Basically the title. So I’m interested in pursuing a personal trainer certification, as I do honestly enjoy going to the gym, working out, and slowly but surely seeing the results of all the labor. I do know that being a pt pays well (depending upon on your qualifications and what types of gyms/clients you work for) and I’m mainly just looking for something to get myself financially independent and that doesn’t require and college degree or anything.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Lone_Ranger 3 2y ago
I heard a radio documentary recently about the life of personal trainers, and they seem to get paid lower than min wage. Most ended up working in gyms, very long hours, very boring, not actually doing PT, just basically low paid people that end up being receptionist, security and cleaner all in one.
It's probably the last job I would choose tbh.
Typo-MAGAshiv Endorsed Contributor 2y ago
You'll have to look the part.
How far has your bench press improved since the last time we talked about it?
If you don't look the part, no one will hire you, and you'll end up like what @Lone_Ranger said.
ObliviousDuck 2y ago
This reminds me of that gym I used to go with group training things. There was this one group that was always sold out and you had to reserve almost a week in advance to get a spot.
One day, out of nowhere, they replaced the trainer with a little chubby girl who couldn't press a bar. For some mysterious reason, within two weeks, the group went from sold out to canceled for lack of attendance.
dongking 2y ago
Yeah, PT's can make good money if they're elite. Like IFBB Pro level. I also know some other guys which are doing well but they're in very small niches like carnivore/diets, supplements and so on with a huge social media following. Are you on that level, or even remotely close?
Why would anyone hire you otherwise? In todays world when there's a ton of free information/videos/etc online it simply makes zero sense to hire some random schmuck that isn't elite.
financehardo420 2y ago
I’ve debated this a few times myself. Or at least as a side gig. If you can build a crazy physique and get TikTok/IG famous you can actually make a lot of $$$$ bc you can scale your training program. Instead of being one on one with clients you can just mass produce a workout regimen and charge for it (ie Alex eubank, Greg o ghallager etc etc)
Lone_Ranger 3 2y ago
It's the 'star system' again dude. You're looking at the outliers and making inferences from non-representative samples.
The AVERAGE is the important thing. The average PT makes next to nothing, lives in moms basement, is so close to min wage as makes no difference.
The AVERAGE dentist makes bank.
The average is so important, because, on average, we're average.
Shortking666 2y ago
L mindset. You won't be average if you give above average effort.
Lone_Ranger 3 2y ago
You're totally missing the point.
If you give above average effort, and you're a great PT, you're still going to earn way less than the average dentist.
YOu can't go around evaluating professions based on exceptions.
EurasianChad 1 2y ago
Hello, I am an online personal trainer pulling in $8k monthly. I don't say this brag, but to hopefully lead you down the right path.
Helping people get fit is a life-purpose for me. I genuinely enjoy seeing their progress, and having a maxed out physique is great for attracting girls for short-term purposes. Don't do it all for the girls obviously. Also, fuck in person training. Opt to go online, theres way more potential for bigger profits that way. Best of luck buddy. PS. I dont have any certifications. Are you informed on how the body responds to calories? Are you informed on progressive overload and how to build muscle? Then you're basically good to go. Youtube "how to start a fitness business", there are guides out there.
Problematic_Browser 1 2y ago
You know that being a personal trainer isn't just "do you like to lift weights?"
Hell, there is NASM, NCSF, and ISSA certifying bodies that most go through. Moreover, you have to break into an extremely competitive market that heavily relies on image just as much as competency.
Most people don't succeed at it.
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Lone_Ranger 3 2y ago
I just looked up PT jobs in London - average salary is like low £20s k per year or £10 per hour. That's in London, where the costs are higher, will be lower as you go out from the centre. My cleaner charges £20 per hour.