x2 on the request for pics/video.
taps foot waiting
I’ll try to work on getting the one video (I think) we have on the camera. Then you can see my big thighs in a tiny babypowdered singlet…good times.
I still haven’t been to the gym since the meet and I hadn’t gone for about 6 days before that. Just tired and fatigued. My back was killing me yesterday…damn those are some brutal DOMS. Going to try to go in for at least some plyometrics tomorrow.
I actually have been spending most of my time going to several gyms in the area. I found a possible part time gig at an independent gym…I am definitely more inclined to start with front desk/sales jobs at independent gyms to then hopefully ease into personal training there, a place I respect. I basically got offered a job at this amazing LA Fitness location, but can’t seem to justify working in such a douchebag infested place. I hate the chains with their horrible sales pitches and stalkerish attitudes towards selling shit. However, I am finding that there are either chains or tiny personal training studios (one even calls themselves a “boutique”…barf), so finding a legit gym has taken me some time. Tomorrow I am looking at some more, including a pseudo-powerlifting gym, just meaning it has more options for equipment and overall goals than Todds which is solely PL and super casually run.
Also, I have been doing a lot of research about different certs and which on is best for my right now. I noticed at 24 Hour that almost all the trainers had the NASM and some APEX thing, and came to find out it is because those certs got bought out by the same corporation that owns 24 Hour…god damn it, it is all a scheme ALL THE TIME. Clearly I do I read a great amount of critique and advice on what certs cover what information, what they focus on, where they are best applied, etc. So at the moment I am focused on the NCSA-CPT and later on the CSCS. I also would love to get some actual schooling done in Exercise Science/Nutrition (I took a basic Nutrition 101 course, but would like to learn its more specific applications to athletes and training), but am not sure if I want to get another BA/BS or move on to get a Masters. Either way I need a job, then comes cert, then comes training experience, and then I can figure it out.
Any info on what certs you ladies have gotten/your experience would be helpful:)
In my opinion, I’m not sure it matters!
You could have a masters degree, all kinds of experience and fancy certs attached to your name, but if people aren’t willing to change(or BUY) then you will have no business(or money). I’m learning this the hard way…
Very smart move to have a job with a steady income FIRST! Big mistake on my part…
Seriously great PR’s Shaunar!! that adrenaline rush during the meet is what we all live for I believe. The workouts are great but the headrush when you’ve been trying for weeks to improve, to add a little weight until finally you lift that bar up and you just KNOW you own it.
you just inspired me. I need to get my butt to the gym and throw some plates around.
Cheers
N
[quote]shaunar25 wrote:
I actually have been spending most of my time going to several gyms in the area. I found a possible part time gig at an independent gym…I am definitely more inclined to start with front desk/sales jobs at independent gyms to then hopefully ease into personal training there, a place I respect. I basically got offered a job at this amazing LA Fitness location, but can’t seem to justify working in such a douchebag infested place. I hate the chains with their horrible sales pitches and stalkerish attitudes towards selling shit. However, I am finding that there are either chains or tiny personal training studios (one even calls themselves a “boutique”…barf), so finding a legit gym has taken me some time. Tomorrow I am looking at some more, including a pseudo-powerlifting gym, just meaning it has more options for equipment and overall goals than Todds which is solely PL and super casually run.
Also, I have been doing a lot of research about different certs and which on is best for my right now. I noticed at 24 Hour that almost all the trainers had the NASM and some APEX thing, and came to find out it is because those certs got bought out by the same corporation that owns 24 Hour…god damn it, it is all a scheme ALL THE TIME. Clearly I do I read a great amount of critique and advice on what certs cover what information, what they focus on, where they are best applied, etc. So at the moment I am focused on the NCSA-CPT and later on the CSCS. I also would love to get some actual schooling done in Exercise Science/Nutrition (I took a basic Nutrition 101 course, but would like to learn its more specific applications to athletes and training), but am not sure if I want to get another BA/BS or move on to get a Masters. Either way I need a job, then comes cert, then comes training experience, and then I can figure it out.
Any info on what certs you ladies have gotten/your experience would be helpful:)[/quote]
I don’t have any certs, but I’m not looking for a job as a personal trainer. Of the “certified” trainers I’ve spoken with, it’s completely hit and miss. If you’re always reading, always learning, and always open to the idea that you could be proven wrong at some point, you’ll be the best trainer possible.
i’ll suggest dropping your pride and taking the job at the candy fitness chain. you’ll need to put in your time to build up credibility at some point, and training experience is worth its weight in whey. People will care less about what certification you have, and more about what you’ve seen and what you can do for them. When something more respectable does come along, you can definitely cite the time you’ve clocked already, and it makes more sense to say “fuck those fitness chains” when you’ve been a part of it and know what you’re bashing.
MIM is right… buy one of those “for dummies” books that will give you a good idea of the business side of it. Lots of people want a friend, not a trainer, and you have to be able to be friendly and keep your distance at the same time.
[quote]shaunar25 wrote:
MEET…
Squat:
1st attempt - missed. Like literally missed. No one told my coach Todd they were starting the meet, so he had me hold off on my last warm up lift, and when I came into the meet area, they were calling my name. I started freaking out, tearing off clothing to get my belt on, but they had already passed me up. Boo.
2nd attempt - 214…wanted to be at 220 by this point, but wasn’t confident enough being that this was my first lift. But it ended up easy. Like REAL easy.
3rd attempt - 231. Wanted 240, but was unsure if I should jump that high on a lift I haven’t quite gotten a solid hold on. But happy nonetheless.
Bench:
1st - 120…easy.
2nd - 132…even easier
3rd - 143…super easy and a bench PR. Definitely loving the meet adrenaline. Could have done 148. Should have done 148.
Deadlift:
1st - 297.
2nd - 319.
3rd - 341. Awesome.
I had an amazing time. I feel awesome, but am super tired and fatigued. It was a LONG day. Was up and moving from 6am to 8pm. A little bummed about the missed squat attempt, especially since I was feeling so confident to get a bigger PR in that lift. But shit happens. Tried to go as big as possible with my attempts so if I did pass with a conservative number, I wouldn’t be left with regrets about how I wish I had done more. But I still wish I had done more.
My total was 715 in the Raw 181 Open division. Beat the Washington state record by 150 lbs…it was pathetic but I beat it regardless.
All in 4 weeks of legitimate powerlifting training.
And I got a fatty medal. Made in China.
Awesome.
Mexican food and sleep now:)[/quote]
HOLY.SHIT.
Where was I?..fucking school + assignments
Congratulations, Shaunar on killin’ it on your first meet!!!
I fully accept the notion of “putting your time in,” I even embrace it and am fully willing, even at some undesirable gym. And really, I have no problem with working at a chain, but I am telling you, this place was horrible. I mean the facility was amazing, but the people…I went online to read some reviews, and out of 22 posted, 20 cited massive annoyances, anger, and offenses taken from the sales people there. They cited pushiness, using physical criticism as a tactic to sell, hunting them down by phone relentlessly. And honestly, after being in there and meeting with some of these sales people, I don’t need reviews to tell me this is true.
Now, in my opinion, their facility was so great that it could sell itself. Have people come in ONCE…FOR FREE…JUST TO USE THE PLACE…no sales pitches needed, and I guarantee they would have double the members. But that would not fly, in fact, I would probably not get hired at all if I voiced that. Oh yeah, it is for a sales job, nothing to do with training or getting training experience.
There is a way to do sales and be a human and there is a way to be the dreaded “gym sales guy.” The people I met with either gave less than a fuck about me as soon as they found out I wasn’t there for a membership, or were dumb as rocks. I am not trying to be mean, but think of any gym stereotype you have and there you go, my experience at LA Fitness. I am sure they are great people, but not necessarily people I want to be around 8 hours a day.
I mean, seriously, I would take my 24 Hour Fitness a million times over this place. It is this whole idea of trying to mold someone into being the sales person your company wants. And I dare to ask, how many of you ladies have gone into gyms and been frustrated with the schpeel you have gotten, or the relentless pressure to buy, buy, buy? I realize this is the job, but I have been to enough gyms that I don’t like those people…and don’t want to be one.
Now this independent gym I am starting SUPER part-time at is great. Went in on the fly one day, talked with the owner for like 20 minutes just about training, basically got offered a position, and have been setting up a schedule the last week. It is down-to-earth, a gym there for people who want to use it, and if not, have a nice day (politely, not sarcastically!).
If they had more hours, since it is 1/8 of the size of the LAF, I would totally be there full-time no questions. And every review I read online was beaming about how much people loved it and liked the people who worked there.
So yeah, if I have the choice, I am going with the one I like. Today I will try to go to some other gyms to see whats up.
Here’s the thing: due to the way unemployment works, the next job I take I have to stay at. I have to stay until I am financially secure (I have $15 to my name) or get another secured job. Now me and the owner at the independent gym have worked out an arrangement. But if I took the LAF job, I would be committed to working there for an indefinite amount of time. So I need to be sure, 100% sure, that this is a place I can be 40 hours a week.
Sigh.
Wish me luck.
Honestly which cert you have means very little and the big chains usually pay for your cert or have a class at their offices for certs. If you want to be a trainer you have to embrace sales - it’s just part of the job. If you’re honest with your clients, have a good attitude and get results eventually people will just come. Building up a good reputation takes time and during that time you have to make sales.
Just remember that it is only an exchange of value. If people need a service and you offer it then they will pay you to help them. This is a good thing! I find people who are afraid of money and unsure of their worth are those most afraid of sales - I used to be the same way. I suggest reading a book on sales if you go into PT. It’s just too important to avoid.
[quote]rcfromdb wrote:
Honestly which cert you have means very little and the big chains usually pay for your cert or have a class at their offices for certs. If you want to be a trainer you have to embrace sales - it’s just part of the job. If you’re honest with your clients, have a good attitude and get results eventually people will just come. Building up a good reputation takes time and during that time you have to make sales.
Just remember that it is only an exchange of value. If people need a service and you offer it then they will pay you to help them. This is a good thing! I find people who are afraid of money and unsure of their worth are those most afraid of sales - I used to be the same way. I suggest reading a book on sales if you go into PT. It’s just too important to avoid.[/quote]
I guess what I am trying to say is not being understood. I could sell myself as a trainer up the wazoo. I am extremely confident about my knowledge, my attitude, and what I will offer when I am certified and have a position at a gym, chain or not.
My issue is being a sales person for personal training packages for someone else and trying to sell memberships…for selling something in a company encouraged aggressive manner, which I as a consumer also, can’t stand. When I am discussing PT with a potential client of my own, there is no problem. But this job does not involve me doing anything related to training, and the girl I talked to yesterday made this EXTREMELY clear (“this is sales only”). She also said this position at LAF does not offer room to move up to training, it would move up to management if I stayed with the company long enough. So realistically, not really up my alley.
Bobbi - it them makes sense that all the trainers at 24 have the cert owned by the same corporation. I have been doing a lot of reading about the business aspect of PT. Have no real hesitations about doing training at a chain for awhile to get experience once I am certified. After I find a clientele following, I will go to independent PT studios or, in a dream world, Aaron and I would open our own gym. Been reading a lot on the Fitness Think Tank website. Been really informative on what PTs are doing and what they recommend. Also discusses the pros and cons of each cert from people new in the field and veterans. Very interesting stuff.
[quote]shaunar25 wrote:
My issue is being a sales person for personal training packages for someone else and trying to sell memberships…for selling something in a company encouraged aggressive manner, which I as a consumer also, can’t stand. [/quote]
completely understood. sounds like you have your head on straight, let us know how it goes.
[quote]shaunar25 wrote:
After I find a clientele following, I will go to independent PT studios or, in a dream world, Aaron and I would open our own gym. [/quote]
I’d be careful with this plan. Most gyms have trainers sign a non-compete. My trainers sign a non-compete. Otherwise everyone would do this.
Gaining a cert and experience through a chain before going solo is a good plan.
I guess hypothetically that sounds like a good idea, but really, isn’t the client in charge of where they and who they decide to train with? I mean, I guess I am not sure how it works at other training facilities, but in the example of 24 hour or another chain gym, members can decide whether to continue with a trainer/training sessions or to continue at another location…
I would assume they don’t have to be held accountable to anyone as to why they are stopping or where they will continue training as they don;t sign some sort of loyalty contract. Maybe I am just not understanding what circumstance you are referencing. I assume you must work at an athletic training facility?
From what I have learned about different trainers, many started at a gym where they gained experience and then moved to another business or went independent, yet their loyal clientele followed them. Sorry if I am not understanding.
Where did you start and how has your career progressed? I want to find out from as many people as possible:)
I apologize for being unclear. What I mean is that the trainers sign a non-compete contract, not the clients. A non-compete contract usually states that a trainer cannot train clients who train at or used to train at the current facility that is hiring the trainer. This is usually for a period of 12-24 months. This means that if you train Suzie homemaker at 24 hour fitness and then move independent you cannot take Suzie homemaker with you. If you do, 24 hour fitness has the legal right to sue you for lost income.
If you create a following of clients and then take them all with you within the non-compete period you could have a large legal suit on your hands. Gyms take this very seriously, especially franchise gyms where the owner is often also the manager because they will feel you are stealing personally from them (which you are) because they trained you, educated you and advertised - all at no cost to you - and you stole their clientele.
I have to run to a meeting but I’ll come back to answer your second question 
Ohhhhh…I see. Totally makes sense. I assume this still happens though, and the client and/or trained are just secretive about it? Like if the client keeps their membership at the gym, tells the manager they no longer want PT, and then on the DL go to train with the trainer on the side? I am just hypothetically wondering how that would work…me just typing my thoughts! Anyway, good to know. I suppose referrals are a more legitimate way to go, so you have the friend of the original who hasn’t trained at the main gym just come to you right off the bat, no legal issues necessary.
I would not personally bank on doing things on the DL. Aside from it being unethical, the rewards just do not outweigh the risk of not only being caught and sued, but permanantly marring your reputation and burning a hell of a lot of bridges. Referrals, on the other hand, are an excellent idea and a great way to build a client base on the side without angering your current employer.
[quote]CBear84 wrote:
[quote]shaunar25 wrote:
I actually have been spending most of my time going to several gyms in the area. I found a possible part time gig at an independent gym…I am definitely more inclined to start with front desk/sales jobs at independent gyms to then hopefully ease into personal training there, a place I respect. I basically got offered a job at this amazing LA Fitness location, but can’t seem to justify working in such a douchebag infested place. I hate the chains with their horrible sales pitches and stalkerish attitudes towards selling shit. However, I am finding that there are either chains or tiny personal training studios (one even calls themselves a “boutique”…barf), so finding a legit gym has taken me some time. Tomorrow I am looking at some more, including a pseudo-powerlifting gym, just meaning it has more options for equipment and overall goals than Todds which is solely PL and super casually run.
Also, I have been doing a lot of research about different certs and which on is best for my right now. I noticed at 24 Hour that almost all the trainers had the NASM and some APEX thing, and came to find out it is because those certs got bought out by the same corporation that owns 24 Hour…god damn it, it is all a scheme ALL THE TIME. Clearly I do I read a great amount of critique and advice on what certs cover what information, what they focus on, where they are best applied, etc. So at the moment I am focused on the NCSA-CPT and later on the CSCS. I also would love to get some actual schooling done in Exercise Science/Nutrition (I took a basic Nutrition 101 course, but would like to learn its more specific applications to athletes and training), but am not sure if I want to get another BA/BS or move on to get a Masters. Either way I need a job, then comes cert, then comes training experience, and then I can figure it out.
Any info on what certs you ladies have gotten/your experience would be helpful:)[/quote]
I don’t have any certs, but I’m not looking for a job as a personal trainer. Of the “certified” trainers I’ve spoken with, it’s completely hit and miss. If you’re always reading, always learning, and always open to the idea that you could be proven wrong at some point, you’ll be the best trainer possible.
i’ll suggest dropping your pride and taking the job at the candy fitness chain. you’ll need to put in your time to build up credibility at some point, and training experience is worth its weight in whey. People will care less about what certification you have, and more about what you’ve seen and what you can do for them. When something more respectable does come along, you can definitely cite the time you’ve clocked already, and it makes more sense to say “fuck those fitness chains” when you’ve been a part of it and know what you’re bashing.
MIM is right… buy one of those “for dummies” books that will give you a good idea of the business side of it. Lots of people want a friend, not a trainer, and you have to be able to be friendly and keep your distance at the same time. [/quote]
This is some of the best advice I’ve ever seen on here ^^^
Also, don’t take the job at LA Fitness, their pay scale the worse by far.
I decided not to take the job, especially since I was wary from the get go. I also read reviews of the chain, both from members and employees, ex and current, and in my search did not come across one single positive review.
I already knew that most certs did not guarantee anything about a trainer, except proving they took a test, so my question about certs was mostly what other people choose, why they choose it, what the costs were, etc…more practical questions than anything else. I have chosen the NSCA-CPT cert for now, and hope to obtain the CSCS in the near future.
However, I have to disagree with cbear when she says it is more valid to be anti-fitness chains when you are a “part” of them, I assume meaning working for the company. In my mind, I am a part of them right now. I am a member of 24 and was a previous member of Golds. I am on the frontlines of dealing with their shitty corporate policies, their pushy salespeople, and for the most part, their ill-trained personal training staff (yes, some do know better and it is noted, but some ABSOLUTELY DO NOT).
I have had headaches caused by the way these companies are run and their treatment of their members. So honestly, I do feel very entitled to say “fuck fitness chains” and will continue to do so until I find one that proves my feelings otherwise. However, for the most part, the gym I am at now, which almost holds a monopoly on the gym scene where I live due to size, convenience, and price, is not as bad as others have been. It is the best of the worst.
I am job training at this independent gym, and then maybe some cardio. Basically taking the week to get back into conditioning…then starting 5/3/1 (I think). I have decided not to do the state meet. I’m really struggling financially and after talking to Todd yesterday, I just can’t afford his training. Hopefully I can get into SSP to train once a week, but he’s too pricey as a coach.
He said he could work something out, but I can’t even buy face wash or a haircut right now. I would actually rather stick to my goal of cutting for a few months, getting a legitimate training cycle in, saving up some money by working/finding a few jobs, studying for this cert and taking the exam, and doing another smaller meet to see where I am at in the new weight class.
I was so pumped and excited after my first meet that it is only now that reality of where I am in my life and what has to take priority first. Honestly I am happy to be able to direct my focus to other things for a bit.
your a smart girl!
I thought Todd was your BF?
And about chain gyms…I’m part of a chainy-ish sort of gym, even though I’ve never heard of it elsewhere…
Maximum Health and Fitness( I know, the ‘F,’ word!!) I’ve only ever trained at gyms on base, being they are FREE!! But the gym here is reeeally crappy…
I really like my gym…theres a whole mix of people that work out that there, from cardio freaks to Powerlifters…the management is nice, and the trainers all get along…Victor is our resident Pro bb’er and Scottie is our Triathlete…she got kicked out of Worlds Gym cause her clients were complaining that she was bulking them up, LOL!!
There are always several activities going on to get the members involved as well…in Jan we kick off the annual Biggest Loser comp. 
It’s not a HYUGE gym like Bally’s…but everyone knows each other and it feels like family…
[quote]mom-in-MD wrote:
your a smart girl!
I thought Todd was your BF?
And about chain gyms…I’m part of a chainy-ish sort of gym, even though I’ve never heard of it elsewhere…
Maximum Health and Fitness( I know, the ‘F,’ word!!) I’ve only ever trained at gyms on base, being they are FREE!! But the gym here is reeeally crappy…
I really like my gym…theres a whole mix of people that work out that there, from cardio freaks to Powerlifters…the management is nice, and the trainers all get along…Victor is our resident Pro bb’er and Scottie is our Triathlete…she got kicked out of Worlds Gym cause her clients were complaining that she was bulking them up, LOL!!
There are always several activities going on to get the members involved as well…in Jan we kick off the annual Biggest Loser comp.
It’s not a HYUGE gym like Bally’s…but everyone knows each other and it feels like family…[/quote]
Sounds nice. There definitely are smaller “chain” gyms like that. The one I am starting “work” at is like that…a smaller franchise gym owned by one guy and which gives all members keys to use the gym whenever. The trainers are legit and highly qualified and everyone is chill. It is the Ballys, Golds, 24, LAF, etc which drive me nuts. Funny about your trainer friend getting fired from Worlds…you mean, she made her clients actually lift weights? Outrageous:) Nice you have real athletes at your gym…there is only a guy Marcus and his gf Katie who also PL at the 24 we go to (Aaron is my bf, Todd Christensen is my coach!), who actually competed at the meet last weekend. And I found out Katie’s sister-in-law is a trainer and a BB at the gym I am working at! The only other chick at my 24 who I believe is a real athlete is one who runs marathons and possibly did Ironman…hardcore for sure. I have never talked to her, but just silently respect.
When did you start training?
Here is a link I found with pics from Seattle Strength and Power.
Todd used to train with people like Bull Stewart, Paula Houston, and Willie Austin. In college he trained under Doyle Kenady…I am very lucky in Seattle!