I got f---ed at Bally's, advice?

[casualbb]

Okay, all preconceived notions aside, I was ready to give Bally's a chance. Sure they're corporate whores, but that doesn't really distinguish them from the rest of the chain gyms. But now I have actual reason to hate.

As some of you may know, I was trying to get a job as a personal trainer. I'm NASM certified, which is arguably one of the most cutting-edge certs and is known for having one of the toughest certification exams (which I got 100% on btw). I actually started looking for PT positions. I interview at 5 different clubs, all of which rejected me on the basis that I wouldn't have enough time (I go back to school mid-august), but my local Bally's didn't seem to mind. I end up going through literally 2 weeks of interview process. I did the initial interview, the audition, even a day of training only to show up today for the last bit of training and have them pull the same shit on me. So now I'm jobless.

My first thought was, "okay, who can I train independently and where can I do it?" The answers were "barely anybody," and "nowhere legally."

I only have like 5-6 weeks left in my summer, and right now I'm inclined to forget about pt'ing right now and just get a temp job for 8-10/hour.

Anybody a PT? Anybody have any sort of advice?

-casual

 

[pwr_machine]

I'm NASM certified, which is arguably one of the most cutting-edge certs and is known for having one of the toughest certification exams (which I got 100% on btw).

I'm not familiar with this certification. Can you tell me more about it? Was it an online course? Had a workshop? Included a practical exam? It appears to me that most quality gyms are looking for ACSM or NSCA certifications. I'd consider an additional certification if you're looking at a career as a personal trainer.

 

[PolishHammer1977]

temp it broly. timing doesn't seem right. you still have the cert. you still have the option.

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

get the equipment & train at your house... youll make bigger bucks training independently anyway. Advertise in the local papers, mail flyers, get a website going-- seriously, your prob better off unemployed than training at Ballys.

 

[jerkbox]

well, someone looking to hire a personal trainer would probably be looking to do it longer than 5-6 weeks.....I'd think it would be more of a long term committment, building a client base and repeat clients, etc.


not really a temporary 5-6 week kind of job in my opinion

 

[Nonerz]

are you planning to work during school at all?

 

[casualbb]

Yeah I'm gonna try to train part-time during the school year. Maybe 4-5 clients. I was really trying to get some experience so I have a better chance of being hired by my school gym.

jerkbox - yeah I know The whole college thing doesn't lend itself to training too well

 

[pwr_machine]

Yeah I'm gonna try to train part-time during the school year. Maybe 4-5 clients. I was really trying to get some experience so I have a better chance of being hired by my school gym.

jerkbox - yeah I know The whole college thing doesn't lend itself to training too well

I'm currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Performance, and still train clients regularly. With good time management, you can pull of study and work. And, of course, working out!

 

[casualbb]

That would be optimal -- because even at relatively low wages as a PT it still beats the crap out of every other possible job. And then the longer I do it the more I can charge... I see myself helping to pay for med school with PT money.

 

[Scotsman]

Another way is to go to your college gym and see if they need people. We had a large training staff back when I was in school. Also I used to charge people just for setting up their program and then they had the option of retaining my services on a regular basis or just checking in once in a while.

Cheers,
Scotsman