Why did you became a personal trainer? Believe it or not people don’t ask me that very often but I believe it is one of the most important questions to ask a trainer. The answer to this question will often make a trainer’s motivation very clear. So let me share with you why I became a personal trainer.
In my mid 20’s I was married and had a toddler and a full time job. My full time job was painting houses. One of my challenges at work was carrying the big ladders, putting them up on the house and moving them around the corners. I am an independent and stubborn woman, I HATED asking the guys to move my ladder for me. I also could stand to lose a few pounds. So I joined a gym.
I went to the gym but didn’t really know what to do to increase my ability to move the ladders. I decided to hire a personal trainer to help me. There was a little sticker shock when he told me how much an hour was, it took me all day to earn that amount, but I made the appointment. I showed up for my appointment all excited and motivated to make some changes. The trainer asked me what I was looking for. I told him I paint houses for a living and I don’t have the strength I need to deal with the heavy ladders on my own. I would like to lose some weight. The last time I exercised was in the military so I have no gym experience. Also I need to be careful of a knee I had surgery on about 8 years ago and I can’t get too sore I need to work tomorrow. There were no further questions, no assessment, we went straight to the workout. He had me do a ton of arm and shoulder exercises on machines for an hour.
The next day I was so sore I could barely lift my arms and it was a work day. No work for me. He made no effort to follow up with me even after I told him I was so sore I couldn’t work. No pain no gain believer. I was very frustrated and disappointed with the experience. There was no teaching or explaining and I didn’t think it addressed all my needs. I am not even sure I was really heard.
Like I said I am independent and stubborn, I continued going to the gym 3 to 5 times a week and I started doing my own research reading articles and watching what went on in the gym. Over time I started implementing what I was learning. Members started asking me why I was doing things a little differently. I would have great conversations sharing what I was learning.
One day I was talking to the head trainer and I joked that I was answering so many questions they should start paying me. He was like if you take care of these 2 things you can start next week. I landed myself a part-time job. At first it was convenient the slow season for painting and the slow season for fitness are exact opposites. As I started working as a personal trainer I saw an opportunity to really listen to my clients, get to know them and really help them. I didn’t want anyone to feel frustrated like I did. Working with clients and seeing how I helped them fit exercise into their lives and help them look and feel better. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with my part-time job and make it my full-time job.
Why did I become a personal trainer?
I became a personal trainer because I wanted to do better.