|
Q: What area of fitness are you currently
working in?
Over the past few years I have developed a business with a variety of incomes and varying roles. I love having a range of different business units to focus on.
I do between 10 -15 Personal Training sessions per week from Fitness First Bond St. I run a boutique studio in Sydney’s South (Gods Country) where we conduct approx 100 sessions per week in group classes and personal training. I am also the national Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Barracudás Pool Life Saving Team
My main business focus these days are business coaching and running workshops for fitness professionals. I consult with companies and individuals on how to make more money in less time. I now run PT Plus and have aligned myself with my former business mentor Andrew May
Q: How did you get into the fitness
industry?
I have a background in Rugby League. I started training football teams when I had finished playing and that led into training friends, family and fat footballers during the off season. That was around 5 years ago. I then decided to study and understand the technical components to health and fitness as well as get some insurance in case I damaged anyone. Didn’t realize you needed insurance until I checked out the FIA website. From there I took the leap from Corporate Life running a medium sized family business with my Dad, brother and sister and become involved initially as a Personal Trainer. The majority of my work is in presenting and coaching for PT Plus.
Q: Your reason for being in the fitness
industry?
It has evolved over the years. However initially I planned to change the world by getting everyone moving and fit. Now I am more interested in working with individuals on mind shift and thought processes. In working with them to take the next step in their business or career. It is the best industry in the world!!!! Happy, healthy people who are trying to help others. There is so boundless opportunity.
Q: Any gripes about the fitness industry?
My gripe is more with people who whinge and tell you how it won’t work. In my business coaching role with PT Plus I see it a lot. Where the negativity, past experiences and current mind set, holds back an individual. It is more obvious with those that have been around the industry for a while and have hit a plateau. “Still water turns green” so most of the time these people need an independent look at what they do and get moving in the direction of their goals and they avoid going green.
Q: How important do you think it
is to update your learning in the fitness world?
It is the upmost importance. One thing I have noticed that the most successful fitness professionals do is continually upgrade their knowledge, the process of constant and never ending learning. I have become a specialist in the areas of post natal training, weight loss and sports conditioning. I also spend 30 mins a day reading a business book, article or listening to a business CD. In this fast paced world it is impossible to keep up with the latest proven information. That is where institutes like FIA are a fantastic resource for continual improvement and becoming a specialist in a specific area. Also attending trade shows and workshops is the only way to increase your income and stay current and qualified with your thinking. You need to invest in yourself as you are your best asset.
Q: What would you like to see happen
in the industry over the next few years?
The recognition from Government and Medical Insurance companies for our clients in the form of rebates and tax advantages. I honestly believe everyone needs a Personal Trainer/ Health Professional in their life in some format. Whether it is daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. As an industry we change people’s lives for the better. People only improve by using our services.
I struggle with the concept that I have to pay the same amount of Health Insurance and live a reasonable healthy life while fat Joe can have a smoke, pie and can of coke for breakfast and be insured at the same rate??
Q: Any predictions?
I see the need for more specialised services. So a group class designed for Hypertensive clients. Or a Personal Trainer who specializes in Cardio- Respiratory issues. So get good at what you do and learn to specialize.
Also Australia is being targeted by a lot of the big gym chains as well. Watch this space as competition increases. There will be more opportunity for qualified individuals.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone
wanting to learn more about fitness?
Get yourself along to FIA and get accredited. Get yourself a Diploma. Why FIA? From my experience of working as PTM (Personal Training Manager) with Fitness First we would run in-house training and experience workshops. The guys and girls who had come through FIA where more knowleadgble and technically sound than any of the other Training Institutes. They also had a better understanding of what Personal Training was about from a technical aspect. We would then work with them on the Business component to show them how to earn money.
Scott can be contacted at: scott@ptplus.com.au
Check out previous profiles |
