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Here’s what’s included for you:

The Hyper Intensity Training Manual
Instructional Videos
Live Action Training Videos
Workout Log Sheets
Free Bonus #1: Special Report-”5 Advanced Strength Training Techniques Used In The NFL”
Free Bonus #2: 30 days FREE unlimited access to “High Intensity University”
Anti-Procrastination Bonus: “The H.I.T. All-Star Roundtable, Volume I” MP3 Download
**NOTE** THIS BONUS ENDS AT MIDNIGHT EST FRIDAY JUNE 24TH**

I’ve used them myself and this was what I had to say:

“Lately, I’ve had great results building my chest, shoulders, and traps especially using advanced HIT techniques like static holds and strongest range reps outlined in Dave’s book. It’s done a lot for my confidence as a man having larger neck and shoulders. I’ve increased them so much, I could no longer button the top button on my dress shirts anymore. I need new clothes, but I’m happy because my muscles have noticeably grown and I’ve been training HIT style for over a decade!! These techniques work!!”

Click Here! to get your copy.

All of this for only $19.95

We were happy to contribute some of the videos to Dave’s product. Remember, if you buy through us, you’ll get an extra bonus from S.P.A.R.T.A. Simply email us your receipt and we’ll send you a copy of our own ebook: 17 Advanced High Intensity Training Techniques

So even if you’ve been training for years, these techniques can re-ignite your progress and in a visible noticeable way in your body.

We’re really excited this product is finally out there, we hope you are too. And remember, it’s only $39! AND, if you’re not happy with it in any way, there is a 60 Day money back guarantee so there’s no risk.

Click Here! to get your copy now.

Be sure to check back or subscribe to S.P.A.R.T.A.’s business of personal training blog for more updates and personal trainer business tools and services.

Whether you are a high intensity training fitness enthusiast or a professional personal trainer in the field, Master Trainer, Chris Lutz, has the answer for you to help perfect your training experience. A little knowledge goes a long way.

Are you having trouble making progress? Don’t know how to organize a routine? Don’t know how to figure out appropriate resistances to use? Equipment problems? Don’t know how to work with or around an injury? Specific problems with your clients that you train?

Whatever your problem, more than likely the answer is within reach and can be solved relatively quickly and you can get back to productive training.

Master Trainer, Chris Lutz, has been thoroughly involved specifically in HIT for well over a decade professionally being certified when he was only 19 years old and obtaining a college degree in exercise science. He’s been using HIT principles since the age of 14. Through constant academic study, good further technical training from some of the best minds in the industry, several years of management of other HIT facilities, and owning a HIT company currently, put him at Master Trainer status. He has seen and worked through just about every issue relating to safe and effective high intensity training.

Testimonials:

“Chris Lutz has been our personal trainer for 4 years, and in our opinion, you will not find a better trainer with a better program. We’re both turning 45 years old this summer, and are thankful to say that we’re in the best shape of our lives due to our regimen with S.P.A.R.T.A.. Every week for 4 years we’ve done a High Intensity Training (HIT) workout for 30 minutes a session, that’s it. We both have gained strength/muscle mass, and also have lost a significant amount of fat by maximizing our efforts during training sessions and minimizing unhealthy food choices. If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can guide you to your personal best, please give S.P.A.R.T.A. a call.”

June 2, 2008
Tina and Marcus Pluntke

“I am so excited to have found Chris Lutz and S.P.A.R.T.A.! I have worked with other trainers in the past—have spent a lot of money—and have gotten minimal results. In just 2 months at S.P.A.R.T.A. and the program they employ, I am down in weight, up in muscle tone, and thrilled with the results. You know it’s working when others notice a difference in you, too—and that’s just further proof that the knowledge and expertise is what separates them from others in the personal training profession. If you want great results in a short amount of time, look to Chris and his S.P.A.R.T.A. team. You will NOT be disappointed.”

July 22, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
Kristine Condie – business owner and busy mom.
training with S.P.A.R.T.A. since 2008, and hired S.P.A.R.T.A. more than once

“I have worked with S.P.A.R.T.A. for over 2 years on conditioning and weight training. They have helped me get stronger, lose weight and stay focused. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to get in to shape. The president is a great person and really cares about his clients and his work!”

July 7, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
David B. Smith – training with S.P.A.R.T.A. since 2007, and hired S.P.A.R.T.A. more than once

“If you ever want to truly make a lifestyle change, have proven weight control results, or tone up S.P.A.R.T.A.’s system truly works! Their personal training regime is doable for anyone at any age. They make the process so simple and so attainable. It’s easy to lose weight and get fit with the schedule. Chris Lutz’s knowledge of anatomy and it’s relation to fitness, and health is extraordinary. He not only gives you a plan, but the why behind it. He is very low pressure with measurable results. I highly recommend S.P.A.R.T.A.. They will change your life!”

April 15, 2008
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
Sharon Inetas – training with S.P.A.R.T.A. since 2008

“I hired Chris Lutz to help me correct 9 years of weight gain and muscle loss due to an out of control thyroid. In the last year I have lost 50 pounds and gained muscle thanks to Chris’ ability to provide a personal training regime that works for me. S.P.A.R.T.A. understands the body and illnesses and worked with me to overcome the obstacles for my specific condition. You have nothing to lose by visiting them for a consultation to see if they can improve your health and fitness level. I guarantee you will be pleased by the results if you follow the program….and who can’t do two thirty minute workouts each week?”

July 6, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative
Indra Books – busy business professional combating a medical condition.
training with S.P.A.R.T.A. since 2007

“Chris Lutz is a true expert in his field and is not afraid to shoot down myths about exercise. The workouts he puts his clients through are TOUGH, and they get the job done in a small amount of time. Regardless of your level of exercise expertise, S.P.A.R.T.A. is the perfect solution.”

July 7, 2008
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
Butch Porter – training with S.P.A.R.T.A. since 2007

As you can see people have had a positive and productive experience working with Master Trainer, Chris Lutz. If you’d like to get the same kind of result producing advice, then simply click add to cart below and grab your 1 hour block. You’ll receive an email to schedule your phone call with the Master Trainer withing 24 hours.

Need a new workout? Need a new meal plan? Need personal training business advice? That will all be included should you need it. You will also receive a sizable discount on S.P.A.R.T.A.’s High Tech Training monthly program if you decide to continue.

We have a limited number of time slots so make sure to grab your’s now. This service is not available all the time because he does not work 1 on 1 with new clients any more. Phone consultations are only open for a limited time frame so set one up now by clicking below. As soon as you’re registered, you’ll receive an email to schedule your call within 24 hours.

Be sure to check back or subscribe to S.P.A.R.T.A.’s business of personal training blog for more updates and personal trainer business tools and services.

Lead capture, marketing and promoting yourself and your services…these are all core business practices for you. The eFitnessTracker system helps with that. Imagine having a tool such as a Fitness Analysis to send people to and be able to capture them as a lead. Or just a Contact Us page for someone to contact you and inquire more about what you have to offer. Do you think that could lead to extra sales for you? Check out some demos:

- Fitness Analysis – http://demo2.efitnesstracker.com/?goto=Fitness-Analysis (Modern Layout)
- Contact Us – http://demo1.efitnesstracker.com/?goto=Contact (Classic Layout)

Now what about easily accepting payments online? Setting up recurring monthly payments? Promoting upcoming events such as bootcamps, group classes, etc. and accepting registrations AND payments for those events? Check out some demos:

- Products & Services – http://demo2.efitnesstracker.com/?goto=Products (Modern Layout)
- Events Calendar – http://demo1.efitnesstracker.com/?goto=Events-Calendar (Classic Layout)
- Event Registration – http://demo2.efitnesstracker.com/?goto=Event-Registration (Modern Layout)

You can sign up to get your own site where you can sign up for a no risk free month of full service on a Business Account with PROMO code 1MONTHFREE from the following page (you can cancel anytime with no additional charges): http://www.efitnesstracker.com/home/Subscribe-Trainer.asp
You have options for different color schemes and logo options. Or if you have your own logo/graphics and/or color scheme, this can be used also for setup of your site and is an option to select on sign up.

If you’d like to receive more ways you can multiply your income as a personal trainer, fill in your info below.

Personal Trainers Get Your FREE Report on How to DOUBLE Your Income

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The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach is my favorite personal finance book of all time. It’s my financial adviser’s favorite book too. That’s what made me know we were of the same mind and to work with him. This book is the epitome of practical, put in place today strategies that can pay off big time for you in the long run. Like David says in the book, “It’s not how much you make, but how much you save.”

The E-Myth is a must read for any business owner. Gerber tackles many of the misconceptions surrounding starting and owning a business. Most importantly, he reinforces the concept that you should be working on your business, not necessarily in your business.

The Cash Flow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki may sound a little boring and confusing from the outside, but I assure you it is one of the books that has really helped and given me perspective in my own financial education. He’ll take your through the quadrant and show you the drawbacks to staying on the left side of the quadrant and how you can move ultimately to the right side. If you ever hope to achieve financial freedom, understanding these principles is a must. Traditionally, only the rich tend to think this way and apply it to their lives. You’ll have to virtually change your mindset to move into the most productive places in the quadrant.

At some point (sooner rather than later), be sure to pick up a copy of these books and give them a read. Nearly every successful business owner I know has read them as part of their own business and financial education. Many of these principles and concepts don’t come naturally. What’s worse, is that we may have been conditioned our whole lives to thinking and acting in ways that are inhibitory to our personal success. Continuing to educate, and re-educate ourselves is vital if we wish to become prosperous.

Within our organization, you can remain certified if you’re a member and participate in our business of personal training membership area.

Be sure to check back or subscribe to S.P.A.R.T.A.’s business of personal training blog for more updates and personal trainer business tools and services.

Some of you already do this and that’s awesome! Most trainers I see though, don’t. First of all, there’s no way you can remember all of the minute details of seat settings, etc. for a number of clients. Second, there’s no way to show true progress your clients are making. Yes, there’s value in variety, but if done to excess, records are useless and meaningless. It is possible to have someone do a lot of work and effort, but still not really progress much. You have to have some repeatability in there in order to show comparison. Probably the biggest principle to adhere to in personal weight training is the progressive overload principle. You don’t really know if you’re abiding by that principle if you have a different exercise every time. What might end up happening is apparent progress, not true progress. Granted, you could do a pre and post test of some standardized exercise(s) which would be a step in the right direction. But, why not try to get your clients a little better nearly every time they come in? If you are tracking their progress and monitoring all the variables, you can show them graphically, show trends, and it gives them a sense that you care about their progress and how their results.

Charting progress for more quality

You’ll also stand out from those around you and appear more professional. As you know, I think our whole industry can use a big dose of more professionalism. More professional also means that you can charge more too as there should be higher perceived value your service. We track everything and even use stopwatches to time right down to the second. The more you can control and the more you can isolate out certain variables, the more effectiveness you’ll deliver.

Not professional

This also comes in very handy if the client has medical needs that you may need to communicate to another health professional. Hell, mine even came into play once legally when one of our clients was being assaulted by her husband. I had documented the day and specifically what areas she had mentioned were hurting her and had to adjust the routine as a result. Of course, she didn’t tell me this was the case at the time.

For good tools in order to implement this, click on the progress chart image above or go here to download a progress chart.  Between charting performance accurately, and measuring circumference and body composition as accurately as you can, you should be able to deliver more value in your program to your clients and stand out from the crowd. Nobody will ever be able to doubt the validity of your methods.

Be sure to check back or subscribe to S.P.A.R.T.A.’s business of personal training blog for more updates and personal trainer business tools and services.

It’s no secret; most personal trainers hate to sell. They hate to sell themselves and they hate to sell their services. That’s fine, a lot of people have a hard time pricing themselves and that gets better with more experience as an entrepreneur. But, if you hate doing it, don’t put yourself in a position where you are forced to do it over and over again and risk losing clients at the same time.  How can you do that?

EFT or ARB. EFT is electronic funds transfer, or as my bank calls it, automatic recurring billing. We are fortunate to be in an industry where typically, your services are paid for ahead of time. That’s great. You don’t have to bill your clients after the fact and constantly chase down 50% of them to get paid for what you have already performed last month. So, we are a step ahead of other industries on that one.

[Content protected for Personal Trainer Business Member members only]

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Everyone should be aware of the research that is out there, both past and present pertaining to your prescribed methods. At S.P.A.R.T.A., we come from an academic background and are research proponents and as a result, our methods are evidence based. We have a strong direction and philosophy and don’t get caught up in the fleeting fad like trends saving us time and money. Check out the case Dave makes for his methods below and see if you can’t do the same in your business. It may help your sales, streamline your business, save you time, money, and risk.

What the Literature Says About
High Intensity Training
by Dave Durell

Introduction

The term strength training refers to a comprehensive program of exercise designed to improve the ability to produce muscular force and increase resistance to injury. Any system of such training which produces an objectively measurable increase in muscular strength can be considered productive. Beyond productivity, there are two additional factors which have been thoroughly investigated in the literature; these factors are safety and efficiency. Assuming two programs were equally productive in terms of increasing strength, logic dictates the program which was safer and more time efficient would be the superior selection. In this article, what the literature says about productivity, efficiency and safety in strength training programs will be reviewed.

Productivity

Strength training has been shown to be an effective way of producing increases in muscular strength and size and decreasing body fat (Carpinelli and Otto 1998; Fleck and Kraemer 1997). Fleck and Kraemer (1997) reported that increases in lean body mass with concurrent decreases in body fat were shown in studies ranging from 6 to 24 weeks in duration (p. 155-156). These studies represented a wide variety of training protocols. Fleck and Kraemer concluded that “Because of the variation in the numbers of sets, repetitions, exercises and relatively small body composition changes, it is impossible to reach concrete conclusions concerning which program is optimal for decreasing percent fat and increasing lean body mass” (p. 154). Zatsiorsky (1995) also reported that a variety of methods are effective for increasing muscular strength.

It is universally accepted among experts in the field that a high degree of intensity of effort during strength training is required to generate increases in muscular strength (Durell 1999). Successful weight training programs are characterized by the inclusion of maximal voluntary muscular contractions at some point in the program (Fleck and Kraemer 1988). Utilizing a high level of intensity will overload a high percentage of muscle fibers; such an overload is paramount to increasing muscular strength (Kelso 1999). Carpinelli (1999) adds that recruitment of muscle fibers is primarily dependent on the intensity of exercise, not how much exercise is performed. This raises the question of how much – or more accurately, how little – exercise is required to produce results from a strength training program.

Efficiency

Many studies presented in the literature compared the performance of different amounts of sets of strength training exercises to determine the effectiveness of each method. A frequently cited study by Berger (1962) compared one set, two set, and three set programs using the bench press exercise with various repetition schemes. Berger concluded that three sets of six repetitions produced the best strength gains. However, subsequent studies failed to replicate these results, including a follow-up study by Berger himself (1963).

A comprehensive review by Carpinelli and Otto (1998) examined all the studies (a total of 35) which have been published, including abstracts, that reported the results of training with single or multiple sets. They concluded:
The opinion that multiple-set protocols are better than a single set of an exercise is not supported by the consensus of scientific evidence; 33 out of 35 of the comparative reports included in this review show no significant difference in strength increase between individuals performing single-set and those performing multiple-set (up to 15 sets) exercise protocols. (p. 82)
Carpinelli and Otto further conclude “There is no evidence to suggest that the response to single or multiple sets in trained athletes would differ from that in untrained individuals” (p. 82).

Other researchers have reached similar conclusions regarding the efficiency and practicality of low-volume training protocols. Starkey et al. (1994) compared strength and muscle thickness changes over 14 weeks of training using 1 set or 3 set programs. Both groups increased strength and muscle thickness with no significance between groups. The authors concluded that a 1 set training protocol was as effective as three sets and “represents a more efficient use of training time” (p. S116). Terbizan and Bartels (1984) compared the effects of 1 set versus 3 sets and high repetitions (10-15) versus low repetitions (6-9). All groups significantly increased strength with no difference between different protocols. The authors stated:
This information may be of interest to coaches determining strength training programs for their athletes, in that the same gains in strength may be accomplished in less time using 1 set vs. 3 set training and by lifting significantly less weight. (p. 267)
Assuming a strength training program has been instituted which produces increases in strength and is time-efficient, safety becomes the primary consideration.

Safety

Strength training, like any physically demanding activity, contains an element of risk of injury. The literature confirms that safety during strength training can be improved by manipulating certain variables such as exercise performance, exercise selection, equipment selection and proper supervision.

One controversial safety issue presented in the literature was the use of Olympic lifts and/or ballistic exercises in athletic strength training programs. Research by Kulund, Dewey, Brubaker, and Roberts (1978) studied the training methods and techniques of two Olympic style weightlifters and interviewed 80 competitive Olympic style weightlifters about overuse problems and injuries. The 80 lifters reported 111 injuries related to weightlifting. The shoulder and knee were the most common areas injured (p. 112). The most common duration of impairment was 2 weeks and 2 months (p.113). One of the two lifters studied fractured a rib in competition during the clean and jerk lift (p. 114). The authors concluded that most Olympic weightlifting injuries are caused by inflexibility and improper technique (p. 111).

The lumbar (lower) spine is another area which is highly susceptible to weight lifting injuries. Alexander (1985) pointed out:
This part of the body is susceptible to injury due to the large forces which must be supported, which include the body weight and any external weights, as well as the forces due to very high accelerations of the body parts. Since the lumbar spine is the only connecting column between the upper and lower parts of the body, all theforces must be transmitted via these structures. (p. 1)
Types of injuries reported to the lumbar spine included strains and sprains, disc injuries and spinal fractures(Alexander 1985). The most severe lumbar fracture injury reported was presented in a case report by Browne, Yost, and McCarron (1990). The authors described a lumbar ring apophyseal fracture which was incurred by a 16 year-old male after performing a ballistic exercise in physical education class. Only 11 cases of this particular injury had previously been reported. This 16 year-old male required 2 major back surgeries as a result of this injury. The authors concluded “Strict control of the amount of weight and types of exercises is essential” (p.535).

Other types of spinal fractures prevalent in those who perform Olympic lifts are spondylolysis, a defect of the pars interarticularis of one side of the vertebrae; and spondylolisthesis, a bilateral defect of the pars interarticularis often accompanied by a forward displacement of the vertebral body (Alexander 1985). Studies show the incidence of spondylolysis in Olympic lifters is much higher than in the general population (Jesse 1977). While referring to an article by Allman (1976), Jesse (1977) commented on the dangers of Olympic lifts and why they are included in athletic strength training programs:
Commenting on weight training programs, he claims that almost all injuries caused by exercise are the direct results of the sudden movement. Sudden lifts increase skill far more than strength, and the present confusion is probably because many strength coaches are former weight lifters themselves, he maintains. They pass on a style of training necessary for weight lifting, but neither necessary nor desirable in any other sport. (p. 65)

Other factors contributing to strength training injuries include lack of proper supervision and improper technique, which can cause both acute and chronic injuries (Reeves, Laskowski, and Smith 1998a, 1998b). Substituting machines for free weights, when feasible, can also be beneficial by increasing the stress on the target muscles, decreasing stress on the joints and increasing user confidence and safety (Friday 1999; Hay, Andrews, Vaughan, and Ueya 1983).

Summary

After reviewing the literature, some general conclusions can be drawn about strength training. First, it appears no one method of training has a monopoly on producing strength gains. In addition, most studies show single set protocols to be just as effective as multiple set protocols, with little or no significant difference between programs utilizing one to three sets per exercise. Decreased training volume can be beneficial to personal training clients, as this would leave more time available for business and leisure activities. Also, the use of Olympic lifts and/or ballistic exercises was shown to have a high potential for injury and questionable benefit to clients as compared to safer alternatives.

The rational trainer will be compelled to design the most productive, safest and most
efficient training program possible for his/her clients. Relinquishing tradition and personal bias and avoiding commercially motivated sources in favor of the scientific data found in the literature will assure such program design occurs.

References

Alexander, M. J. L. (1985). Biomechanical aspects of lumbar spine injuries in athletes: A review. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences, 10 (1), 1-20.
Allman, F. L., Jr. (1976). Prevention of sports injuries. Athletic Journal, 56, 74.
Berger, R. A. (1962). Effect of varied weight training programs on strength. Research Quarterly, 33 (2), 168-181.
Berger, R. A. (1963). Comparative effects of three weight training programs. Research Quarterly, 34 (3), 396-398.
Browne, T. D., MD, Yost, R. P., MD, & McCarron, R. F., MD (1990). Lumbar ring apophyseal fracture in an adolescent weight lifter. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 18 (5), 533-535.
Brzycki, M. (1995). A practical approach to strength training. Indianapolis, IN: Masters Press.
Carpinelli, R. N. (1999). The multiple set myth. In M. Brzycki (Ed.), Maximize your training: Insights from leading strength and fitness professionals (pp. 81-95). Chicago: Masters Press.
Carpinelli, R. N., & Otto, R. M. (1998). Strength training: Single versus multiple sets. Sports Medicine, 26 (2), 73-84.
Durell, D. (1999). Effective strength training- understanding the intensity-duration relationship. Hard Training Newsletter, 6, 2-3.
Fleck, S. J., & Kraemer, W. J. (1988). Resistance training: Basic principles (part 1 of 4). Physician and Sports Medicine, 16 (3), 160-171.
Fleck, S. J., & Kraemer, W. J. (1997). Designing resistance training programs (2nd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Friday, J. (1999). Avoiding injuries to the low back. In M. Brzycki (Ed.), Maximize your training: Insights from leading strength and fitness professionals (pp. 231-244). Chicago: Masters Press.
Hay, J. G., Andrews, J. G., Vaughan, C. L., & Ueya, K (1983). Load, speed and equipment effects in strength training exercises. In H. Matsui & K. Kobayashi (Eds.), Biomechanics VIII-B (pp. 939-950). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Jesse, J. P. (1977). Olympic lifting movements endanger adolescents. Physician and Sports Medicine, 5 (9), 61-67.
Kelso, T. (1999). The basics of muscle contraction: Implications for strength training. In M. Brzycki (Ed.), Maximize your training: Insights from leading strength and fitness professionals (pp. 35-80). Chicago: Masters Press.
Komarek, A. R. (1996). Use of scientific data among high school strength and conditioning coaches. High Intensity Training Newsletter, 6 (1), 12-17.
Kulund, D. H., Dewey, J. B., Brubaker, C. E., & Roberts, J. (1978). Olympic weight-lifting injuries. Physician and Sports Medicine, 6 (11), 111-119.
Mannie, K. (1996). Ballistic weight training dangerous and unnecessary. Hard Training Newsletter, 1, 10-12.
Reeves, R. K., MD, Laskowski, E. R., MD, & Smith, J., MD (1998a). Weight training injuries, part one: Diagnosing and managing acute conditions. Physician and Sports Medicine, 26 (2), 67-83, 96.
Reeves, R. K., MD, Laskowski, E. R., MD, & Smith, J., MD (1998b). Weight training injuries part two: Diagnosing and managing chronic conditions. Physician and Sports Medicine, 26 (3), 54-63, 73.
Starkey, D. B., Welsch, M. A., Pollock, M. L., Graves, J. E., Brechue, W. F., & Ishida, Y. (1994). Equivalent improvement in strength following high intensity, low and high volume training. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 26 (5), S116.
Terbizan, D., & Bartels, R. L. (1984). The effect of set-repetition combinations on strength gains in females age 18-35. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 17, 267.
Zatsiorsky, V. M. (1995). Science and practice of strength training. Champaign, IL: Masters Press.

If you’d like to know more about Dave Durell and his book, High Intensity Muscle Building, Click Here!

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After seeing 2 incidents in the gym (not our clients) in the last couple of weeks, it is something that could be extremely useful. I’ve put one together for us. In the event of legal trouble, it could come in very handy to show that we had forethought and followed the proper protocol we have laid out.

But, generally, make sure you are up to date on CPR/first aid/AED certification and follow those procedures. If you are ever in doubt, go ahead and get the AED and have someone call the EMS. No one should blame you for being cautious. It’s better to have called and not really needed it if you’re not sure what’s going on rather than the alternative.

If you’d like a copy of a general personal trainer medical crisis plan, you can obtain one along with our incident report form. Click here to grab your copy of your medical crisis plan.

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But, what about us, the so-called professionals? I haven’t seen a whole lot of professionalism in this area at all when it comes to a pretty high priced 1 on 1 personal service. In fact, I’ve seen downright poor treatment of customers and non-professional attitudes while working. Case in point: One of the locations we use just recently sent out a letter that indicated they wanted all of the independent trainers to be certified and have liability insurance. Something I would have done years before if I owned the place. That’s risky not to. However, most of them would talk to me and express their unhappiness with the new rules. As a result, those changes weeded out about 90% of the independent trainers in 1 location. All because they didn’t want to take their business seriously and do things like incorporate, be certified (or educated in some other way), carry liability insurance to protect themselves and the facility they work in.

I think most people see this as something they do in between other jobs or simply on the side. Rarely do I see it employed as a career option. Even more rarely is it run as a legitimate company with owner and staff. It is an uregulated industry and we have it nice. There are so few requirements and barriers to entry. We should be able to take it seriously enough that prospective clients will see that we operate like legitimate businesses. The pool of clients that you attract in turn will also take it more seriously and they will be more pleasurable for you to work with and they’ll probably be more successful too.

So knowing all of that, can you call yourself a professional? Is there anything you could do to raise your level of professionalism? That’s one of my goals to make a difference in the industry before I leave it. It’s also our company mission. Take a look around our site for personal training companies and see if there is anything you can use to build your professional reputation.

Also, be sure to post a comment and share with us some of the unprofessional things you’ve seen going on around you in the business of personal training.

Be sure to check back or subscribe to S.P.A.R.T.A.’s business of personal training blog for more updates and personal trainer business tools and services.