Price of a personal trainer

[PeterDolan]

Time served + a qual (which ensures a minimum level of knowledge) maybe the answer. There should be a minimum level of some kind?

I agree time under the bar is hugely important, but some theoretical knowledge is as well.

Most places require you to be REP's registered now days

And for S&C or to work with elite athletes, I believe you have to put in x amount of hours to be "qualified" to work with them although I'm not sure on that one. Pretty sure it works that way for nutritionists too

[nate225]

Time served + a qual (which ensures a minimum level of knowledge) maybe the answer. There should be a minimum level of some kind?

I agree time under the bar is hugely important, but some theoretical knowledge is as well.

Most places require you to be REP's registered now days

And for S&C or to work with elite athletes, I believe you have to put in x amount of hours to be "qualified" to work with them although I'm not sure on that one. Pretty sure it works that way for nutritionists too

Don't get me started on that one PD. You can put a big f*ck off sign outside your house saying "Pete the Nutritionist guru can cure muthafuckin Cancer" and there is no comeback about you calling yourself a nutritionist (the Cancer claim maybe!).

A dietitian, doctor, lawyer, accountant etc are different as protected titles.

Thats kinda what I'm advocating for Personal Trainer - make it a profession and let gym instructor etc become the 'nutritionist' of this debate.

[PeterDolan]

Huh? Hahaha

What I was saying is that I'm sure they have to meet certain "standards" before they can work with certain people?

For a nutritionist to work with the NZelite they have to do a certain amount of hours to gain that certification

[nate225]

Huh? Hahaha

What I was saying is that I'm sure they have to meet certain "standards" before they can work with certain people?

For a nutritionist to work with the NZelite they have to do a certain amount of hours to gain that certification

Yeah nutritionists aren't recognised for a lot of funding, whereas Dietiitians are. Thats not to say some nutritionists aren't highly knowledgable & effective, its just a non regulated industry. Qualified nutritionists (Degree qualified & Post Grad) are employed alongside dietitians in the sports area (either with Rugby unions or through academy of sport) and have requirements they need to meet. How much would it piss me off though if I had 6 years of tertiary education in Human Nutrition and some plonka with no quals (or a 3 day course) could call himself the same title as me and compete for clients. The quality of information a client receives would have huge variability.

Anyway a wee bit off topic but I dont believe there is a base standard for PT's as there isnt for nutritionists. Therefore I now declare anyone who has posted more than 100 posts on NZBB to be both a nutritionist & a personal trainer! :pfft: :grin: Back to the original question asked - How much should we now all charge for our 'expert' advice! :pfft: :grin:

[Specter]

A trade cert take a few years to complete whereas there is no standard to become a PT. Kind of like the nutritionist vs dietitian debate we had a while back. If a national standard was established, i.e. if a certain level of qualification or time served is established it would be easier. Maybe you would then have qualified PT's and non qualified gym instructors (and rates could be applied based on this - e.g $30-50/hr for GI, $80-200/hr for PT's / S&C Coaches).Just a thought.

That is happening already bro. I know this douche with no qualifications and he is training clients in a gym. To start off with he has had 3 clients stop training with him because they suffered injurys in which case I spoke to these clients myself and some of their comments to me are -

He ditches them 1/2 way during training and leaves the gym

He chats to others while they are paying for his time

He texts on his phone in front of them

He has not shown up to training appointments that clients have already paid and arranged for

From what I have seen =

He teaches poor technique

He actually goes around poaching other PTs clients for a cheaper rate(him having no qualifications) and wonder why he gets the cold shoulder and is basically ignored by other PTs

Expects other PTs to help his useless arse out in certain areas of training with his clients

He is totally unprofessional

He moans like a bitch.

He approached me and tried to step me out by yelling at me and wanting a sparring session with me in the gym(quickly got around the gym gossip wise) while I was training a client, so after discussing this with a friend of mine and with his permission, I arranged to have a fight after work one night with this friend controlling the fight(inside the cage) but someone else also already has some beef with him and rang him to organise a fight inside the same cage after work outside gym hours as well..lol

His response - he apologised..He later came up to me and apologised(in front of me the next day while I was busy training a client....total douche!)He sends a sob story via facebook to my partner!??

Im outta here..driving to Napier to spar for abit before starting work tonight.

Later peeps 8)

i worked in a gym for 2 years gave ppl programs and had lots of clients.\

i have no qualifications.

all my clients got great results, most were from baby booming era and were over weight... there main goal was to lose weight. they all reached theyre goal.

so specter for this guy with no quals u talk about there would be ten qualified pts out there just as bad.

just because u went to uni for 3 years doesnt make you a better pt. if this were the case the most sucesful pts would be the ones fresh out of uni... when in fact they are the most unsuccessful.

i had more clients than my co worker who was qualified and my clients all got better results.

we both charged same price.

clients dnt give a shit that u know the scientic name of every muscle in the body they want results if u can give them that they wil either always return.

I also agree with above thread. I worked as a PT non -qualified for 7 years. It was a community gym with 1000 membership, I ran a very successful PT business part-time, and similarly, had great results from clients and I had a good client base. The only reason I became qualified was because I moved to a city gym that was Reps registered and they wouldn't take me on until I was. Having done the qualifications, has made me a better PT, I knew alot beforehand having trained in a gym 20 years plus, but I have more tools in my arsenal now and I think mentally, I feel like I belong now as well, whereas before I wasn't 100% sure of myself. Perhaps the thinking too much comes from being female, silly really.

Im not complaining about all non qual instructors, Im sure there are some great non qual out there who know there craft, but I will point out those who injure clients but cannot accept the fact that their training techniques are the main causes of the injuries, or the fact of their unprofessional approach to training clients (Texting and talking on cell phone, not showing up to booked times, walking out halfway during a training session with no explanation, talking to mates, later coming up and gossiping to other PTs thinking its funny to rubbish clients they are training behind their backs) All in all, this city is quite small and word can get around real fast about this douche trainer at that gym from disgruntled clients! = Loss of potential clients coming to that gym, so people go to some other gyms because this douche is giving the gym a bad rep.

...Im tired..never thought the day I would have to tell a couple guys to harden up at work because they nearly had a punch up, :roll: perks of being a manager I guess *yawn*

In my ideal world I would have let them have a go at each other and sat back and enjoyed the show. :twisted:

[MyPTChch]

I personally think that people charge too much for generalised services - really - what is worth $60-$80 per hour for GENERAL fitness!! lol

I am doing a New Year's Promotion for 2 1-on-1 sessions per week at moment over a 6 week period and i am cherging $120 for the whole 6 weeks - it is (to me) about providing a service yes, but it is also about making EVERYONE healthy not just a few who are privileged enough to be able to afford it!!!

By all means if you a re a SPECIALIST charge more per hour but not your everyday Gym Jockey Trainer!

[ThePman]

REPS is worthless as a qualifying standard, IME. Plenty of REPS-qualified trainers are straight out of Personal Training 101 with no more competence than some of the unqualified guys on this board.

[Dr Squat]

REPS is worthless as a qualifying standard, IME. Plenty of REPS-qualified trainers are straight out of Personal Training 101 with no more competence than some of the unqualified guys on this board.

Yup. :nod:

[Grover]

Welcome back The PMan

[mike27]

so as a PT.... once u have ur reps cert or basic pt cert.... what do u suggest studying to add to ur knowlege and quals???

nutrition course too

[Grover]

so as a PT.... once u have ur reps cert or basic pt cert.... what do u suggest studying to add to ur knowlege and quals???

nutrition course too

85% of peeps are gonna say get under the squat rack and clock up some tonnes!

[Chemo]

interest papers?

NZIHF offer separate papers, perhaps Uni might have some science papers too.

[Rookie]

I hear Nick Smith charges $80 for under an hour

[Dr Squat]

I hear Nick Smith charges $80 for under an hour

If people perceive that as value, they will pay it I guess. I wonder who his market is?

[Dr Squat]

so as a PT.... once u have ur reps cert or basic pt cert.... what do u suggest studying to add to ur knowlege and quals???

nutrition course too

85% of peeps are gonna say get under the squat rack and clock up some tonnes!

It's the same as any profession. Real world experience. Continuing education is important also but on the job training is more important IMO.

I also think that PT's need to look the part. Would you use the services of a 70 kg multi sport athlete if you wanted to put on muscle?

[justhell]

yeep have to agree with Dr Squat

quote"I also think that PT's need to look the part. Would you use the services of a 70 kg multi sport athlete if you wanted to put on muscle?

defiantly not ,if you dont have the build,go practice what you preach.

some pts look like they need to get their own personal trainer. :pfft:

[Grover]

:nod:

second that

[Phedder]

so as a PT.... once u have ur reps cert or basic pt cert.... what do u suggest studying to add to ur knowlege and quals???

nutrition course too

Exercise physiology, functional anatomy, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology and probably many more. Of course more practical experience as well, but knowing the science behind what you're doing is important IMO.

[samuelNZ]

defiantly not ,if you dont have the build,go practice what you preach.

some pts look like they need to get their own personal trainer.

This is my gym (City Fitness Nelson) to a T. The majority of the trainers there are very friendly and wiling to help, but theres large handfull of them that look like they've just come out of a P.E class in high school and chucked on a shirt with 'Personal Trainer' on the back.

[samuelNZ]

Exercise physiology, functional anatomy, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology and probably many more. Of course more practical experience as well, but knowing the science behind what you're doing is important IMO.

This is all stuff that is done through a Uni I suppose Phedder?

Its just this year I will be in my first year of study at NZIS, doing the Exercise Prescription diploma they offer, but am already looking into further study (minimum of 5 years total) hence the question.

[Mrbig]

yeep have to agree with Dr Squat

quote"I also think that PT's need to look the part. Would you use the services of a 70 kg multi sport athlete if you wanted to put on muscle?

defiantly not ,if you dont have the build,go practice what you preach.

some pts look like they need to get their own personal trainer. :pfft:

be careful with this as some trainers may have been previous bodybuilders or sports athletes etc and since retired dont train like they use to ie charles glass if you saw that dude and didnt know who he was you would never use his services yet he is one of the most sought after trainers in the bodybuilding world "dont judge a book by its cover"

[samuelNZ]

yeep have to agree with Dr Squat

quote"I also think that PT's need to look the part. Would you use the services of a 70 kg multi sport athlete if you wanted to put on muscle?

defiantly not ,if you dont have the build,go practice what you preach.

some pts look like they need to get their own personal trainer. :pfft:

be careful with this as some trainers may have been previous bodybuilders or sports athletes etc and since retired dont train like they use to ie charles glass if you saw that dude and didnt know who he was you would never use his services yet he is one of the most sought after trainers in the bodybuilding world "dont judge a book by its cover"

Yes very true, didn't really think of it like that :oops:

[justhell]

yeep have to agree with Dr Squat

quote"I also think that PT's need to look the part. Would you use the services of a 70 kg multi sport athlete if you wanted to put on muscle?

defiantly not ,if you dont have the build,go practice what you preach.

some pts look like they need to get their own personal trainer. :pfft:

be careful with this as some trainers may have been previous bodybuilders or sports athletes etc and since retired dont train like they use to ie charles glass if you saw that dude and didnt know who he was you would never use his services yet he is one of the most sought after trainers in the bodybuilding world "dont judge a book by its cover"

understand that they arnt all as green as they look,

but for me,im getting the biggest guy at my gym,and he is a experienced body builder(huge)to sort my needs out.

so definitely,size does matter ,if you want the best.

:wink:

[Phedder]

Exercise physiology, functional anatomy, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology and probably many more. Of course more practical experience as well, but knowing the science behind what you're doing is important IMO.

This is all stuff that is done through a Uni I suppose Phedder?

Its just this year I will be in my first year of study at NZIS, doing the Exercise Prescription diploma they offer, but am already looking into further study (minimum of 5 years total) hence the question.

Those I mentioned are the mainstay of the degree I'm doing through Otago Uni, so of course I'm somewhat biased My reasoning being that many of the short certificate courses (generally under 1 year) don't go into the depth required to fully understand what you're prescribing. Sure one could do these courses and get into the industry quickly, but I don't believe they'd be equipped with sufficient knowledge or experience. I want to have the knowledge to be able to think for myself, have the ability to analyse everything and draw conclusions about what's working, what's not, and most importantly why. Also undertaking longer study also gives me more time to train myself, and get a practical understanding of the theory which is so important. In my opinion the shorter courses simply can't cover this level of content in their time frame.

That being said, I don't believe my course is the be all end all either. Haven't done any Nutrition papers yet, but from speaking to friends, much of the content they teach I actually disagree with. At least half of the knowledge I've recently gained which I consider to be of great importance has been through the internet, and reading the works of people like Alan Argon, Lyle Mcdonald, Martin Berkman, others and endless peer reviewed articles. Consequently I'm learning more and forming new opinions everyday, despite not having been in a lecture theatre for over 2 months.

I apologise for typing so much, I'm good at rambling :oops:

[samuelNZ]

Exercise physiology, functional anatomy, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology and probably many more. Of course more practical experience as well, but knowing the science behind what you're doing is important IMO.

This is all stuff that is done through a Uni I suppose Phedder?

Its just this year I will be in my first year of study at NZIS, doing the Exercise Prescription diploma they offer, but am already looking into further study (minimum of 5 years total) hence the question.

Those I mentioned are the mainstay of the degree I'm doing through Otago Uni, so of course I'm somewhat biased My reasoning being that many of the short certificate courses (generally under 1 year) don't go into the depth required to fully understand what you're prescribing. Sure one could do these courses and get into the industry quickly, but I don't believe they'd be equipped with sufficient knowledge or experience. I want to have the knowledge to be able to think for myself, have the ability to analyse everything and draw conclusions about what's working, what's not, and most importantly why. Also undertaking longer study also gives me more time to train myself, and get a practical understanding of the theory which is so important. In my opinion the shorter courses simply can't cover this level of content in their time frame.

That being said, I don't believe my course is the be all end all either. Haven't done any Nutrition papers yet, but from speaking to friends, much of the content they teach I actually disagree with. At least half of the knowledge I've recently gained which I consider to be of great importance has been through the internet, and reading the works of people like Alan Argon, Lyle Mcdonald, Martin Berkman, others and endless peer reviewed articles. Consequently I'm learning more and forming new opinions everyday, despite not having been in a lecture theatre for over 2 months.

I apologise for typing so much, I'm good at rambling :oops:

Yes Phed that was a very well formed response :clap: but yes what I have highlighted in bold, I agree with 110%. That is the exact same way I feel/think. I will certainly be furthering my study after my initial 3 years. I sat in awe the other day as I was being analyzed by one of the better PTs at my gym (telling my about how my piriformis is affecting my ability to squat a2g and how to fix this). Thinking to myself how Id just love to have his level of knowledge!