Second Job when working in a Gym?

by Ute
(TX)

Hi, I'm just certified and decided to work first as an employee for a chain or so to get more experience and confidence before launching my own business in a few years.

I'm also a certified coach and very good at this sport (a lot better than with PT).

Would I be able to do both - work in a gym as a PT and work as a coach? Does anybody know if the Gym's have a problem with that? I know that my club would be fine with me having a second job as long as I'll coach.

Thanks,
Ute

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Get out NOW!
by: Ken Karnack

After 12 years in the gym business and working with numerous gym's, I can tell you that they are not there for you, but for them. I would start your venture sooner than later.

They have a huge problem with you going outside. every client you get outside, they will ask why can't you bring them here? It is a conflict of interest. However, no one can deny you your livelihood!

Where do you work and for who?

If you need business outside, I may be able to help. I do lead generation for trainers here in my home town and looking to build business in other markets...

Good luck!

Ken Karnack
Fitness Expert
weight loss coach

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Can I Work for a Gym and Freelance at the Same Time?

(Bronx NY)

My question is this: can you do both?? Can you work as a PT for a fitness center and have your own clients on the side or is this not ethical? I am recently certified.

Katie, You have a FABULOUS website. God bless you for providing this much needed information. This site feels like you're talking to me personally and I really appreciate it.

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Working for a gym and yourself
by: Anonymous

There are valid reasons why gyms do not want trainers that either a)work as a trainer at another gym, or b) have their own company training clients elsewhere. This is due to the chance that you will take clients away from their facility to train elsewhere. You may make a higer wage elsewhere and convince people to follow you. As I said, from an employers standpoint...totally valid.

But, from a trainers standpoint, it is sometimes difficult to get steady work year round to make the money. In this case two jobs becomes neccessary. Anywhere I have worked, there has been a policy set not allowing a trainer to train anywhere else. Talk to your employer and find out what the policy is as it may be different for different gyms! Hope this helps!

Dump the gym
by: Anonymous

Forget about the gym and go independent.

Chain gyms will rip you off as much as they can. You have to sell to clients, train them, and keep them. While you charge $50.00 an hour, you keep $15.00, and the gym takes $35.00. Does it seem fair???

Absolutely not.

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Working in 2 different gyms (conflict of interest??).

by Reese
(North Carolina)

I just got hired to be a floor Manager (don't let the title fool you, the pay sucks) at a local gym. I actually applied to be a Personal Trainer there but they said since I am fresh out of school with no experience, that I could start out doing something else. I just got a phone call for an interview with a Personal Training company that is "inside" a different club. Do I mention I work for another gym, but not as a Personal Trainer? Or would this be considered a conflict of interest?

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could be
by: Tom

Reese, How close are the gyms geographically? If they are within say 5 miles of each other and you are expected to promote training services in both, then it is most definitely a conflict of interest. If they are more than 10 miles apart, and in one you are selling training, but in another you are only training that should be reasonable. If you want to get more specific, you can contact me at staff@tailoredfitcincy.com
Until last June I was a VP of personal training for a major health club chain. I should be able to help.

Conflict of Interest
by: Reese

Yes, I can see your point. One I would be training, and the other I would be selling gym memberships as they want me to get some experience first. Thanks so much for you help Tom!

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