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In this interview we asked Joe about how he became a personal coach and owner of White Wolf Fitness. Joe wasn’t sure what to study while at Salem State University, nor was it his main focus. He was concentrated in fitness and competing as a natural bodybuilder. It wasn’t until he met a personal trainer that he realized he could teach fitness and turn his passion into a profession.
Find out more about classes and opportunities.
Joe was undeclared, until sophomore year. Following the recommendation of a personal trainer, Joe signed up for fitness course at SSU. For the remainder of his college years, Joe focused on getting his certification and gaining as much client experience as he could at his internship and work.
Graduation came quick and Joe was already working at Paradise Gym and Boston Fitness to gain experience and start to make a name for himself. For Joe, this experience took him out of his comfort zone and gave him the opportunity to build his own client list.
Joe earned his certification from the American Council of Exercise (ACE), the most recognized name in the certification of exercise professionals and health coaches. This is a certification that requires continued education and renewal.
Joe left one of the gyms to open up his own place training young athletes, which worked perfectly, because during the mornings Joe’s athletes attended school. This allowed him to work his job in the mornings and train his athletes in the evenings. However, Joe was not entirely satisfied with the business model, so he decided to end it to make way for a new venture.
Joe invested a lot of time writing his business plan and consulting people in the industry. He made sure he understood the business, and carefully choose people he could rely on for help. Today, White Wolf Fitness focuses on programs that are designed around a foundation of strength mixed with conditioning and mobility.
A personal trainer is an individual certified to train and advise clients with proper technique. They strive to keep their clients motivated by setting up a workout plan with benchmarks and constructive feedback.
Incentives for people to join health clubs have been increasing and are expected to continue to do so due to businesses’ and insurance organizations’ recognition of health and wellness benefits. Efforts on the part of different government programs to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles will also continue to increase. As such, the opportunities to pursue a career in this industry are many, especially for people with professional certifications and higher levels of education in health and fitness.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A 13% increase due to employers and governments encouraging & implementing a healthy life-style.
$40,000 per year.
This varies depending on experience, region, employer, level of education and certifications.
1-3 years experience.
Increased levels of education and certifications provide more opportunities.
Bachelor’s degree in health or fitness.
Certifications recommended.
Make sure you support your self, while you are chasing that dream.
As personal fitness requires close collaboration with clients, great customer service skills are key for success. A coach must be able to motivate and instruct clients, as well as sell the gym’s classes and services. Being polite, friendly and encouraging will help maintain client relationships, as will the ability to listen to client needs and communicate clearly with them.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
– Helen Keller
