We at ISSA emphasize the process of drawing people into not only a good lifestyle or a better lifestyle but the best lifestyle based in fitness for life. It is inspiring to be around people who are willing to devote themselves to a worthwhile endeavor of fitness. In order to be successful it helps to be around successful people. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions, small people always do that. The great, the truly great, make you feel as though you can become great too." Although I had a degree my affiliation with ISSA had yet to begin. Fortunately I was blessed to work with two great mentors who are also now great friends. Rex Rhorer and David Bernstein helped channel my unbridled enthusiasm into focused training though scientific nutritional and exercise guidance. Many aspiring trainers are not as fortunate. Apprehension and confusion on how to begin a career as a professional trainer is evident in the numerous inquires we receive from newly certified trainers who do not know how to begin. Fortunately for our members, ISSA with its numerous services fill the role of a mentor. We nurture our certified trainers’ growth as true fitness educators and give them the encouragement to begin their careers as professional trainers.


The fitness industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and the opportunities for success are plentiful. People worldwide are turning their unbridled love and enthusiasm for fitness into lucrative careers. But how do these people channel this unbridled love for fitness into a profession that can support themselves and their loved ones? Through this article we will discuss the best ways to embark on a fitness career.


There are undoubtedly millions of people who are currently in a profession that does not suit their natural abilities and character. There are also individuals who are fearful of taking the first step into becoming a professional trainer, and settle for mediocrity, "You can’t steal second base if you don’t take your foot off of first". Many may think that in order to becomes a successful ISSA trainer they need a formal education. Others may think that a successful trainer is genetically gifted and his or her talent as a bodybuilder or fitness competitor is what makes them a successful trainer. Still others rationalize success as a matter of luck. The truth is, the underlying characteristic that all successful ISSA trainers have is PERSISTENCE. As Calvin Coolidge once said "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent". As for luck, what others perceive as luck for successful trainers is actually persistent preparation to provide the best service possible coupled with timely opportunities. If you can nurture the determination and persistence within you then you have the key element that will guide you through your endeavor as an ISSA trainer.


We at ISSA are devoted to assisting you in becoming a great representative of ISSA as a certified trainer. Once again, preparation and persistence should guide you through this process as well. As with any service, you need to identify your target market. It would be wise to do some research on the demographics of your particular area. For example, a trainer in Las Vegas has the opportunity to find employment through any number of hotels on the strip. Specialist are needed and contracted to work with entertainers to keep them in optimal shape. If you were to live in a retirement community like Palm Springs California or Clearwater Florida, then your clientele may predominantly be over 55 years of age. In this case specializing in senior fitness would be a good idea. Once you know your perspective clientele, you need to understand their spending habits as well. Golf and tennis are sports that retirees spend their leisure time enjoying. Knowing this, you could prepare by becoming certified as a specialist in Tennis or Golf Fitness, in the event that an opportunity arises for new clients. Remember that luck is when preparation meets opportunity, so be prepared for when that opportunity presents itself.


Once you have determined your market, you need to advertise your services. The most cost affective way to advertise your services is to be a daily walking billboard for yourself. Take the time to write a two-minute testimonial on when, how, why and what lead you to become a trainer. You never know where you will meet your next client; it could be in the supermarket, at the mall at a restaurant or just walking, remember that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Therefore, if you intend on drawing people into the fitness lifestyle then you have to live it yourself. There are numerous ways to garner free advertising for yourself in the initial stages of your career. Take the time to research local papers that except free-lance articles. Submit an article on fitness and attach your email or phone number for any inquiries at the conclusion of your article. If your article is accepted, then it serves as a full-page or half-a-page advertisement for yourself that you did not have to pay for. Remember that persistence is the underlying characteristic that binds all successful trainers together, so if you r first article is not published keep trying.


After you determine your market and your advertising begins to yield prospects, you need to develop the skills to turn perspective inquiries into new clientele. This is a key area in which preparation and persistence is paramount. We at ISSA have a continuing education course by Phil Kaplan entitled, Marketing Secrets for Personal Trainers. The reality of becoming a successful trainer is to understand that you are indeed a salesperson selling a service; yourself, but do not want to be perceived as such. You need to develop an understanding of what type of communicator certain prospects are, whether it is visual, auditory or kinesthetic. By learning to catch key words like "I feel" or "I see" you can develop a more empathetic ear to ascertain a prospects true needs and then highlight why your services will be the most viable method to yield results. Once again, always stay persistent.


We at ISSA understand that any new endeavor can be marked with doubt and fears. We hope that we can continue to be your fitness education mentors so that you can turn your unbridled enthusiasm into a career you love and can profit from. As always, be prepared and stay persistence in all of your endeavors and you will undoubtedly be graced by success in your fitness career.