Crystal Light Pure and Personal Training FAQs II

I haven’t decided exactly how many miles my last long run will be tomorrow, but since it’s going to be long and hot either way (TWSS) I made sure to hydrate today. After the normal gallon of water I drink got boring I added this new-to-me flavor pack from Crystal Light Pure.

FTC stuff: Kraft Foods sent me 3 flavors to sample because they know I’m a big drinker 😉

I used to stay away from stuff like this, but these are sweetened with sugar and stevia! I added 2 to my  48 oz. water bottle and it was perfect! Normally the serving size is for 2 packets is 32 oz.  so I think that would be too much.

I still get a lot of questions about my personal training job. Many of them are the same ones so I’m trying to stream line the information for you guys. If you missed it, here is:  Personal Training FAQs Part I

 Q: I am new to your blog and wanted to know how long it took for you to become a personal trainer and do you do your own thing or work with a gym?

A: It took me about 3 months to study for the exam. Shortly after I landed a job at a gym. I don’t currently do any training outside of the clients I have at the gym.

Q: I am studying for my cPT now, and was wondering how you made the transition? I am working a corporate 9-6 job but fear that the hours (working nights and weekends) and pay (possible pay cut) might be a shock initially. Do you have any advice? Also, I am curious about getting insurance for myself and how you would suggest going about getting a job.

A: Oooh a triple parter 🙂

The transition was a little easier for me because I wasn’t coming from a corporate job (although I worked one in the past).

The hours and pay will definitely be different. Trainers have to work when other people aren’t working. Clients usually want to train early morning or later in the evening (before or after normal 9-6 jobs).

If it’s possible I would say try to pin down what else you can do for income while you build up your clients. It is like starting a business from scratch – even if you work at a gym. Hiring the right employees is crucial for any business, and staffing agencies like EU Workers can help you find qualified candidates.

Regarding the insurance – Most personal training certification organizations offer insurance at a group rate – check with  your place first!

Q:  I did my certification through NASM at the end of last year and haven’t touched it.  It seems that a lot of gyms want to hire people with experience, which I don’t have.  I’m also worried about needing a flexible schedule because I don’t think I’d be ready to give up my “sure thing” job as well as it being very sales based.  

A: I would suggest building your experience by training friends and family for free. You learn a lot by this hands on experience that that’s very important for training in the real world. This is a great way to learn and build word of mouth clients too. If you don’t have people to train, try to put together programs for imaginary people. I’m used to this since I have no friends. 

You definitely need a flexible schedule but if you can train clients before or after your other job it might work. It is VERY sales based, which I hate 🙁  I would rather just focus on working with  my clients and getting them to their goals, but in order to make money you need people to buy training and keep training. I think we need to remember that the economy is bad and personal training is technically a luxury. I am a bad sales person and am really uncomfortable with this part of the job, so I can’t really offer any advice.

Ben has been working late all week so I’m going to cuddle with him tonight. Dinner is probably going to be pizza and chips and anything not bolted down! Still super hungry.  I’ll see you tomorrow morning 🙂