Outside of hospitality, one of the industries with the highest staff turnover in the US is fitness.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for a fitness trainer is $19/hour, but there are five things that we see the most successful trainers in the industry doing on a regular basis. These trainers can expect to make between $70,000 and $100,000 annually while working less than 30 hours on the floor with clients per week, and they take at least two weeks of vacation per year! You can create the same kind of opportunity for yourself if you follow the same recipe they follow.
- Dedicate yourself to a deep level of education in a viable niche field. This means that you are striving to become an expert in servicing a portion of the market who needs expert help and will pay for the best. It means that you are taking courses, applying the information, ensuring you have gained the skills you think you have, and then going back for more. Sometimes it's even valuable to go back and take some of the basic courses you took years ago so that you can be reminded of how powerful the foundations are. It can become mundane to pursue diminishing returns and that's why most people don't do it. You will though, and that's why you will be successful.
- Spend at least 50% of your education time learning about marketing and sales. You will only be able to help the client who you are able to enroll in your services. Marketing and sales can be done in very sleazy ways, we both know that. Find a source(s) whose style you like, and go deep on their content. For me it was Jordan Belfort. I know, not the most ethical track record, but when applied in an ethical way, his sales training is very valuable. I talk about it in my book, "Turn Pro - The fitness professional's guide to ethical sales and career fulfillment" Purchase Book Here.
- Ensure that you are in a work environment that will properly incentivize you to be able to earn the income you desire. If the owner of the gym you're at does not value your growth today, it's unlikely she/he will tomorrow. Get out, put your emotions aside and find a place where you can grow.
- Create content. Even if you are a personal trainer in a commercial gym like Gold's or Equinox, it's imperative that you create your own personal brand through content creation. Not only does this make you more visible to people both in the gym and in the general public who are looking for your help (even if they're not local), but it also helps you refine your message in a place where you can experiment and practice with no repercussions.
- Treat yourself like a professional. This means you show up to the coffee shop looking sharp. You never drag ass. You always represent yourself as if you are the best billboard for yourself, because you are, no matter your body composition.
There are many things you can do to maximize your income as a personal trainer. If you start with these five, you will be in the top 5%, and the top 5% are personal trainers for a career.
If you want more help, you know where to find me.
