Am I too old to become a personal trainer? (& related questions)

[GymDudeVA]

I am 46 years old, pretty good bodybuilder at the state level. I enjoy helping people with weightlifting and bodybuilding, and think I’m pretty good at it. I’m a great teacher, very articulate, and communicate well. I get enthusiastic when I help friends and family with weightlifting.

I’m thinking of getting my personal training certification. Just to have it would be cool, but I’d maybe like to dabble in it part time. I have a great day job and am not looking to change careers (unless it really takes off), or make big $$, but maybe just to share the knowledge I have to offer, help younger (or older!) bodybuilders or those who want to lift, and make a little extra money in the process.

My main question is: am I too old? Guys half my age regularly ask my advice and say that they want a physique like mine. But as a paid trainer, am I over the hill? Especially as one who is just starting out as a p.t.?

Also, is this something one can do just a couple of days a week and on weekends? I don’t need lots of clients, and I don’t want to spend all my time outside of my day job doing this. Is this something one can do *very* part-time?

Is ACE an OK one to start with? Any other advice on starting out?

And lastly, most of the training I see going on these days involves strange blow-up balls, “core” stuff, weird hopping around, etc. Is there a niche for someone like me who is a smart, old-school lifter who would be good with, for example, beginning bodybuilders and basic weightlifting stuff, instead of all that new stuff?

Any advice/thoughts appreciated!

 

[MightyJohn]

Well...

Well...1st off You are never too old ACE is a good "starter cert" & by all means get it...but if You are looking to make top dollar in these clubs eventually look into getting You NASM...PM Me if You have any questions...

 

[ShaneH]

I think your age would appeal to many people!

 

[km2000]

I think your age would appeal to many people!

i agree shane,


also if any of you guys have questions on personal training ask shane, he workes for 24hr fitness and he has a vast knowledge of the ins and outs of personal training.... he has won the "trainer of the year" award for the whole company (not the best in the gym, state or region) the best in the counry! so to say he knows his shit would be an understatment!

 

[ShaneH]

Thanks Kenny!


Gymdude .....as far as the weird training styles go....I train most of my clients the same way i train myself. Which is BODYBUILDING. I have a large amount of clients that ranges from bodybuilders, figure competitors, olympic athletes, and other high intensity athletes, but I also train house wives and other people who just want to feel good. I train 95% of them in a bodybuidling manner. I have never understood why the new trainers come in and try to 'redesign the wheel' with excercises they learned in a certification course/book. Most of these trainers dont even do these so called exercises themselves.

If you want to help others with what has helped you (bodybuilding) then you should go for it. You sound like you have exactly what makes a great trainer and that is passion!

As far as being part time...that depends on where you work. I think most places would let you do it. The bigger chain gyms (24 hour, LA fitness, Lifetime, etc...) may have rules that you have to work X hours. So you may want to work at a PT studio, plus the larger chains take the big cut of the money, but there is more traffic.

If you have any questions for me I would love to help.

Shane

 

[worldspan]

There is a tremendous market for clients in the 40-60 age category. Lets face it they are the ones with the bucks. And they appreciate relating to a more mature person in their own age category

Worldspan

 

[thebrick]

There is a tremendous market for clients in the 40-60 age category. Lets face it they are the ones with the bucks. And they appreciate relating to a more mature person in their own age category

Worldspan

Exactly. A mature person will feel more comfortable training with someone that's has some life experience. I say its a plus.

 

[JohnnyPro]

Hell no, you aren't too old. I am 52 and I just got certified a year ago.

 

[allbeef]

Bro

The question seems to be:
may or may not ever get as moytivated about lifting as you.

1. Do you have the motivate to get nationally certified before you apply for the position.
2. Do you have an outgoing personality that people of all ages will be drawn toward. Consider how many converstions you get into and how much advice you give currently to people at the gym.
3. Can you live with $15 an hour unbenefited for a year or two while you grow in ability.
4. Can you be satisfied with working with clients who are slugs and



Your age and experience is a positive for a gym who wants to meet the special needs of men and woman your age. But what you know about lifting weights is only one small part of what you need to know to treat older folks or fat men and women.

But if you want to have an positive impact on a persons health, self esteem you are choosing to do an honorable and necessary job. There are many very cute you woman who may want your lifting knowledge but prefer to get it from a more mature male ( even though I am sure you a dog like most of us who cycle )

You could be 70 and they would want you, just be very careful about admiting steroid use.


How bad do you want the role: Thats the real question.


Allbeef