Colleagues will give you great advice regarding the power and usefulness of technology in our field. I, however, will not. And, I love technology. The efficiency and multitasking it allows makes me swoon as a small-business owner. Learning from tech experts is a joy for me as an entrepreneur. But I have also seen how […]
Do you drag yourself to your continuing education units with the enthusiasm of an early-morning teenager? I now enjoy in-person learning events, but that wasn’t always the case. As I write this, some fellow trainers are experiencing a recertifying year. Many of us are hustling to fulfill those units before the clock runs out — […]
Group training is everywhere. And if it’s not where you are, it soon will be. In theory, it is a clear win-win-win scenario. Clients pay less, trainers earn more and every one still gets great results. However, like communism and parenting, theory is different than application. I’m concerned that we are enticed by the dollars […]
I love the niche. Love it. So much so that I have whittled my ideal client profile and training style down to a very small demographic. Some say this is foolish: “You’re limiting your potential client list.” “You’re not playing the odds.” “You’re going to miss out on potential revenue.” I smile at this feedback, […]
I was sitting in a doctor’s office flipping through a magazine when I saw an ad for a friend’s fitness business. I was impressed. The photo and layout looked great, the ad clearly stated the company’s info, and I assumed it garnered him lots of business. A few weeks later, this same publication called me […]
Note from wife to husband: “Bye babe, I’m off to train. When you’re off the elliptical, could you go online and check the tracking order of my fitbit? I’m taking the iPad with me (client SJJT app is on it). Text if you need anything! I’ll skype the girls at 7. XO : )” Could […]
“Get your mind right.” Usually placed near the end of a workout, during an exercise I despise, this comment is one of my personal trainer’s favorites. It’s unclear to me exactly what he wants me to think of in that moment, but it personally elicits the exact response I need. I stop thinking about how […]
Some trainers complain about how clients treat them: frequent cancellations, late payments, poor attitude during sessions, tardiness and inappropriate behavior. The solution lies in taking the focus off the clients. And although it can be tricky, evaluate how you are teaching them to treat you. First, let’s see what the clients see: Arriving late? The […]
In what ways can you rise above the average trainer in the coming year? Here are two: the macro and the micro. First, the macro. Learn your employer’s big-picture mission and 12-month focus. Knowing where the company is headed can help you exceed expectations. Is the organization about to purchase a new line of equipment? […]
I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on this celebration of independence, freedom and all things great and worthwhile about our country. There are great divides and dilemmas facing us as a nation but that does not mean we can’t solve them by exercising our right to assemble, support ourselves and one another, especially […]
