clients paid for 8 sessions up front, today. Guess she is happy with the first 3 sessions, yippy. Still looking for advice on good cert programs. ACE or NESTA??

[stacie]

By charging before you are actually certified, could you be putting yourself in legal jeopardy? In my area, we are required to teach only within the limits of our certification and legally protected only when performing services specific to that training or that a reasonable person with that training would perform. Does the gym know you are charging members and do you have an agreement with them? Contractors are not covered by insurance but as staff you would be. Are you charging 1/2 price in a gym that charges for personal training? This is a sure way to get the trainers upset and possibly get you kicked out of the gym. I've seen this happen where I work. I don't want to sound negative but I wouldn't want you to be caught by surprise. Good luck and be safe. stacie

[logdiva32]

By charging before you are actually certified, could you be putting yourself in legal jeopardy?
A:Understand, so do my clients.
In my area, we are required to teach only within the limits of our certification and legally protected only when performing services specific to that training or that a reasonable person with that training would perform.
A: I believe that is here also.
Does the gym know you are charging members and do you have an agreement with them?
A: No. I don't "charge" My "clients are all people who fund my events. Bike rides/tris/ runs. I accept there donations well outside of the gym.
Contractors are not covered by insurance but as staff you would be. Are you charging 1/2 price in a gym that charges for personal training?
A: Yes, donation is half price, or whatever they want. There are no staff personal trainers at either of the gyms we use, they are all contracted.

This is a sure way to get the trainers upset and possibly get you kicked out of the gym. I've seen this happen where I work.
A: I don't care, about them. They don't care about my clients. If my clients don't have money they don't have to pay. I am concerned for them 1st and foremost, the reimbursement is secondary.
I don't want to sound negative but I wouldn't want you to be caught by surprise. Good luck and be safe.
A: Caught by the $80 on hour trainers, oh well, I would take my clients else where. But I am tired of the poor being ignored, here. I am going to train them, paying or not.
Also, today I found out my church may help with my insurance,CPR, and cert costs, to help the church members get in better health. stacie

thanks for the input though. I think I know the risks.
Thanks but this is on my heart, african americans, hispanics, and the low income are statistically in bad shape. Yet still, ignored, until they need high blood pressure pills, insulin injections, and bypass surgery. I will educate and assist through whatever means I have and will continue to pursue more avenues, education and certification. no offense taken or given.

[roguedog]

log..

I can't help you since I'm not a PT or anything.. but

I believe ACE seems to be pretty prevalent here in CA anyway. That's what all the ones down here seem to have certs in?.. with?

However, if I were you, I either join a PT group/club/org and gather more info about each of the certs and/or I'd call a few clubs and some self employed PTs and ask them about certs.

Or you can look thru the phone book.. do they have these anymore?, and look thru the PT section. I'm pretty cure if I had any cert I'd advertise it to differentiate myself.

[JanB]

I went through ISSA which is International Sports Sciences Association. It was an online course where you could get completely certified online. I opted for the 2 day seminar option because I had heard that the final exam was a bit easier. I had a friend who did it online and it was time consuming but she did it.