I decided it would be best initially to work for one of the major gyms in the area so I could get hands-on training by someone who had been doing this for a while, and also so I could observe other trainers to learn what worked and what didn’t.  I called several local gyms and spoke to each of their fitness managers to learn what was required to become a Personal Trainer.  I got certified as quickly as I could with a nationally recognized certification that most of the fitness managers seemed to favor.  Then I began applying for work.

I was hired by 24 Hour Fitness within a day of becoming Certified as a Personal Trainer (CPT). I quickly learned that to maximize the hourly rate I could charge I needed to become a Master Trainer which entailed obtaining two additional specialized certifications and to train at least 3,000 sessions. 

I opened my schedule up and worked the same amount of hours I was used to as an auditor (which was a lot).  Because of how many sessions I was training each month I qualified for incentives that the company was offering its trainers… among which were having the entrance fees paid in full for BOTH of the certification courses I needed to pass in order to become a Master Trainer.  I began immediately with my studies and kept my training schedule as full as I could.  It took me just under 18 months to meet the requirements to become a Master Trainer (a task that according to my fitness manager, took most trainers about three years to accomplish).  In the process I obtained specialist certifications in Corrective Exercise (CES), and Performance Enhancement (PES); and additionally became a Weight Management Specialist, and TRX Certified!

During that 18 month period I was actively training clients on average about 40 hours per week (which translated to 45-50 hours per week on the clock at the gym and then additional hours studying).  I was leading the club in sales for training sessions (re-signs as well as new business), supplements, and fitness monitoring devices.  I was putting in a lot of hours, but the difference was that I absolutely loved what I was doing for people and for me! I was passionate about what I was offering people and they could tell.  I was also passionate about what I was learning… not only about personal training, but about the body, about the direct correlation between proper nutrition and good health, about people, and about myself.  I learned that I was at my best personally and professionally when I was helping others to achieve their goals. I continued as a Master Trainer at 24 Hour Fitness training there for a little over five years before going out on my own in 2012 and I’ve had such an amazing journey helping hundreds of people along the way (myself and my own family included)!