Becoming a Personal Trainer

My Health and Wellness Journey

In 2010, I received a pre diabetes diagnosis and knew I wanted a change but I did not take any action. Then 2011 came, and so began my health and wellness journey. Prior, I had never been consistent. I would start, keep at it for a bit then stop. One day it hit me. I had a real conversation with myself about where I wanted to be and what was I willing to do. My challenge was to just be consistent with my health and wellness. If I was so consistent with school, family and friends, could I apply that same level of commitment to my own well-being?

I took small steps. I started doing yoga, I used YouTube for free workout videos, I started to change my eating habits and most importantly I put myself first. When I started I did not have a personal trainer, I didn’t know ANYTHING that I am aware of now. Years later I am still on this journey and I am so glad that I took that leap of faith. No regrets. I am no longer pre diabetic.

In December 2016 I was diagnosed with a herniated disc (L5-S1). I attended physical therapy from Jan thru May 2017. Attending physical therapy changed my life. Pre physical therapy & pre personal trainer I lost 47 pounds. Post physical therapy & having a personal trainer I lost 39 pounds. Total of 86 pounds lost since 2011. 

I graduated from physical therapy May 2017. I was terrified that I would hurt myself by working out though we practiced many safe movements and techniques. Physiologically my confidence was at an all time low. After failed attempts to work out on my own since pt, I contacted my current trainer that July. I knew I needed someone to assist me in coming up with a fitness plan that would protect my back and help make it stronger. It has now been almost two years since we started our partnership.

Throughout these years of consistency I’ve experienced balancing my full time career, the passing of my Dad, being diagnosed with a herniated disc and going to physical therapy, taking care of my queen (mom), becoming plant based, experienced heartbreak and became 100% comfortable with being my own company/support system/cheerleader. One key to this that I have found is to create sustainable habits and not strive for perfection. Habits soon become routine. That routine in turn becomes a lifestyle. Having a plan always helps. Overall what I have chosen to do has developed into a lifestyle that I am in love with. I’ve been committed for all these years and have not looked backed. 

Why Did I Want to Become a Personal Trainer?

Since I had been committed for so long. I wanted to further educate myself. My goal was to get the certification but not work with clients. Why you ask? I wanted to study for purely educational purposes. I initially thought that in turn training would feel like a “job” and I would lose the passion for fitness. I started studying August 2018. As I started studying I would have many aha moments. I was able to connect the dots to my own experiences, my own training, all of it. It was so eye opening. I fell in love.

However, I felt that I was learning a new language and at times felt overwhelmed. I would often equate what I was learning to an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I could not be hired as an actor on that show, there was no way I would be able to recite all the anatomy terms and it sound convincing. I would get fired. However the deeper into studying I got, I knew that there was no going back. I had the passion. A fire was ignited within and there was no going back. This was life as I knew it.

Is Being Certified Necessary?

I equate this to just because you are an Accountant, Lawyer or Doctor does not mean you are the best at what you do. Does not mean that you can properly apply what you have studied into practice. I do not believe being certified is necessary. Experience is what speaks volumes. Having a full understanding of what you are doing, why you are doing it and the proper application of it, that is what counts.

So why did I get certified? It is great for someone like myself who has no professional background in the fitness industry and who had no educational history in anatomy and physiology. It provided me with a framework that allowed me to understand and apply the basic principles. I felt confident and prepared after my rigorous studying.

I received my certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). I was allowed 6 months to study and take the certifying exam. In another post I will discuss how I went about studying for the exam. Something I have not shared is that I took the test a total of 3 times. I passed the third time I took the test. That’s correct, you did not read a typo. I shared this because now that you know this, do you think any less of me as a trainer? What if I did not have the certification? It makes you wonder right? Does having a piece of paper signify my worth?

I am also Nutritious Life Certified from The Nutritious Life Studio by Keri Glassman. In addition I am Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED Certified through the American Red Cross.

Do you have to be an athlete or athletic to want to become a personal trainer?

Not at all. I say if you want to help others through education and passion. This profession is for you. I was not an athlete. I played basketball and softball but not I was not consistent. Focusing on what is your why is key.

Why You Do Not Need a Personal Trainer?

As I shared I did not have a personal trainer for years. I utilized many resources to assist me when it came to my own personal journey. There are so many resources available that a trainer is virtually an after thought. Also cost of course is a factor that is brought up often.

Why Would Someone Want to Hire a Personal Trainer?

For personalized tailored services. In my case, I needed someone who could assist me with training my lower back after completing physical therapy. For accountability. For motivation. For proper form and injury prevention. A personal trainer can provide a road map for a client. Cost of hiring a trainer is an investment however the monetary value should be perceived as a positive one. Investing in yourself is priceless.

Do personal trainers have their own personal trainers?

Sure. Even trainers want and/or need someone to keep them accountable. At present I have two personal trainers. Yes. You read that correctly. I have had an online personal trainer for almost two years. I also have an in person personal trainer who I train with once a week. My goal is to start training myself, create my own programs and not have a trainer. This will happen gradually. However I have so much to learn. The best way for me to learn is learning from others. They really are the best. I am a better person and a better trainer because of them hands down. I am eternally grateful for them.

Conclusion

I am so glad that I took this leap of faith. No regrets. It is an honor to work with clients who place their trust in me as they embark on such a personal experience. It is beyond words and a role that I take seriously. To be able to share my love for health and wellness everyday is pure love and sunshine.

I hope that sharing my personal experience can aide in your own personal journeys with becoming a personal trainer as you continue to work on your own personal fitness and nutrition goals.

If you have any questions, comments and/or want to discuss further please contact me. I would love to chat.

xoxoxo,

Jess

““As coaches we equip people to be in touch with their best selves” -Clyde Lowstuter”