PDF Becoming an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) member has changed my life. This is an opportunity I would have never thought possible only two years prior. At this time, I was managing a small, independent gym and competing part-time as a powerlifter. Through powerlifting, I became passionate about strength. I wanted to learn not only how to become stronger for my competitions but also to help others to become strong and confident as well. I knew I was capable of much more if given the right opportunity and this opportunity came when I decided to become an ISSA trainer.
I remember finding an ISSA ad in the Powerlifting USA magazine. After reading through it, I decided it was the next necessary step in furthering my career and fueling my passion. Not long after, I was enrolled in the ISSA training program. I learned a great deal about designing specific training programs to match clients’ personal needs. In addition, I learned about fitness, nutrition, diet, exercise programming, sports medicine and supplementation. After training, I felt confident to share my knowledge and skills with others.
After earning my certificate, I began working as a trainer at a new gym in San Francisco . Almost immediately, I realized I was far ahead of the other trainers who had other certifications. My clients also realized this and soon I was booked solid. Working with up to fifteen clients a day, my popularity was rapidly increasing and so was my income. I felt more financially secure and confident in my abilities.
I realized I could not only apply what I learned about strength in ISSA training to others, but to myself. I decided to cross over from powerlifting to competing in strongman competitions. I have been very successful as a Strongman competitor my goal is to earn my pro strongman card and be the number one drug-free competitor in the nation.
With the money I was earning and the success I was having in Strongman competitions, I thought life couldn’t get any better. That was until I received a call from Men’s Journal magazine, informing me that I would be published as one of the Top 100 Trainers in America in their next issue. As soon as the issue came out, I had to start putting clients on a waiting list. My reputation was growing and so was my respect and dedication to my clientele.
When my current employer began overcharging clients, I decided to open my own studio with a few other trainers. This new endeavor has given me more personal freedom to provide clients with the attention and respect that they deserve. I currently work about fifty hours a week at both locations and my annual income has increased from approximately $20,000 to $90,000 a year. I assume it will grow to about $120,000 next year, a feat I may have found impossible two years ago.
Being an ISSA trainer has been the best decision of my life and has given me opportunities far beyond my expectations. It has allowed me to integrate the principles and practices I have learned into my own life and the lives of others. I will continue to use ISSA practices and spread fitness and strength awareness to others. It would be a true honor to be ISSA’s trainer of the year.
QUOTES FROM CLIENTS:
In the past year that I have been training with Richard, I have never been so inspired to work so hard! Richard’s training style is the perfect balance of encouragement, enthusiasm and understanding of each of his client’s specific needs. He’s the best!
-Lina Larisman
Richard LaRocca is the best trainer. In the time I have worked with him, I have reached a level of strength and fitness I never believed I could attain. He knows his clients better than we know ourselves, pushing us when we feel like we must give up and knowing when rest is truly needed. It is no wonder that he is one of the most sought after trainers. He is amazing .
-Jamila Harris
I can’t tell you enough how wonderful Richard is as a person and a personal trainer. I have worked with him for over a year now and he helped change my viewpoint of physical exercise and myself. I used to workout endlessly and tirelessly almost every day with little progress. Now I only see him once a week, sometime twice for forty minutes at a time. I am in better shape now than I have ever been in and look my very best! I get complimented on the street by strangers and I feel better about my general appearance. No one knows more about weight training and how to get fast results than Richard. He has more respect and care for his clients than anyone I know. He truly is amazing!
-Kelly Kull
