barbell
Sept. 29 2009
I have spoken with, consulted with and come across countless trainers who opened or aspire to open their own gyms or training studios and begin with the idea of getting a bank loan and/or investment partners.... View More
Sept. 24 2009
I have yet to work at a gym or studio that didn't require me to do some amount of cleaning up after myself, after my clients and around the gym in general. It's just part of the job. However, as the owner... View More
Sept. 16 2009
In this month's column, I would like to touch on something that has been a constant since I started All Canadian Fitness in 1993: adversity. You will get to know it early in your career. If you let it... View More
Sept. 9 2009
The one thing that really attracts all of us to someone else is feeling like that person really, really likes us. Think about it. It doesn't matter whether you are dating or creating a professional client... View More
Aug. 27 2009
I just finished up a phone interview with a successful trainer and studio owner. During that interview, she said something more profound than I think she realized. I asked her - given the benefit of hindsight... View More
Aug. 26 2009
For the past several months, we’ve discussed marketing your fitness business every which way to Sunday, and I admit, sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. Not to worry, though; there’s... View More
Aug. 26 2009
Well, you are finally ready to do it. You are going to open your very own personal training studio. I know how you must feel; I was there myself two years ago. I was excited and very nervous at the same... View More
Aug. 13 2009
Years ago, when I was training at a health club, I witnessed the success of one trainer and the demise of another. The first trainer was young, new to the industry, and eager. He made his share of mistakes... View More
Aug. 12 2009
We live in a fast-paced world. Ideas, inventions, trends and tastes all come and go at lightning speed. What's hot is soon... not. Pagers to cell phones, cell phones to Blackberries, email to instant messaging... View More
Aug. 8 2009
We work so hard to try and figure out the magic marketing equation that it seems counterintuitive to ever, ever fire a client. After all, somebody paying you good money for that hour - no matter how annoying... View More
July 29 2009
I read one of the most amazing quotes the other day: "People spend their lives in the service of their passions instead of employing their passions in the service of their lives," said Sir Richard Steele.... View More
July 22 2009
If I were to ask you, “What are you?” you might look at me a little strangely and reply “a person,” “a woman” or maybe “a personal trainer,” “fitness... View More
sports
July 20 2009
Training athletes isn't just for strength coaches and physical educators anymore. With phrases like "specialization of training" and "sport-specific workouts" penetrating the market, personal trainers... View More
July 17 2009
There’s a big divide between those who want to own a fitness business and those who want to own a fitness franchise. The independent business owner wants to sit in the driver’s seat and build... View More
July 17 2009
The one thing that can drown your independent spirit and entrepreneurial fire quicker than a subtropical monsoon is the prospect of providing your own health insurance. Being your own boss or setting your... View More
July 13 2009
Last issue, we learned the importance of testing for your marketing, what you should be testing and your options to do so. As promised, I will now be showing you how to start knocking around the competition... View More
June 24 2009
If you are a personal trainer, you have no doubt met clients that just couldn’t get started. They seem to be forever waiting for just the right time to get going. The excuses are neverending, and... View More
June 24 2009
The lazy days of summer are upon us. Clients are vacationing, kids are home from school, and the call of the pool, the beach or that steamy novel is almost irresistible. Relaxation is good, but distraction... View More
June 10 2009
Each time I get feedback from clients on what a difference I've made in their lives, I'm amazed. All I do is listen to my clients, address their needs, provide them with fun and effective workouts and... View More
lightbulb_2
June 8 2009
Most fitness pros feel a profound connection with the earth. After all, we're the ones running on the beach, biking on a mountain trail, swimming in a lake or leading a boot camp in a park, so we want... View More