A career change in my future?

What's Happenin' Fellas?

A seriously hectic schedule in conjunction with the most intense phase of my pre-Triathlon season training has pretty much kept me off the Forum for the last 10 days or so. My first Tri of the season is fast approaching (Sun, May 6... I'll be sure to post a race report when it's over) and I gotta push hard up until the week before.

I've been popping by here and there to check everyone out... seems as if everyone's doing fairly well. I hope that's the case.

Anyway, last week, I was approached by a staff member at my gym about the possibility of becoming a certified personal trainer. There's some preliminary talk about me eventually handling the growing number of clients who are considering or are post-WLS as well as any new members with serious weight issues.
Bizarre... just over a year ago, I was a newbie at the gym - Slightly embarrased of my lack of physical conditioning, wondering if everyone was watching me plod along on the treadmill at 2 mph for 10 minutes and struggle with 50lbs on the seated bench press.
Now, they want me to work there...
What a strange trip it's been.

Be Well,
A.J.

Wow, that's cool. I can tell you that if I was a post-op WLS patient looking at joining a gym, a trainer who had also been through the surgery would be a HUGE selling point. With WLS becoming more common, I think that could be a real niche.  I could even see a big ad campaign with your before and after photos..... Let us know how it goes. Scott M

i agree with Scott, the been there done that thing along with your before and afters would be a hell of a campaign. you've been a big inspiration to a lot of us and you were especially articulate in explaining why you marathon. you've obviously put thought and words into action with your journey and i think many have and will benefit from your insight and example.

so i say go for it! you might find it very rewarding to help others on their journey. you don't have to be some certified expert with tons of experience. just common sense and a desire are enough. the credentials will come with time as you start training. i really hope you consider their offer because i've seen what you've done here over time. your mind is the most powerful tool and it all starts there. once you teach that to your clients they can move mountains.....carbonblob

That's awesome AJ.  It would be a great marketing plan for the gym, and I'm sure it would make many WLS patients more comfortable with the thoughts of joining a gym.  Let us know what happens with it. Sounds like you're busy getting ready for your first tri of the season - make sure you let us know how it goes.... Good luck with everything, Chuck

Sounds like a great opportunity that will be hard to pass up.  In my case I have hired a personal trainer for 2 months to get my head straight and on course. He comes 3 times a week and it is costing me $50/session. My wife has joined me and we are now getting a 2for1 deal. He says he has 32 slots a week, not bad for 6k a month. You would also have plenty of time to keep your Tri's in shape. Good luck and let us know! KIM - weak on the left

Congratz and like everyone has said it would be a huge opportunity and clearly a great biz decision for the gym.  A word of warning- SOME people find that doing something they love as a "job" ruins their passion for the activity.

Congrads AJ Sounds exciting and what a FART! Unless you got a better deal, give it a shot.  Worst that can happen is you make a career change? Good luck with your Tri.  I look forward to whatever you share of your experience.

Awesome. The best things in life just seem to come together. I hope it works out for you, Buddy. DD Would your sessions include a "happy ending"?    (Sorry, I can't help myself.)  

That's fantastic AJ. Good for you. You're getting rewarded for all of your hard work. Nice to see!

Dude, That is fantastic. You know I will be one of your  first Clients but there is No where in Hell I will be there when the doors open at 4:30 AM---Seriously, there must be a support group for people  like you (LOL!!) As far as I know, you me and Nanette are the only WLS patients there---I wish there was some way to Organize us at TR together so we at least knew there were kindred spirits sweating at the next treadmill. again, Great new Chris