Biography and F.A.Q.'s
I have been training clients since 2003. I started with a certification from the ISSA and had originally wanted to do this part-time. Within six months I had built up enough clients that I put everything else on hold and began training full-time. Since that time I have continued my education becoming a certified master Trainer in 2008 with the NFPT.
Why personal training? As someone who started as a skinny scrawny kid I fell victim to all the outdated advice, commercial scams and general poor information that seems to surround our industry. As time went on my priorities changed. Marriage, kids, mortgage and growing aches and pains will do that to you. My emphasis shifted from gaining muscle to losing fat and staying fit. The more I explored how to do this, I again discovered that most of the information out there simply doesn't work. Reports say that 95% of all diets fail and I would also say that 95% of all exercise programs fail. Partly due to lack of motivation and partly due lack of knowing what to do. Luckily I can help with both.
How have I continued to grow my business in a terrible economy? In Home training is a specialized niche in the fitness world. At most I can have 12 active clients at a time. Unlike gym trainers, this allows me to spend more time working with each client as an individual. Most of my clients are from referrals. My success is tied to your success and this is very important to me. That is why there are no contracts or hidden charges. If this sounds like it may work, please call me to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation or try a session. Your first session is 1/2 off.
Questions:
Why did you choose to become a personal trainer?
How am I different from other Personal trainers?
There are 1,001 ways to reach any fitness goal.My specialty is creating custom programs based on what you like to do. My theory with exercise and nutrition is if you don't like doing it, then it is not a long-term solution. If you are new to fitness, we will try a bunch of different things until you find your niche.
Also, I don't know of too many trainers who write articles, publish a blog and have an E-Training website.
What is my biggest Challenge in Training Clients?
I have found that most clients get their knowledge of exercise and nutrition from commercials and infomercials. When I tell you that 90% of what you know about working out is wrong, you will probably be a little skeptical. All I ask is that you suspend your beliefs for a while.
How do I deal with clients who aren't serious?
If you are not serious about reaching your goals, please do not pick me as your trainer.
What is the most important component to personal training that I advocate to clients?
Communication. I know making changes in your lifestyle are hard and I am on your side. If there are any issues I am not addressing, I want you to tell me. My business is based on referrals and you are my walking billboard. I can't succeed if you don't succeed and I will give you all the tools to meet your goal.
What are my strengths as a trainer? Weaknesses?
My strength is that I can create fun, functional programs for you regardless of your level of fitness, experience, amount of time or type of equipment you have. My weakness may be that sometimes I feel I want my clients to achieve their goals more than they do.
What do I think of the ever popular "Atkins Diet"?
If that is your thing, I will work with you on it. In general, all diets work if you can stay on it. In general, all diets fail because you are forced to make too big of a change in your eating habits. I prefer to look at the way you like to eat and make a few tweaks here and there.
What "Question" do I come across with most clients?
"How Can I fit exercise into my crazy lifestyle?"
Who is my favorite Fitness author?
J.C. Santana. He has taught me how to train anyone, anywhere with a minimum of equipment. J.C. has also taught me how to make effective training programs that will target flexibility, balance, toning and cardio in under 30 minutes.
Who has been your greatest success story?
My kids are my greatest success story. My son ( 8 ) and my daughter ( 10) were both born premature. Since they were born, I have worked with them using the same training methods I use for myself and my clients. They have both become absolutely amazing athletes.
What is your advice for clients first stating a fitness program?
1. Find a trainer who will listen to what you want to accomplish.
2. Get an exercise and nutrition program you can realistically follow for the long term.
3. Commit to it 100%.
What type of training do you prefer, one-on-one or group? Why?
Whatever gets you to your goal is the method I prefer. I am very competitive, which is a nice way of saying I like to winning. Winning in Personal Training, to me, means making sure you reach your goals.
What are my personal goals for the future?
Personal training is my passion and I am fortunate that I can earn a living doing it full-time. That means I can concentrate on training a small select number of clients and keep the level of quality high. In the future I want to stay on the cutting edge both for myself and my clients.
I also want to make this website and blog a comprehensive research center for anyone who wants to get back in shape, lose fat and be healthy. Please take advantage of this site. There is a ton of free stuff and access to some of the best fitness information on the web.
