Personal training idea?

[sancho]

I am beginning the journey of getting certified to teach spinning and reformer pilates. Over the next year, I hope to take the training classes for cerification and teach classes at a small studio that I attend.

After I have some hands on teaching experience and once I am certified, I am thinking of doing personal training out of my house. I would buy a couple of reformers and maybe a couple spin bikes (I already want one of each for myself).

I am currently a stay at home mom with two first graders. I have time during the day. Money is not my motivator, passion is. I realize it could be awhile before I earn enough to cover the cost of the reformer, bikes and cert. classes. BUT, do you think people would be interested in at home reformer classes? There's only one or two small clubs in my area that have reformer machines. Do you think reformer pilates will grow more poplular in the future?

Any insight, opinions, information you have would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dreamyjeanie]

Depending on your area, I think people would interested. I wouldn't spend a lot up front on multiple pieces of equipment. Just some weights and the cardio equipment you personally use. Just start out simple and add with the income you earn. In our town, I have seen advertising for one on one instruction in the trainers home, one on onein the patrons home (obviously without cardio equipment) and in a small store front shopping center. Check your local yellow pages and see if there are other trainers in your area that are already doing the same thing. You also might want to check with your home owners insurance company to see what kind of liability situation you are creating, say if someone got hurt doing some exercise at your home.

Good Luck to you.

 

[Aquajock]

Sancho, I second DreamieJeanie's suggestion about checking with your homeowner's insurance company about the liabilities incurred should someone get injured in your home while training them, AND I'd check with the IDEA organization (www.ideafit.com or .org) for group fitness instructors and trainers about malpractice and other liability insurance for in-home training. Liability issues are huge for any personal fitness trainer, and huger for trainers within their own homes.

I also suggest you post this question on the Turnstep (www.turnstep.com) website's bulletin board section for Personal Fitness Trainers (labelled {sp?} "PFT" on the bulletin board menu). You'll find a wealth of trainers both seasoned and new to the field, who will have some great insights for you about what is growing in the home-training field, and what the pros and cons are.

A-Jock

 

[newswoman13]

And, on the client side, you could target other mothers, maybe make it a business for those SAHM who need some guidance.

I'm actually starting my own PT biz, and yes, passion is key b/c so much of the business side can be intimidating, but don't let that hold you back. Look at it like a learning opportunity (the insurance, the marketing, etc.), then let the love for what you do drive you toward your goals.

Last note: I was just reading O mag's Suze Orman section (August issue) where a woman's husband was about to quit his job, open his own business. Orman makes a good point in the article saying so many people (esp. ones who are tired of the corporate world, etc.) jump ship way too soon, investing too much of their own savings and money into their own businesses before they've even dabbled in it at least part-time to see if it's going to work.

I know you said money is not key, so that's a plus, but maybe before you purchase expensive, heavy duty equipment, see what kind of desire is out there, then maybe start your PT biz with on-site training: Think bands, dumbells, med balls, etc. Then, slowly incorporate the more expensive equipment. And, p.s., your "business" equipment can be tax write-offs, just another thing to research!

Best of luck!!