[Trainer4Newbies]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I have been reading a lot of the posts here and I see so many great questions that I have answered hundreds of times. My wife and I own a personal training business out of a 1500 member gym. I sit down with 90% of the members after they sign up (for a free session) and most have the same questions. That said, it should be fun helping even more people online!

[Steve]

Welcome aboard, look forward to hearing what you have to offer.

[maleficent]

please remove the link from your location - we don't allow for advertising - thanks

and welcome...

Just curious what certifications do currently have and which are you pursuing?

[Trainer4Newbies]

My fault on the URL. All taken care of.
My wife and I are both NASM certified...

[Steve]

I have that cert. Besides the test being waayyyyy too easy, I thought the information contained was very applicable to the job at hand.

I'm noticing though that most trainers that obtain this certification get stuck thinking in the rigid context of the OPT training model. To add, and this is solely on my experience to date, the trainers in gyms who have this cert are afraid to do anything but 'stabilization' training. It's as if the content of NASM scared these individuals into thinking illogically.

Thoughts?

[Trainer4Newbies]

I really like the OPT model also, but I do agree with you. So many trainers put their clients in this box with one set of exercises. If they would do the "kinetic chain assessment" that NASM teaches, maybe they would adjust programs accordingly.
I have one couple I train who are 68 yrs old and I often do one day of stabilization training, the next session all bodybuilding exercises (of course at THEIR level), followed by a session of all bodyweight exercises. They love it and are in the best shape of their lives!

So you must be a trainer, yes?

[Steve]

Glad you agree.

Ya, I am a trainer.

[Steve]

So what's your deal? I see you around a lot but not a lot of activity.... busy I'm sure.

I specifically mean what's the deal with your screen name? Do you only train novices?

[maleficent]

and people don't get offended by the derision in newbies? being called anewbie is pretty much an internet insult..

[Trainer4Newbies]

Originally Posted by Steve

So what's your deal? I see you around a lot but not a lot of activity.... busy I'm sure.

I specifically mean what's the deal with your screen name? Do you only train novices?

I try to visit the site between clients, but many times you guys have good answers to people's questions so I don't post.
I train all age brackets with different goals, but I see a huge need for helping "newbies" because most of them have never tried to get fit, and many times because they are just intimidated. I imagine you work out of a gym and know the type well. It makes me ache to see them quit before they even get started...

[Steve]

It is a great feeling to help not only 'shed some light' but motivate a novice into accepting the fact that with a little direction and consistent effort, reaching their goals is very possible.

So are you the male or the woman in the picture in your AVI?

[Trainer4Newbies]

The best reward for this job is when a new client sees those initial results and gets hooked. When they hit a goal, even sweeter.

The picture is of my wife and I, and she wants to start posting too. She has even more experience and she's a fitness competitor.

Do you work out of a gym or studio? What is your clientele like?

[Steve]

For the longest time I've been an independent trainer. Just recently, as in last week, I had long talks with the manager of a local club about training for the gym. It's a big step for me since I'm not really a fan of how the most gyms are operated..... but this one seems to be a fit for me. We'll see.

Over the last few years, my clientèle has primarily consisted of obese individuals. I've built a sort of reputation in that area. But I also train some athletes as well.

[Trainer4Newbies]

I hope all goes well for you in the decision making process. Either way, I am sure you will have a chance to help a lot of people who really need it...

[Steve]

Thanks very much.

And what's the deal with you and your wife? You mentioned that you own a PT business and it's in a 1500-member gym. How's that work? You sub-contract for the gym? Or do you own the gym itself?