How I train my clients

        I received my certified personal training (CPT) certificate a few years back. Due to the unpredictable nature of my previous job as an instructor I wasn't able to fully use the certificate for extra money. I interviewed for a few places and either the time or the money was not quite right. (This is where I learned that personal trainers don't make squat.... pun intended). Moving down south with a more predictable schedule I was able to use my cert to make money. Again, I interviewed at a few places and money was the biggest obstacle (This comes from a place of ego, but my knowledge base is much higher than a dude with just a CPT). I was able to land a job with a large company and the money/schedule was on point. I learned the nuances of training and found out it is selling used cars. (The worst part about the job). I do have a personality and could have sold myself to clients. That felt cheap and unethical. Why would I take a car payment away from someone and lock them into a contract, and hound them over the phone to show up.

    What I did learn through this process is to wait for someone to ask about personal training. No need to constantly sell myself or use my interview techniques to get someone to sign a contract. My cliental would be smaller this way, but timewise it is for the better. I was able to procure some clients and spent the first few sessions instructing them on techniques about lifting and spread some knowledge. After two sessions it reaches a decision point. Do you want to continue, or do you have enough knowledge to go forth on your own? 9/10 they want to proceed with training.

    

    I charge $20 a session because I want it to be affordable and maintain flexibility in my schedule. Due to my job, I take classes, travel for work. That structure maintains a flexible schedule.

    During my sessions I train my clients like athletes.

    I run them through a RAMP warmup, utilize plyometrics, incorporate sprints and agility sessions along with heavy resistance training. Even with the females that I train who want to "tone up" I have them lift heavy. I explain that males and females can be trained the same way with different endocrine responses. Therefore, you won't get bulky or have Ronnie Coleman type muscles. Lifting heavy will tone you up. I tell them my job is to get you bigger, stronger and faster. I'm not into training to lose weight. That will come with time. What you look like in the mirror is more important than a scale.  

    I go over the specific goal of the workout with them and let them know why we are training this way.

       Pro Aglity tests, T-tests, vertical jumps, broad jumps, sprints and heavy compound lifts are on the schedule with training.

    To my surprise, all of my clients really like it. They enjoy lifting heavy, they enjoy sprinting (to a degree). I incorporate all of my fitness knowledge of energy systems into the training. For example, if we are doing sprints, I schedule 15 second max sprints with 230 seconds of rest to train the phosphagen system. Plyometrics are the same way. I follow the 1:5 ratio with plyo's. It takes a few sessions to get them used to jumping five reps then resting for 2 min. I do this to ensure the body has recovered and to get the highest quality jump not to jump for the sake of jumping. 

    With the positive feedback received for each workout, I'll continue to train this way.