We are excited to share the stories of some of our past AFPA graduates, such as Kevin, in our “Find Your Inspiration” blog series.
What is your job/role/title and what does that mean?
I’m a self-employed personal trainer who caters to in-home training.
How did your journey bring you to where you are now?
I was at a crossroads with my career path, and a very good friend of mine, who I frequently worked out with, suggested I look into personal training. Now, I’ve been a personal trainer for 19 years.
I started out in gyms, like most. Then, one day, my client wanted me to train her at home. I set up a gym in her basement. The equipment wasn’t like it is now. Just dumbbells, a bench, an exercise ball. It gave me the idea: Everyone has something in their home, so I asked my clients if they would like to train at their houses. Most of them said yes. Now, that’s my business: in-home personal training. Today, the equipment is so much better. Most of the time, clients ask me what they need and they buy it.
When I started in this business, I thought my job was to train people and make sure they were sticking to the routine. I was surprised by how generous and kind people treated me. I’ve had clients for over 13 years. I’m like a part of their family, and I’m very grateful for what I do. I never thought I would be doing training for this long, but it’s become a way of life for me. I just want to make everyone feel good and be healthy and happy like me.
What does a typical day in the life look like for you?
My day starts at 4:00 a.m., with my first client as early as 5:30 a.m. I have clients set up throughout the day, as well as in the evening when my clients are done with their workdays. I drive, on a typical day, between 50 and 75 miles.
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What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy training and teaching people how to live and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
What education or certifications do you have that help you in your role?
My AFPA certification, and I continue to attend lectures throughout the year to maintain my certification.
What advice would you give to others who are looking to get into the same field?
- Obtain your certification.
- Start working in a gym to learn how to work with people and how to create workout programs specifically for them.
- It takes time to build a clientele and maintain a relationship.
Any final comments or closing thoughts?
The training profession has given me a lot more than just experience teaching people how to exercise. I have maintained relationships with clients for over 15 years, and I look at them as my family and friends. It surprised me, when I started, how generous people were to me.
