Fit Mom's Blog

1. How long have you been a personal trainer? What kind of training did you do to become a fitness instructor? Which certifications do you have and do you have to renew them? I have been a trainer since 2003.

My husband was the owner of the training company (we were dating at the time) so I just got the online certification to get going…..got a LOT of experience on the floor – studied on my own – actually was given the responsibility to learn and teach the Apex weight management program (since I have a Masters of Arts in Teaching) – so that was a HUGE help as well. Then studied and took the American College of Exercise Certification Test (ACE) and it does need to be renewed.

2. What kind of costs were involved in becoming a fitness instructor ( ACE certification, etc)?

No costs for me to become a trainer other than lots of workout clothes. (In California the test costs $300+ study materials.)

3. Tell me about your new business. How did you get the idea to do an online business and what are the costs involved in starting this type of business online?

That is a loaded question…..hmmm – what I have accomplished is rooted in the past 4 years of my experience – everything from one-on-one personal training clients to teaching a ton of group weight management courses – I by the way was not happy with the Apex format and rewrote the entire program. My husband had established a successful online business by working with people like Ryan Lee and Jim Labadie so he had some know-how on how to get things up and running. I wanted my role to grow as well – to be known for more than the trainer in small town Elizabethtown, KY. So I created a website and played around with that – in the mean time, my husband and I decided to define what my role would entail. Since I was known as the “go- to” trainer for women who wanted fat loss – we decided to define my niche – busy women’s fat loss expert.

We contacted Craig Ballantyne – who my husband and I had met at the Ryan Lee boot camps and other online promotions – and asked if he would like to partner with us – he shared the fact that he had an idea as well – and out came Fit Yummy Mummy.

Long story I know – but the biggest lesson is to get as involved as you can with fitness pro- type activities and organizations and surround yourself with people who can help make it happen.

The costs to get this going? Not sure….it is a part of the business expense since my husband and his partner have collaborated with me.

A website has a costs, boot camps have costs, mastermind groups have costs – but they all pay off.

4. Can you tell me how much fitness/personal trainers get paid- what’s the average salary? And can you roughly estimate your potential earnings? Sorry, I’m so nosy! I’m just curious!!!

I think that varies greatly based on where you live. For instance – in our small town we charge $30- 40 for a 30 minute session – trainer gets anywhere from $5 – $15 based on experience.

Not a fair answer for you as far as Earnings for me since I am married to my boss (that sounds bad doesn’t it : ) And yes I get a salary and the business assumes some of my expenses.

5. Where are you located? Do you work out of a gym or your home? How many hours a week are you working on your business and training others?

Located in small town Elizabethtown KY, just south of Louisville. Our training company is based out of a large gym located – we pay rent to be there.

I spend a great deal of time working on my business at this point. Only train a few clients now.

6. What’s the best part of your job?

Offering support and solutions to women who thought they had no other options and “watching” their amazing transformation – the fact that it happens from the inside out. It is the most rewarding experience to have women tell me that I have helped them to change their entire life.

7. When you design lessons for your clients- how much time does it take you and when you work with them do you have specific goals you work on each day?

For the few clients that I train – it takes no time at all – we meet often enough so that I am close touch with their progress and make slight adjustments as needed. The majority of my female clients just need the accountability to stick with their program and keep things challenging.

8. What’s been the most effective way you’ve found to motivate people to get fit?Making them get in touch with their REASON – why they want to change – why is it so important to them – why now – what happens if they stop or if they don’t strive to reach their goals. I do take the time to sit with them one-on-one during our initial session to dig into this – and then reevaluate on a monthly basis or when needed.