In a recent blog I gave eight reasons for why you should attend a fitness-business or personal training conference. (Re-ignite your fire!)
Then I promised to list a few options for the remaining year. (So, if you haven't already attended a great conference in 2010, you can find one, near you!)
Here it is...
7th Annual ISSN Conference and Expo
June 24-26, 2010
Clearwater Beach FL
EMPOWER Weekend Fitness Celebration
June 25-27, 2010
Columbus, Ohio
Perform Better 3 Day Summit - Chicago
June 25-27, 2010
Chicago, Illinois
Total Training Seminars
June 26, 2010
Duluth, Georgia
Yoga Journal Wisconsin Conference
July 8-11, 2011
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
EMPOWER Weekend Fitness Celebration
July 16-18, 2010
Denver, CO
IDEA World Fitness Convention
August 4-8, 2010
Los Angeles, California
DCAC 2010 International Fitness Conference and Trade Show
August 4-8, 2010
Washington D.C.
2010 Zumba Fitness Convention
August 26-29, 2010
Miami, Florida
Total Training Seminars
September 11, 2010
Baltimore, Maryland
Inner IDEA Conference
September 23-26, 2010
Palm Springs, California
Yoga Journal Colorado Conference
September 19-26, 2010
Estes Park, Colorado
EMPOWER Weekend Fitness Celebration
September 24-26, 2010
Minneapolis, MN
Club Industry Conference
October 6-8, 2010
Chicago, IL
Winning Sports Nutrition 2010: Fueling Fitness and Performance
October 29, 2010
Tucson, Arizona
Total Training Seminars
November 13, 2010
San Diego, California
Yoga Journal Florida Confereence
November 11-14, 2010
Hollywood, Florida
16th MFA Medical Fitness and Healthcare Conference
December 1-5, 2010
San Diego, CA
Now, if all of these option are too far from where you are, there will be great opportunities offered in the early part of 2011. So save up a little extra for the 2011 educational expense... It will be worth it!
*Not all conferences provide CECs for all certifications; please check with your certifying agency first!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Risky Business: Wise or Foolish?
R-I-S-K. Risk! Scarey-scarity-scare!*
We all know becoming an entrepreneur is risky business. You can put a lot of time, money and heart into something that never gives it back. But should that stop a person from taking a risk?
Personal fitness trainers, group exercise trainers and other health and wellness entrepreneurs cannot be afraid of risk. They have to try new things, even when it looks like a climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Speaking from a personal trainer's perspective, isn't that what we expect from our clients?
Take for example the client who doesn't want to try jogging--outright refuses--but envies their neighbor for completing a race. They tell themselves that they can't--they just don't have enough cardiovascular experience. You and I know the truth. They could, but they're just not willing to take the risk of feeling weak, winded or embarrassed--or they don't want to do the work. But you and I know that if they never try, they'll never know their potential as a runner.
The same is with running a business. We have to risk investing a lot and geting back, well, sometimes nothing but a valuable lesson or a grateful smile. But without a multitude of valuable lessons and grateful smiles, you may never really go anywhere. The business becomes lifeless.
Professionally speaking. Take a risk. Take on a new challenge that could grow your business, up your professional value and attract new opportunities. You may not get it right the first time, but with perseverance, patience and the right attitude, you'll learn something each and every time! Every valuable lesson molds the runner within. I mean, sure! It takes some conditioning to run a couple of miles, but with just a little practice and a lot of heart, a novice jogger can reach beyond his or her original goal.
So don't be too scared to move outside of your comfort zone. You can be scared alright. (It will help you stay grounded and know your limit.) But have an open mind; take wise risks with a passionate heart. You'll exceed your potential!
"While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, another is busy making mistakes and becoming superior." - Henry C. Link
*from a family-favored children's book, Bear Flies High
We all know becoming an entrepreneur is risky business. You can put a lot of time, money and heart into something that never gives it back. But should that stop a person from taking a risk?
Personal fitness trainers, group exercise trainers and other health and wellness entrepreneurs cannot be afraid of risk. They have to try new things, even when it looks like a climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Speaking from a personal trainer's perspective, isn't that what we expect from our clients?
Take for example the client who doesn't want to try jogging--outright refuses--but envies their neighbor for completing a race. They tell themselves that they can't--they just don't have enough cardiovascular experience. You and I know the truth. They could, but they're just not willing to take the risk of feeling weak, winded or embarrassed--or they don't want to do the work. But you and I know that if they never try, they'll never know their potential as a runner.
The same is with running a business. We have to risk investing a lot and geting back, well, sometimes nothing but a valuable lesson or a grateful smile. But without a multitude of valuable lessons and grateful smiles, you may never really go anywhere. The business becomes lifeless.
Professionally speaking. Take a risk. Take on a new challenge that could grow your business, up your professional value and attract new opportunities. You may not get it right the first time, but with perseverance, patience and the right attitude, you'll learn something each and every time! Every valuable lesson molds the runner within. I mean, sure! It takes some conditioning to run a couple of miles, but with just a little practice and a lot of heart, a novice jogger can reach beyond his or her original goal.
So don't be too scared to move outside of your comfort zone. You can be scared alright. (It will help you stay grounded and know your limit.) But have an open mind; take wise risks with a passionate heart. You'll exceed your potential!
"While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, another is busy making mistakes and becoming superior." - Henry C. Link
*from a family-favored children's book, Bear Flies High
Saturday, June 5, 2010
It's Time to Attend a Fitness Conference
This isn't a blog to sell any one particular seminar, conference or summit. I just want to convince you that investing regularly in yourself and your profession is worth the cost.
How so? Let me count the ways... ;o)
1.) Potential CEC earners - many conferences offer personal trainers the chance to earn additional CECs to help you with your certification renewal. If you know you're going to have to spend money on a CEC course, why not spend a little more and reap other educational and motivational advantages?
2.) Rub shoulders with real movers and shakers. Get ideas that will impact your training style and / or business management.
3.) Meet tons of people who know exactly what you face as a fitness business entrepreneurs and enjoy the comradeship.
4.) Take a break from the ordinary. A long weekend away from it all allows you to hit your own personal refresh button.
5.) Suck up the positive energy. By networking with others and hitting the refresh button, you'll be filled with a renewed interest in what you've chosen as a career. Feel that first-year thrill of being a health and wellness professional again and let your enthusiasm radiate to co-workers and clients. They'll notice a difference.
6.) Learn about new trends and new challenges. It's like watching the weather when you're planning an outdoor picnic. It's much better to be informed of what's in store for your industry than surprised. (Just don't forget to formulate a plan B.)
7.) Challenge yourself. It's easy to slip in the old tried-and-true routine. But when you're face-to-face with other like minded professionals and see some of the stuff they've accomplished, it's a real motivator. Find someone that does something you wish you could and start working on a plan. A personal training who's lost sight of his goals or lost passion needs a new challenge.
8.) Make contact for future what-ifs. Not only can we learn from our new friends, they could be your door-opener for new opportunities.
I'll soon post a blog with a variety of fitness business / health and wellness conferences, summits, etc.. Pick one nearby for better cost-savings, but at the same time, compare the different agendas. It may be worth packing your bags for a plane trip--as long as it doesn't blow the budget.
So, stay tuned, and just one more thing...
While attending conferences don't lose sight of why you're there. You may be enjoying drinks at the hotel restaurant, but remember, you're still "at-work." You can still have fun and remain the fitness professional I know you are! You want to be remembered, but in a positive way.
Have fun! Stay safe. Get excited!
How so? Let me count the ways... ;o)
1.) Potential CEC earners - many conferences offer personal trainers the chance to earn additional CECs to help you with your certification renewal. If you know you're going to have to spend money on a CEC course, why not spend a little more and reap other educational and motivational advantages?
2.) Rub shoulders with real movers and shakers. Get ideas that will impact your training style and / or business management.
3.) Meet tons of people who know exactly what you face as a fitness business entrepreneurs and enjoy the comradeship.
4.) Take a break from the ordinary. A long weekend away from it all allows you to hit your own personal refresh button.
5.) Suck up the positive energy. By networking with others and hitting the refresh button, you'll be filled with a renewed interest in what you've chosen as a career. Feel that first-year thrill of being a health and wellness professional again and let your enthusiasm radiate to co-workers and clients. They'll notice a difference.
6.) Learn about new trends and new challenges. It's like watching the weather when you're planning an outdoor picnic. It's much better to be informed of what's in store for your industry than surprised. (Just don't forget to formulate a plan B.)
7.) Challenge yourself. It's easy to slip in the old tried-and-true routine. But when you're face-to-face with other like minded professionals and see some of the stuff they've accomplished, it's a real motivator. Find someone that does something you wish you could and start working on a plan. A personal training who's lost sight of his goals or lost passion needs a new challenge.
8.) Make contact for future what-ifs. Not only can we learn from our new friends, they could be your door-opener for new opportunities.
I'll soon post a blog with a variety of fitness business / health and wellness conferences, summits, etc.. Pick one nearby for better cost-savings, but at the same time, compare the different agendas. It may be worth packing your bags for a plane trip--as long as it doesn't blow the budget.
So, stay tuned, and just one more thing...
While attending conferences don't lose sight of why you're there. You may be enjoying drinks at the hotel restaurant, but remember, you're still "at-work." You can still have fun and remain the fitness professional I know you are! You want to be remembered, but in a positive way.
Have fun! Stay safe. Get excited!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Announcement!
We're back up! Running smoothly.
If you have any questions, please contact us through our website, personaltrainermatch.com.
Still, dedicated to the success of fitness entrepreneurs!
If you have any questions, please contact us through our website, personaltrainermatch.com.
Still, dedicated to the success of fitness entrepreneurs!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Just a shortie!
The time for America to change and get active is now. People need trainers. AND... we really want to pump up our ability to provide an amazing, easy-to-use directory of go-get-'em personal trainers.
How can I get a big, fat directory of personal trainers quickly??? I need a good promotion.
We already think are prices are affordable. We are advertising for you. But with the economy, even $10 a month can be too much, especially for new trainers coming onto the scene... or any budget-minded entrepreneur!
So what's our offer?
For new members, we're offering the $18.99, normally the one-month membership, to include not just one month, but all the remaining months of 2010!
Get on board! Let clients keep find you. Rise above the competition!
Here are the easy instructions:
1.) Go here!
2.) Enter the registration information.
3.) Select 1-month membership / 1-time payment.
4.) Build your profile.
5.) Drop us an e-mail and give us this code: SWEETTWEET133
6.) Watch us work and market for you for the rest of the year!
To your success!
Admin
How can I get a big, fat directory of personal trainers quickly??? I need a good promotion.
We already think are prices are affordable. We are advertising for you. But with the economy, even $10 a month can be too much, especially for new trainers coming onto the scene... or any budget-minded entrepreneur!
So what's our offer?
For new members, we're offering the $18.99, normally the one-month membership, to include not just one month, but all the remaining months of 2010!
Get on board! Let clients keep find you. Rise above the competition!
Here are the easy instructions:
1.) Go here!
2.) Enter the registration information.
3.) Select 1-month membership / 1-time payment.
4.) Build your profile.
5.) Drop us an e-mail and give us this code: SWEETTWEET133
6.) Watch us work and market for you for the rest of the year!
To your success!
Admin
Friday, February 26, 2010
Instilling Confidence In Personal Training Clients
In a recent article about raising children, I couldn't help but recognize that self-esteem and confidence-building techniques for children are not that different from adults.
For example, one of the best things we can do for our children is to let them know how special they are. Smile and hug them in the morning; snuggle with them at night, etc..
Okay, you're not going to be snuggling with your clients. (That's a professional no-no.) But the point?
Appreciate your clients for who they are--a person. Greet them with enthusiasm. Stop and quiet your mind, before you ask them how they're doing. Really listen. Make them feel that they're somebody important in your life, not just "another client."
Why worry about these things? After all, they hired you!
The way a person handles challenge and change all goes back to their self-esteem. If a person needs to lose 100 pounds, they need to feel they can--and not that they've been dropped in the middle of the Atlantic. Even if they have one person to help them swim, it's just one person and them and thousands of obstacles.
The big-goal client also needs to feel that, while they're bobbing in the waves, they have a life worth changing. People need to feel valuable in every aspect.
Let's take a look at some ways the personal trainer can help...
1. Look for their strengths--unrelated to fitness--and celebrate it.
Let's say your client has the natural ability to laugh. Let them know you admire their ability to see humor. (And then remind them of how healthy that is!)
2. Challenge the client.
I like to use the push-up challenge. They say, oh I can't do push-ups! Then I grin and say, oh, yes you can. Just try to do 3.
What happens? They do 1--sometimes even 3, and they're ecstatic! They accomplished something they didn't think they could do! They move on to the next task with a brand new attitude.
3. Acknowledge genuine effort.
Sometimes in a push-up challenge, they can't do one. What do you do? You applaud their effort for getting down on their knees and trying. Effort is half the battle.
4. Recognize change & accomplishment.
Let's say your client--the one who couldn't do one push-up--has been diligently working on the lying-to-standing exercise. You think she's ready to move on to the knee-assisted push-up. She does one. Make a big deal out of it. How? Send her a card to remind her of her success, one small step to a grander goal.
5. Look for their special area of athleticism & grow it!
Your client may initially sign up for one thing. Let's say weight loss. But you find your client is incredibly flexible. Look for ways to include exercises that allows them to see how flexible they are and how quick they improve. This develops a pride in their physical self.
6. Determine the best to show your client's progress.
Some people are visual--they enjoy seeing a chart with milestones passed. Some may appreciate a quick e-mail saying, hey look, this week you held your plank the longest ever. Some may look forward to receiving a physical test every few weeks--a test that shows them how they've improved, whether it's strength, endurance or speed. Positive feedback is essential!
7. Be a role model.
In a 2010 study from the University of Georgia, people who thought about a friend who had good self-control were more likely to show better self-control while eating, smoking, drinking--whatever the social situation.
So, inspire! Share with your client some of the choices you make everyday--without sounding like a know-it-all; you just might be the person they think of as they decline "seconds" at their next potluck.
8. Positive conversation.
No matter the topic. Try to keep positive talk flowing from your mouth. Moods and emotions are contagious. You need your client to be thinking as positively as possible. They'll perform better and when you leave, they'll feel better.
9. Teach personal responsibility.
Although we love the clients who stay with us for years, our job is teach them take personal responsibility for their health. Slowly teach them to make small changes outside of the one-on-one. Be diligent in tracking their progress and when you trust that a new healthy habit has been ingrained, move on to another healthy habit.
For example, make a goal for the client to take the stairs at work every morning, then every lunch break, etc.--until they take the stairs all the time.
When you see progress and that your client is making changes, add more goals. Each goal should get a little bigger than the last. You're not just teaching them healthy habits and self-care but really building their confidence in themselves!
10. Know when to refer.
If you're really struggling with helping a client. Maybe they need help outside of personal training. Don't be afraid to make references. Your client's well-being is at stake and the physical part is just a small part. By providing emotional support along with your fitness and possible nutrition knowledge, your clients are on their way to success. And what better way to advertise than testimony???
For example, one of the best things we can do for our children is to let them know how special they are. Smile and hug them in the morning; snuggle with them at night, etc..
Okay, you're not going to be snuggling with your clients. (That's a professional no-no.) But the point?
Appreciate your clients for who they are--a person. Greet them with enthusiasm. Stop and quiet your mind, before you ask them how they're doing. Really listen. Make them feel that they're somebody important in your life, not just "another client."
Why worry about these things? After all, they hired you!
The way a person handles challenge and change all goes back to their self-esteem. If a person needs to lose 100 pounds, they need to feel they can--and not that they've been dropped in the middle of the Atlantic. Even if they have one person to help them swim, it's just one person and them and thousands of obstacles.
The big-goal client also needs to feel that, while they're bobbing in the waves, they have a life worth changing. People need to feel valuable in every aspect.
Let's take a look at some ways the personal trainer can help...
1. Look for their strengths--unrelated to fitness--and celebrate it.
Let's say your client has the natural ability to laugh. Let them know you admire their ability to see humor. (And then remind them of how healthy that is!)
2. Challenge the client.
I like to use the push-up challenge. They say, oh I can't do push-ups! Then I grin and say, oh, yes you can. Just try to do 3.
What happens? They do 1--sometimes even 3, and they're ecstatic! They accomplished something they didn't think they could do! They move on to the next task with a brand new attitude.
3. Acknowledge genuine effort.
Sometimes in a push-up challenge, they can't do one. What do you do? You applaud their effort for getting down on their knees and trying. Effort is half the battle.
4. Recognize change & accomplishment.
Let's say your client--the one who couldn't do one push-up--has been diligently working on the lying-to-standing exercise. You think she's ready to move on to the knee-assisted push-up. She does one. Make a big deal out of it. How? Send her a card to remind her of her success, one small step to a grander goal.
5. Look for their special area of athleticism & grow it!
Your client may initially sign up for one thing. Let's say weight loss. But you find your client is incredibly flexible. Look for ways to include exercises that allows them to see how flexible they are and how quick they improve. This develops a pride in their physical self.
6. Determine the best to show your client's progress.
Some people are visual--they enjoy seeing a chart with milestones passed. Some may appreciate a quick e-mail saying, hey look, this week you held your plank the longest ever. Some may look forward to receiving a physical test every few weeks--a test that shows them how they've improved, whether it's strength, endurance or speed. Positive feedback is essential!
7. Be a role model.
In a 2010 study from the University of Georgia, people who thought about a friend who had good self-control were more likely to show better self-control while eating, smoking, drinking--whatever the social situation.
So, inspire! Share with your client some of the choices you make everyday--without sounding like a know-it-all; you just might be the person they think of as they decline "seconds" at their next potluck.
8. Positive conversation.
No matter the topic. Try to keep positive talk flowing from your mouth. Moods and emotions are contagious. You need your client to be thinking as positively as possible. They'll perform better and when you leave, they'll feel better.
9. Teach personal responsibility.
Although we love the clients who stay with us for years, our job is teach them take personal responsibility for their health. Slowly teach them to make small changes outside of the one-on-one. Be diligent in tracking their progress and when you trust that a new healthy habit has been ingrained, move on to another healthy habit.
For example, make a goal for the client to take the stairs at work every morning, then every lunch break, etc.--until they take the stairs all the time.
When you see progress and that your client is making changes, add more goals. Each goal should get a little bigger than the last. You're not just teaching them healthy habits and self-care but really building their confidence in themselves!
10. Know when to refer.
If you're really struggling with helping a client. Maybe they need help outside of personal training. Don't be afraid to make references. Your client's well-being is at stake and the physical part is just a small part. By providing emotional support along with your fitness and possible nutrition knowledge, your clients are on their way to success. And what better way to advertise than testimony???
Friday, February 19, 2010
Living Off a Personal Trainer's Salary
Did you know that 10% of employed fitness instructors and trainers earn $60,760 or more per year?
But what is everyone else making? Can you raise a family off a personal training income?
Here's a look at real time statistics taken in May 2008 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), US Depart of Labor.
Median annual wages of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors were $29,210.
The middle 50 percent earned between $19,610 and $44,420.
The bottom 10 percent earned less than $16,120.
Other data shows the median annual wages for specific industries--taken in May 2008:
General medical and surgical hospitals = $32,140
Fitness and recreational sports centers = 30,610
Local government = 30,200
Civic and social organizations = 25,110
Other schools and instruction = 24,230
The full report on the BLS website also mentions that most employed fitness workers are part-time.
It also notes that:
These figures do not include the earnings of the self-employed. Earnings of successful self-employed personal trainers can be much higher.
What percentage do you fit in?
Do you want to improve your annual earnings?
Do you want to be included in the self-employed bunch?
Here's our advice for those expanding into the self-employed state. (Straight from the trenches!)
If you're starting out, position yourself so that not all of your eggs are in one basket. Yes, work to work as one self-employed. Work on and in your business. But also consider working as an employee too, at a local gym, studio or school, wherever they're hiring trainers.
Do be a smart employee. Make sure the company doesn't "own" you upon hiring. Schedule you're "employee" hours so that you still have time slots for your business appointments. And don't get too comfortable or fall into the "employee" state of mind. (Feeling comfortable and complacent will not grow your business.)
Even as an employee look for ways to make your services more popular. Believe it or not, you're not just making money for the company you work for, but you're growing your business there. You're starting that precious word-of-mouth referral system, and you're becoming the go-to guy or gal--without spending thousands of dollars on billboard and yellow page advertisements!
The reason behind low wages are many. Some fitness professionals do it as a side profession. Perhaps they have two loves--two careers.
Some do it for a transitional state, just for an extra source of income, to pay off debt or something.
Some work part-time intending to grow their career, but for some reason get stuck--don't grow.
The keys behind top earners are many things. First, they're good people persons! Secondly, they know what they're doing, as trainers. Thirdly, they're not complacent. They're independent thinkers, determined and professionally aggressive.
Go above the median: believe in yourself and start thinking about how to build your reputation--building upon your strengths. And don't give up. The money will follow!
Start here: smart, affordable exposure!
But what is everyone else making? Can you raise a family off a personal training income?
Here's a look at real time statistics taken in May 2008 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), US Depart of Labor.
Other data shows the median annual wages for specific industries--taken in May 2008:
General medical and surgical hospitals = $32,140
Fitness and recreational sports centers = 30,610
Local government = 30,200
Civic and social organizations = 25,110
Other schools and instruction = 24,230
The full report on the BLS website also mentions that most employed fitness workers are part-time.
It also notes that:
These figures do not include the earnings of the self-employed. Earnings of successful self-employed personal trainers can be much higher.
What percentage do you fit in?
Do you want to improve your annual earnings?
Do you want to be included in the self-employed bunch?
Here's our advice for those expanding into the self-employed state. (Straight from the trenches!)
If you're starting out, position yourself so that not all of your eggs are in one basket. Yes, work to work as one self-employed. Work on and in your business. But also consider working as an employee too, at a local gym, studio or school, wherever they're hiring trainers.
Do be a smart employee. Make sure the company doesn't "own" you upon hiring. Schedule you're "employee" hours so that you still have time slots for your business appointments. And don't get too comfortable or fall into the "employee" state of mind. (Feeling comfortable and complacent will not grow your business.)
Even as an employee look for ways to make your services more popular. Believe it or not, you're not just making money for the company you work for, but you're growing your business there. You're starting that precious word-of-mouth referral system, and you're becoming the go-to guy or gal--without spending thousands of dollars on billboard and yellow page advertisements!
The reason behind low wages are many. Some fitness professionals do it as a side profession. Perhaps they have two loves--two careers.
Some do it for a transitional state, just for an extra source of income, to pay off debt or something.
Some work part-time intending to grow their career, but for some reason get stuck--don't grow.
The keys behind top earners are many things. First, they're good people persons! Secondly, they know what they're doing, as trainers. Thirdly, they're not complacent. They're independent thinkers, determined and professionally aggressive.
Go above the median: believe in yourself and start thinking about how to build your reputation--building upon your strengths. And don't give up. The money will follow!
Start here: smart, affordable exposure!
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