I’m 31 and transitioning from a career in social work to personal training currently, just wanted to say thank you for these insights. Truly invaluable. Thank you sir.
I’ve been a trainer for 3 years now and spent almost a year studying here in France before I was qualified to practice in France. Most of the things you learn are from training people and most of the things I learnt in my training I don’t use a lot. The way you have described the professional is right on and so true. Thanks for the no bullshit videos love them.
I am 44...I am in the gym from 8 am to 3pm ...have so much energy dont even what to get out the gym and..I did not have in my 20s energy doesn't know age ..it is according what we eat .....being old you are wiser with life experience..😊
Bro! Soo good. I studied and graduated in 2020 but just after Covid hit in australia and I was so doubtful of my ability to train people. I’ve also struggled with anxiety and eating issues and thought all of that had to go away before I started this new career. I’m so passionate about health but haven’t really been consistent in my own training journey. I’m so thrilled I just got accepted to work at Goodlife in West end Brisbane. Your videos are really preparing me. I’d be curious to get in touch and ask a few questions. I’m just hearing you say you lived in Sydney. Only found your page now. Thanks for the great content.
I like what you said about age and being a personal trainer. I got my qualification at the age of 57 and am now 62 yrs old at time of writing. I have 5 x regular clients ranging from the age of 41 (female) to 75 (female) and in between I have one female (67) and one male (70). I am loving it. I can relate to older people as I am old myself. I do this part-time as well as doing another job managing a small gym AND another part-time job that has nothing to do with the fitness industry. I need to be busy as I have so much energy.
I love this comment. For a while I sat here as a 35 year old thinking I was too old to switch careers & that I'd be better off staying where I am. However between your comment & talking to a friend I'm going to take that risk. I want to do something I enjoy as a career. Even if i fail I want to say that I at least gave it a try.
You've no idea how much that inspires me. I'm about to take my first steps to being a PT at 47. I felt that I was too old and couldn't compete with the stereotypical PT types but then I realised that older people or those with low self esteem tend to be driven away by the Instagram-type PTs which opens up a big market for us older, more relatable people.
I'm just finishing up my Personal Trainer Practitioner Level 3, and I started having those typical self-doubts creeping in that everyone has when starting something new, despite how passionate I am about doing this and my own fitness journey and helping others, having been a teacher in my previous job. This video not just reassured me, but motivated me even more. Really good video, can't thank you enough James!
This video is so helpful! It seems so hard to get started because I think people online give the wrong message of how to actually work! Oh let’s just post a few mirror selfies in a cute outfit and magically you get 100 clients. Realistically, I just want a handful of clients I can really help - cos that’s what I am passionate about! As for the pt course, well… it left me with more questions than answers tbh! 😅 I love these sort of videos, keep it up 🙌🏻
I really miss my days of being a PT. I was never an Adonis and I used to see talks/seminars where the speakers were saying that a PT should be lean, ripped and pushing sup’s and others would applaud. Those others also worked in my gym and charged £10 a session as they were desperate for clients while I charged £45 and that was 10 years ago. For them it was all about image and showing off while I was talking and listening to everyone. Prospecting, building relationships. Awesome video!
Definitely! Only lower your costs if you do an offer such as training 2 people at the same time. In my experience, if a potential client mentions another trainer is cheaper, firstly why are they talking to you? Try to find that out… secondly remind yourself how valuable you are. Ask questions and listen to the answers.
Great content mate! Love the idea of understanding your market and where you’re coming from. I got put off since being injured and questioning myself like am I good enough to be training others if I’m not 100% health myself
I love this kind of content. I opened my own PT biz 1.5 years ago and it was a rough start, but the snowball is starting to roll now! The most important content I could use and am looking for is practical advice on how PTs store information and data. I feel like it gets overwhelming, all my clients have small nuances to be written down and remember and keeping up with check-in dates, etc...
Great video! You are real and to the point and I love it. I know you train BJJ and I just started 2 months back. I'm overweight and just bought a kettlebell to workout at home. Anyway you could make a video using a kettlebell?
Best video I have watched in a long time! So insightful for someone thinking about training as a PT! Where can I find out more information about the event in Lisbon?
Brilliant video thanks James! how often do you do business talks? i know you're going to say come IFS coz it'll be worth it, currently saving all i can before I move to oz and atm getting out of england feels higher on my values. Thanks for all the great content
I’m 40, getting out of the wind power market and into a new career. This is what I’d love to do but my other idea was recruitment. I feel so called out! 😂
I spontaneously decided to consider BJJ but I have a physical job that is much harder to do if I’m injured or super sore. Your video is inspiring me to seriously consider BJJ! Thank you for describing it so well and so in depth so I can make an educated decision.
Mate your body will get used to it. Hard to get out of bed the next day sometimes especially if you’ve been smothered, but it’s worth it because you’re working toward something
I concur 100% James with the comment you are never too old to qualify as a PT. I qualified at 59 (now 65) and still teaching. I believe being older and demonstrating visually and mentally you can be the best version of yourself (at my age) is definitely a USP that inspires others to see and believe, if that old bugger can do it, despite him weighing in at 17 Stone (now 12.5) and had a heart attack in his 50’s, then I can do it. I do have a concern at the quality of a large majority of PT’s being churned out on the fast-track (money making) courses. I honestly believe it gives the industry a bad rep. I do think it is important to choose your PT Course carefully. Mine took 2 years via YMCA-Fit (I have no vested interest by the way) Love your no frills content & explanations James May your success long continue 💪💪🙏
This is so helpful I'm turning 40 in 15 days and I'm in week 3 of a personal training course I signed up to as I'm at that point in my career that I want to do something different ...I'm an executive assistant at the moment and have been for years but so bored of it and fancied a change and totally thought I was too old haha but I have been on a fitness journey and lost 120lbs in 3 years and just want to help other people feel good about themselves so just want to give this a shot 😊❤ thanks for the advice really appreciate it 😊
Love this. I can so relate girl! I am also thinking about becoming a PT. 🙂 I lost 4 sizes in less than 2 years!!! My goal was to be a better version of myself on every level.
Love the content my man. I'm 38 and don't have any experience in training and nutrition. What advice would you give to someone like me who wants to get into personal training and nutrition. Thanks
Great advice James. Appreciate the video as a new PT, 6 months in. Would love to hear more about what specific tasks PT's and online coaches should be focusing on when working on their business, not in their business. Keen to hear your thoughts and attend a business talk when you're in brissy next.
Curious about how that conversation goes with the client about increasing the rate once you hit 30hrs a week, unless you mean only increase it for new, prospective clients and not changing the rate for clients you’ve already had sessions with
Question - James, im Henry from Maidenhead. Im a qualified PT with only 4 months experience, I been offered a 10 week unpaid internship at a gym I perceive to be very good. I applied for full time role and they rejected me but offered the internship. I’m not sure whether to commit to it
I tried to become a personal trainer and started off doing a gym instructors course I failed it three times and I have to admit that even after doing a completely different course and passing it I still think and consider doing the PT and gym instructor one again and trying again to not fail it. Do you think I should do it and take the risk or not at all?
You mentioned that your rent can be included as a tax write off at the end of the year. Does anyone have any experience doing this? If so, do you need to make a certain amount of money per year to be able to claim it back?
What fitness courses do people recommend? I've just applied to Open University for Fitness, health and management certificate, and 2 year course, but it seems pointless doing it if there are PT courses available that don't require this
Thanks! This was very informative. The only question I have is, which school would you recommend to become a certified trainer? A two year school or a six week course? I live in Massachusetts and those are my options
I am shocked about the amount of free information i get 🙉🙉🙉 what is happening?? And if you make these videos until the IFS, will there be more secrets left to talk about? 😅 Sitting in a room with you and others like you seems super scary 😂 how many pts usually attend masterclasses? Starting to get anxious 😅
I've just started in a local gym to me. It has around 200 people there as it's a premium gym so costs are high for memberships and I am the 4th and newest PT there. What would your advise be to start getting paying clients? I am currently training two people for free to get testimonials/ transformations hopefully if they stick it out long enough
If costs are high people won't bat an eye about you charging them. In fact, the lower your price, the less they might trust your services. You should be confident with your pricing as well as what kind of value you will provide for your clients
The best thing first is to have a proper sport background. People doing only gym do not have notions of coordination, balance, chain explosive power, proper cardio (not the trademille), endurance, wider visual, mobility (depends) and mechanical practical understanding. Even better if you did any proper sport at high level. Starting from scratch is nonsense. I know a girl who use to be quite fat only started gym at 15 and cause she is a people person she got a training and job at a gym. Well, for the Zumba she is OK but when she talks to people when they ask her like for exemple: what can I do to get muscly and lose fat 🤦🏻♂️.
If I choose to work for a gym as a personal trainer, and the gym costs $100/session to train with a personal trainer, how much of that $100 goes to the trainer?
Hey , I just watched your video and I must say that it was really informative and well-made. I was wondering if I could help you edit your highly engaging videos and thumbnails which will help your video to reach to a wider audience and increase your subscribers and viewers.
Here’s a top tip, probably the best tip to give an upcoming personal trainer. Turn your fucking phone off whenever you have to interact with others. Could that be THE most annoying thing for a client?
You are up against it in your 40s, as people are bigoted and prejudiced in the UK. I show the dude one high bar pullover, or a dyson pushup and he will shut up then.
It really helps to specialise in something you have experience in or a passion for. I'm a level 4 in cancer rehab and that's really helped my business. @katiefitbrit
I’m 31 and transitioning from a career in social work to personal training currently, just wanted to say thank you for these insights. Truly invaluable. Thank you sir.
I’ve been a trainer for 3 years now and spent almost a year studying here in France before I was qualified to practice in France. Most of the things you learn are from training people and most of the things I learnt in my training I don’t use a lot. The way you have described the professional is right on and so true. Thanks for the no bullshit videos love them.
I am 44...I am in the gym from 8 am to 3pm ...have so much energy dont even what to get out the gym and..I did not have in my 20s energy doesn't know age ..it is according what we eat .....being old you are wiser with life experience..😊
You aren’t 44 are ya
Why is the left pillow breathing? I cant concentrate ... Great 👍🏻 video
Omg I didn’t even notice! Now I need to know too 😂
Lmmfaorofl
I came to the comments to see if I was the only one who noticed
It's a shadow!
Omg 😲 🤣
This profession is tough and grindy at the start but has the potential to become such a fun one with so many areas to explore.
Love that you have came to UA-cam big respect
Great content James!!
Super super grateful for your time
I’m so glad I watched this. I’m certified in about a week and I am so nervous because this is a whole different level of career than I’m used to.
Bro! Soo good. I studied and graduated in 2020 but just after Covid hit in australia and I was so doubtful of my ability to train people. I’ve also struggled with anxiety and eating issues and thought all of that had to go away before I started this new career. I’m so passionate about health but haven’t really been consistent in my own training journey. I’m so thrilled I just got accepted to work at Goodlife in West end Brisbane. Your videos are really preparing me. I’d be curious to get in touch and ask a few questions. I’m just hearing you say you lived in Sydney. Only found your page now. Thanks for the great content.
Great points well made, loving the simple aspect of sitting on a coach and just talking 😃
Very timely video for me thinking about this career change! Great content!
I like what you said about age and being a personal trainer. I got my qualification at the age of 57 and am now 62 yrs old at time of writing. I have 5 x regular clients ranging from the age of 41 (female) to 75 (female) and in between I have one female (67) and one male (70). I am loving it. I can relate to older people as I am old myself. I do this part-time as well as doing another job managing a small gym AND another part-time job that has nothing to do with the fitness industry. I need to be busy as I have so much energy.
I love this comment. For a while I sat here as a 35 year old thinking I was too old to switch careers & that I'd be better off staying where I am. However between your comment & talking to a friend I'm going to take that risk. I want to do something I enjoy as a career. Even if i fail I want to say that I at least gave it a try.
Whooooa !!!! Unbelievable 💪🏿💪🏿
You've no idea how much that inspires me. I'm about to take my first steps to being a PT at 47.
I felt that I was too old and couldn't compete with the stereotypical PT types but then I realised that older people or those with low self esteem tend to be driven away by the Instagram-type PTs which opens up a big market for us older, more relatable people.
This is a really great video bro, I’ve been in personal training for 11 months now & this is amazing content. Very helpful!
I'm just finishing up my Personal Trainer Practitioner Level 3, and I started having those typical self-doubts creeping in that everyone has when starting something new, despite how passionate I am about doing this and my own fitness journey and helping others, having been a teacher in my previous job. This video not just reassured me, but motivated me even more. Really good video, can't thank you enough James!
I'm getting into helping trainers. What kind of self doubts where you having?
This video is so helpful! It seems so hard to get started because I think people online give the wrong message of how to actually work! Oh let’s just post a few mirror selfies in a cute outfit and magically you get 100 clients. Realistically, I just want a handful of clients I can really help - cos that’s what I am passionate about! As for the pt course, well… it left me with more questions than answers tbh! 😅 I love these sort of videos, keep it up 🙌🏻
I really miss my days of being a PT. I was never an Adonis and I used to see talks/seminars where the speakers were saying that a PT should be lean, ripped and pushing sup’s and others would applaud. Those others also worked in my gym and charged £10 a session as they were desperate for clients while I charged £45 and that was 10 years ago. For them it was all about image and showing off while I was talking and listening to everyone. Prospecting, building relationships. Awesome video!
I'm just getting into personal training. where you more successful than the other PTs you were talking about, despite chargeing more?
Definitely! Only lower your costs if you do an offer such as training 2 people at the same time. In my experience, if a potential client mentions another trainer is cheaper, firstly why are they talking to you? Try to find that out… secondly remind yourself how valuable you are. Ask questions and listen to the answers.
“I was willing to put in more effort than the majority of my competitors. That’s why you’re watching my video and not theirs.”
Bar 🔥🔥🔥
Great content mate! Love the idea of understanding your market and where you’re coming from. I got put off since being injured and questioning myself like am I good enough to be training others if I’m not 100% health myself
The alarm going off cracked me up. I am thinking about this profession so thank you for the great information
I love this kind of content. I opened my own PT biz 1.5 years ago and it was a rough start, but the snowball is starting to roll now! The most important content I could use and am looking for is practical advice on how PTs store information and data. I feel like it gets overwhelming, all my clients have small nuances to be written down and remember and keeping up with check-in dates, etc...
There are some platforms for "complete pt solutions" i have used Abel for awhile now, but there surely is other software to.
Love your content, I am actively trying to get certified just need to pass the test for the place I chose
I really like your attitude, good vid stranger 👍
Some great free info there. Shocked it doesn't have more views and likes.. all about the youtube algorithms 🙄
recently got certified and just wanted to comment that this video's information is very helpful. thank you
Great video! You are real and to the point and I love it. I know you train BJJ and I just started 2 months back. I'm overweight and just bought a kettlebell to workout at home. Anyway you could make a video using a kettlebell?
61 and super passionate about returning to the fitness industry as a PT. Straight up and simple. Thanks you
Best video I have watched in a long time! So insightful for someone thinking about training as a PT! Where can I find out more information about the event in Lisbon?
Brilliant video thanks James! how often do you do business talks? i know you're going to say come IFS coz it'll be worth it, currently saving all i can before I move to oz and atm getting out of england feels higher on my values. Thanks for all the great content
I am only half way through and this video is brilliant!! Literally solid gold!!
I fucking love this informative real info, thanks man! love
Candid and practical video - excellent content! 😄
What an epiiiic video full of golden nuggies! Thanks for sharing James!
I’m 40, getting out of the wind power market and into a new career. This is what I’d love to do but my other idea was recruitment. I feel so called out! 😂
Very good advice James
I spontaneously decided to consider BJJ but I have a physical job that is much harder to do if I’m injured or super sore. Your video is inspiring me to seriously consider BJJ! Thank you for describing it so well and so in depth so I can make an educated decision.
Mate your body will get used to it. Hard to get out of bed the next day sometimes especially if you’ve been smothered, but it’s worth it because you’re working toward something
thanks for this! been staring me in the face for a long time that I should become a PT.
Intrigued about the IFS event!
Come along! Www.Internationalfitnesssummit.Com
Super informative, thanks man
I concur 100% James with the comment you are never too old to qualify as a PT. I qualified at 59 (now 65) and still teaching.
I believe being older and demonstrating visually and mentally you can be the best version of yourself (at my age) is definitely a USP that inspires others to see and believe, if that old bugger can do it, despite him weighing in at 17 Stone (now 12.5) and had a heart attack in his 50’s, then I can do it.
I do have a concern at the quality of a large majority of PT’s being churned out on the fast-track (money making) courses. I honestly believe it gives the industry a bad rep. I do think it is important to choose your PT Course carefully. Mine took 2 years via YMCA-Fit (I have no vested interest by the way)
Love your no frills content & explanations James May your success long continue 💪💪🙏
Who did you get qualified with mate?
I'd honestly much rather hire someone with a lot of experience than someone younger to be honest.
This helps me lots to learn ❤😊
Great advice.
This is so helpful I'm turning 40 in 15 days and I'm in week 3 of a personal training course I signed up to as I'm at that point in my career that I want to do something different ...I'm an executive assistant at the moment and have been for years but so bored of it and fancied a change and totally thought I was too old haha but I have been on a fitness journey and lost 120lbs in 3 years and just want to help other people feel good about themselves so just want to give this a shot 😊❤ thanks for the advice really appreciate it 😊
You can do it man! 💪🏽
@jondaye8162 ah thanks 😊
Love this. I can so relate girl! I am also thinking about becoming a PT. 🙂 I lost 4 sizes in less than 2 years!!! My goal was to be a better version of myself on every level.
Love the content my man. I'm 38 and don't have any experience in training and nutrition. What advice would you give to someone like me who wants to get into personal training and nutrition. Thanks
Great advice James. Appreciate the video as a new PT, 6 months in.
Would love to hear more about what specific tasks PT's and online coaches should be focusing on when working on their business, not in their business.
Keen to hear your thoughts and attend a business talk when you're in brissy next.
Hey man, How's it going as a PT? I hear a lot of negatives about it, more than positives. Hope it's going well for you
I'm 59 and thinking about doing it!
I just signed up pt course and it so stressful and fun fitness bit
Thanks for this, great help. Looking forward to more. Will be looking for a UK event!
Great Video
Thank you❤
What’s great about this profession is that you really need like 5-6 recurring clients to make a living.
Soo good
Curious about how that conversation goes with the client about increasing the rate once you hit 30hrs a week, unless you mean only increase it for new, prospective clients and not changing the rate for clients you’ve already had sessions with
Your very good
Question - James, im Henry from Maidenhead. Im a qualified PT with only 4 months experience, I been offered a 10 week unpaid internship at a gym I perceive to be very good. I applied for full time role and they rejected me but offered the internship. I’m not sure whether to commit to it
Gym rent is now 400-600. It’s increased a lot
I tried to become a personal trainer and started off doing a gym instructors course I failed it three times and I have to admit that even after doing a completely different course and passing it I still think and consider doing the PT and gym instructor one again and trying again to not fail it. Do you think I should do it and take the risk or not at all?
What qualification should I peruse first if I want to start a career in the fitness industry ?
You mentioned that your rent can be included as a tax write off at the end of the year. Does anyone have any experience doing this? If so, do you need to make a certain amount of money per year to be able to claim it back?
What fitness courses do people recommend? I've just applied to Open University for Fitness, health and management certificate, and 2 year course, but it seems pointless doing it if there are PT courses available that don't require this
Thanks! This was very informative. The only question I have is, which school would you recommend to become a certified trainer? A two year school or a six week course? I live in Massachusetts and those are my options
NASM is a very reputable certification and you can do it online
I am shocked about the amount of free information i get 🙉🙉🙉 what is happening??
And if you make these videos until the IFS, will there be more secrets left to talk about? 😅 Sitting in a room with you and others like you seems super scary 😂 how many pts usually attend masterclasses? Starting to get anxious 😅
💖💖💖
Hello, James! You are very cool guy! I like you! I am Nik from Russia with love for you!
I've just started in a local gym to me. It has around 200 people there as it's a premium gym so costs are high for memberships and I am the 4th and newest PT there. What would your advise be to start getting paying clients? I am currently training two people for free to get testimonials/ transformations hopefully if they stick it out long enough
Het Alex, this could help
ua-cam.com/users/shortsxUL-ztLfFaY?feature=share
If costs are high people won't bat an eye about you charging them. In fact, the lower your price, the less they might trust your services. You should be confident with your pricing as well as what kind of value you will provide for your clients
The best thing first is to have a proper sport background. People doing only gym do not have notions of coordination, balance, chain explosive power, proper cardio (not the trademille), endurance, wider visual, mobility (depends) and mechanical practical understanding. Even better if you did any proper sport at high level. Starting from scratch is nonsense. I know a girl who use to be quite fat only started gym at 15 and cause she is a people person she got a training and job at a gym. Well, for the Zumba she is OK but when she talks to people when they ask her like for exemple: what can I do to get muscly and lose fat 🤦🏻♂️.
Thanks for this video James. Pretty cool.
would you mind taking your mic out from under the pillow next time? thanks
W
If I choose to work for a gym as a personal trainer, and the gym costs $100/session to train with a personal trainer, how much of that $100 goes to the trainer?
$30-40
Hey , I just watched your video and I must say that it was really informative and well-made. I was wondering if I could help you edit your highly engaging videos and thumbnails which will help your video to reach to a wider audience and increase your subscribers and viewers.
Here’s a top tip, probably the best tip to give an upcoming personal trainer. Turn your fucking phone off whenever you have to interact with others. Could that be THE most annoying thing for a client?
You are up against it in your 40s, as people are bigoted and prejudiced in the UK. I show the dude one high bar pullover, or a dyson pushup and he will shut up then.
I'm just wondering who is stuck inside the pillow...
😂😂😂😂😂
what a bore
I'd rather pick $1 from 100 man than $100. From one man, worklines is better that way. If one falls off, you're still getting paid good.
Hey bro I’m 22 and are pretty athletic can I contact you and get some advice for n how to become one
It really helps to specialise in something you have experience in or a passion for. I'm a level 4 in cancer rehab and that's really helped my business. @katiefitbrit
That’s a great shout Katie, who did you train for the specialisation with pls?