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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
