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Is there anything good about 24 Hour Fitness?

by aaron
(honolulu, HI)

High pressure sales, low-income, bad managers, and hasseling clients 2 buy supplements doesnt seem like a good plan. so is there anything good about 24??? i want to be a personal trainer in Oahu and there are 24's everywhere but not too much else- so if any trainers could offer advice on where to start in Oahu it would be much apprieciated

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24Fit Hawaii
by: AMC

You are accountable for your income based on how many certs you have and how productive you are. Some trainers on the island make more than 100k. The supplements are a component of a comprehensive program, and they are all cheap and always on sale. The company provides you with formal training, great benefits, and valuable experience that you wouldnt otherwise get from training independently. The managers have years of experience and coach each trainer to their full potential. I just started and so far its a lot of work but a great experience.

Try it out.

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No way
by: Anonymous

Never let anyone tell you that any personal trainer makes 100K at 24 Hour Fitness. I have worked for this company for years and the best-paid trainer I ever met who was at the top of the pay scale at $25 per hour and had 9 clients per day made $55k his best year. And that was way before the recession. Just do the math: If a trainer makes $25 an hour and has 8 clients a day, 5 days a week with no interruption (we all wish!) and sold 5k of training per month at the current comp plan of 20% of training sales commission to the trainer, that trainer would make 74K a year. Of course, no trainer at 24 Hour Fitness has exactly 8 clients a day 5 days a week for an entire year and no one sells 5k a month of training even at an average in a year. Anyone that good would be on his own or at a high-end facility or resort. District managers and fitness managers for this crappy company are famous for telling new trainers about "100K earning" trainers somewhere in their district. You'll never meet one. There are none. Get a real job.

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Wht a joke
by: Anonymous

24 hour fitness and all of the corporate gyms are a joke. First, they take 90% of the sale, and even if you are a "master trainer" you only get 20%. What a joke. I was told that I would make great money working for this "master trainer" at the 24 hour in Camarillo Ca. Turns out he was full of crap. He just wanted to get me in the door, sell an NASM package so his friend could receive commission for the sale, and then proceed to tell me the truth about how the business is run. Thanks for making me waste 600$. I guess it was my fualt though because I should have talked to a lot more people about this career. I have been training all my life and I think that the NASM program is a joke. First off I have never stretched and I dont think that I will ever stretch. The nutrition aspect of the training program sucks. My advice to you is to talk to trainers and the gym and get a good idea about what you are getting into before you realize that you are wasting your time.

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to post above me
by: Anonymous

To the post before me everything u said about 24 hour fitness is true. As far as saying Nasm is a joke u are highly mistaken. It is known as the best national cert for a reason. You say u will never stretch? Tell that to any health or fitness proffesional and they will chew u up with all the reason u need to stretch. You wasted your time with 24 hr fitness, but getting the Nasm materials was the best thing u could have done.

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To RE to the no stretch...
by: Natasha

I'm a dancer and a trainer and to say that the stretch and nutrition portion of NASM is a joke makes you sound like an amature and just discredited you, in my eyes. Sorry, but stretching is BEYOND crucial and it worries me that you train ppl with that mindset. I hate to think of the "knowledge" you're passing on. And don't even get me started on the nutrition aspect of your comment.

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What ever
by: Anonymous

Show me a study that shows that stretching is beneficial.

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NASM isn't the best...
by: Anonymous

NASM isn't the best. The most highly accredited ones that I know of are NSCA and ACSM. Those are FEDERALLY recognized certifications. NSCA was the first certification in the U.S. to ever get federally recognized and recommended for personal training. straight up. There are a few certifications out there that are very difficult to obtain, but I cannot remember the names.

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stretching is beneficial
by: Anonymous

i am not even going to go into this. there are countless research articles on how stretching benefits the population in general, esp. athletes....wow....

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Stretching, etc.
by: Talia

Stretching is a must. Ask any real athlete such as an alpinist or martial artist. Most of the jock jerks @ 24 HR are not real athletes. They don't even do cardio and God forbid they should ever get on the revolving stairs to train(Stairmaster), it would kill them.
The NASM cert will get you into any gym, regardless of whether or not it's the best.

I see that the fitness world overall is full of shysters and phonies but there are some trainers who are worth it and will help you get where you're going. I was at a small fitness place today, the guy wants to hire me if I get a cert.I am mulling over doing the NASM course but am a bit spooked by all the hassle of working as an independent (liability insurance, do your own taxes, nothing in the social security kitty, etc.). All I saw at this guy's studio were geriatrics. Personally, I do not want to train many older folks; the results they will see will not be what they expect (a 20 year old body). Unfortunately in many cases they are the ones who can afford a trainer.

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It may feel good, but what benefits does it provide for you?
by: Anonymous

Stretching is waste of time. Studies have found that people who stretch before exercise were no more or less likely to suffer from pulled muscles. The research shows that warming up, however, can reduce the risk injury. You are wrong. Do your homework newb.

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Stretching is NOT madatory!
by: Its Meeeeeeee!

Its amazing how some of these people are saying that stretching is absolutely necessary! Some of you are TOO sure about yourselves without even doing the proper research. Recent Research HAS shown that stretching before does not prevent any form of injury and is ultimately not necessary.

The other person mentioned that a warm up is beneficial and this is true. A warm up will get your body prepared but as for a stretch? People please do your research before you open your big ignorant mouths and make total fools of your selves, I'm embarrassed for you! In fact, myself and my fiancee do not and have never stretched before any workout whether it be with the weights and machines or any endurance workout and have never had as much as sore anything.

To tell you something, I have seen more people who DO stretch have more injuries than those who don't! Like i said, people please don't embarrass your selves with ignorance please.

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Stretching
by: Isaac

The reason that "research shows" that people who stretch before a workout experience injury the same or more as people who don't stretch, is because stretching immediately before a workout is bad for you.

And to all of the people saying that stretching is not beneficial. you are totally incorrect. If you have never stretched, and you are like most people, you have to bend your knees to pick up something off the ground at ankle height or lower. Yes that is normal. and No it is not healthy. And no, I am not a "born flexible freak". I stretch every day or every other day. Regardless of whether or not I work out. And if I do, then I stretch after my workout.

I am no "expert" by any means, but I learn from experience. And if you are arguing purely on research, ....ignorance. Research changes every,...single....day.... Just a few years ago "research showed" that drinking water during physical activity was unhealthy. ummm ok.
Something that can be considered is STATISTICS
Which are FACTS
FACT : Walbridge-Aldinger - which employs 1,200 salaried and hourly trade employees in the United States, Canada and Mexico reports that in 1997, 25% of ALL WORKPLACE INJURIES WERE SPRAINS AND STRAINS. And in 2007, THE YEAR THAT THEY IMPLEMENTED STRETCH AND FLEX EVERY MORNING BY ALL WORKERS.......drum roll....they had ZERO STRAIN OR SPRAIN INJURIES. wierd
That is only one source. Check it out, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, (you might have heard of it) will attest to this information nationwide.

Stretching gives you energy, by supporting blood and oxygen flow.
It warms your muscles by supporting blood flow.
It increases blood flow to your brain, which can improve mental alertness
Stretching prevents strain by getting your muscles used to FULL RANGE OF MOTION.

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Stretching
by: Me again

OK, stretching before a heavy work session will not warm your muscles and so fourth, a proper warm up will do this and not the stretch beforehand. Stretching before will and has been shown to reduce strength. A stretch is done after and not before. Only the warm up is done before to bring about the physiological changes required such as warming the muscles, shunting blood from the abdomen to working muscles and so fourth.

The stretch and flexibility exercises performed in the above post were most likely the result of the daily cumulative benefits of the activities and not because they were done every morning before work.

If you ask any reputable trainer or read a sport fitness manual, you will see the effects of stretching before and after a workout or heavy work session. Get flexible to avoid future injuries not to avoid them before a work session.

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Stretching
by: Anonymous

There are 2 types of stretching, Static and Dynamic. Dynamic stretching is good before a work out to warm the muscles up but your right statc stretching before working out makes the muscle weaker. To say stretching is not an important part of a person's routine is someone I would not want to have training me.

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Please Please stop this
by: Mike D

OMG, please, if you are new to training forget you ever read through these postings. I cant believe there is an argument about stretching!! Absolutely absurd! The guy who thinks stretching is not important obviously has no clue of the real world. I doubt he even went to school. I'm surprised it took so long for someone to speak up about the difference between DYNAMIC and STATIC stretching, huuuuge difference. Very important to know this! Do your own research and know your stuff before you start training people. Stretching is one of THE most important things you can do to help in ANY aspect of training, doesnt matter if its weight loss, toning, sport specific or anything else. Even these meat-heads need to know that if they want their pecs to be any bigger, stretching will help. And I will guarantee that this moron has done dynamic stretching before his bench press. Ya know, the 'ol, both arms back and forth across the chest then back out to the sides in a swinging movement? Ya, dynamic stretching. Have you ever been to any sporting even, ever? Watch before they take the field/court, they do dynamic stretching to warm up. Thats what a warm up is, an activity to increase blood flow and oxygen to any area that is about to be worked out and to check that your muscles are at their optimal length (for best ROM). Arm circles, torso twists, leg swings, walking lunges etc
He is right though about one thing and I will give him credit by accidentally "knowing" static stretching before a workout does nothing for you and actually decreases strength. Even though he may not know the actual science behind it. The entire reason for static stretching AFTER a workout it to release the lactic acid build up in the muscles and to increase flexibility. Yes flexibility is another huge part of training. I bet meat-head doesnt even know how to test clients for flexibility. Very important to know this as well, your clients will thank you and will really show that you know what you are talking about. Especially if you know the difference in the types of stretches. DYNAMIC BALLISTIC PASSIVE AND ACTIVE STATIC ISOMETRIC PNF. Know your stuff before you start training and keep learning. This is an industry that is ever changing and you really should be seeking new info everyday. Not only will you keep up with the times but it will also help keep the workouts fresh and keep the passion alive.

One last thing about the argument on the different certs, it doesnt really matter who is the best and who isnt. Yes, some testing is a little more rigorous than others but as long as you study and achieve the cert that is best geared towards the population you want to train you will be fine. ACE, ACSM, ISSA and others, good for general public. NSCA espesially if you obtain CSCS great if you are working out athletes, sports teams, etc. Just make everything legit, get certified, know your stuff, and keep learning.

Thats really all that should be said on this silly post.

peace out

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24, Ballys, Fitness Together
by: Mike D

Oh, and one other thing about the original post Dont work for a box gym, nobody should ever take the money that you work for. Paying rent at a private gym is one thing, but having a company take 70% to 90% is just plain dumb. Work there maybe to get experience and thats it. Just make sure you have another job to pay your bills.

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Ha Ha
by: Anonymous

This topic is awesome!

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fitness 19 vs. 24 hr. Fitness
by: Anonymous

Between Fitness 19 and 24 hr. fitness which is the better personal trainer job?

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cpt
by: M.lee

The general goal of a personal trainer is to help clients exercise so that they may eventually pick up the habit of exercising on their own. 24 hour fitness's rules and regulations of withholding general health and fitness guidelines to retain clients goes completely against this goal. Not only is it a personal trainer's job to demonstrate and lead safe exercise practice, it is their duty to help clients achieve healthy habits and to stray away from unstudied supplements. Even simple supplements like Creatine monohydrate have not had substantial research to back up the safety of using them and ACSM states to NOT recommend to clients until further research has been done. With all the supplement sales 24 hour fitness is pushing, i dont know why Trainers working at the gym do not speak up and try to eliminate this ordeal.

Michael Lee
DPT, ATc, ACSM-RCEP

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CHEK / POLIQUIN
by: Anonymous

The most advanced certs are from these two in my opinion. However, they are not as widely recognized, therefore I'd recommend NASM to get yourself started.

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Thank you...
by: Anonymous

The above comments consist of 77% ignorance, 14% completely pointless arguments, and 9% deserved ridicule...which adds up to 100% of 15 minutes that I will never get back.

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Yes, there is one good thing
by: Anonymous

There is one good thing about working for 24 Hour Fitness: you will see how personal training is NOT supposed to be practiced. You will get a good education into how NOT to manage and run a company. And you will forever wonder how this place stays in business.

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NASM and LA
by: Anonymous

NASM is amazing hands down enough said. guy with the non-stretching routine...Really? Your life will regret that decision with age, I am sure of it. As for 24hour fitness, Dont hesitate to improve your well-being and overall quality of life by joining LA FITNESS!

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Positives vs. Negitives
by: Anonymous

I have worked for 24 Hour in Utah for 6 years. 4.5 yrs as a master trainer, 1.5 yrs. as a Fitness Manager. Here are my Pros and Cons:

Pros:
-24 teaches you how to service a session very well.
-The program is complete (nutrition, cardio, resistance, supps)
-The atmosphere is fun (if you like your management)
-Get a minimum wage pay when not training sessions but are on the clock.
-The comp plan as a master trainer is good compared to other big box gyms (57-63% trainer, 37-43% company) when the package is fully trained out. This is from hourly, session %, and commission combined. Note it does take approx. 2yrs. to reach this pay %.
- Full time benefits are good. But you have to work 375 hours per quarter to qualify.

Cons:
- The company does a poor job training management so there is high turnover. (Had 7 fitness managers in a 2 yr. period)
- Commission was cut from all sales reps. so there is no incentive for them to sell training anymore. This hurts trainer business.
-Comp plan for new trainers is horrible. If you cant build a cliental quickly you will go in debt.
-Sales are a big chunk of your pay 20%. If you cant sell you wont make it as a trainer. I have seen excellent trainers fail and horrible trainers prosper because of this.
-The company now does not contribute anything to your 401K due to the economy.
-You do not get paid sick or vacation time unless you are working 375 hours per quarter. Which basically means training 375 sessions every 3 months because time and labor is watched so closely.
-Limited Resources as far as extra equipment ordering goes. Your basic bands, stability balls, med. balls, and bosu balls and core boards.

As far as pay goes: I myself have made 35-40K consistently. I have know trainers in the past (before economy went to crap) that made up to 90K. In the last couple years i have not seen this. The #1 trainer in utah right now is prob. making 65-70K gross.

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Thank you for accuracy
by: Anonymous

To the above comment,thank you for being accurate in your numbers. I worked as a 24 Hour Fitness trainer for years and I'm tired of seeing "trainers" post on here that they make/made 100K a year as a trainer there. A good trainer at 24 will earn $35,000 a year but will REALLY work hard for this level of income. Even back in 2005 - 2006 a trainer would work 6 days a week with a full load of clients to crack $45,000 annually. The average trainer at 24 will earn just above minimum wage, get behind in rent, car payments, etc., desperately look for another job, and just stop showing up one day with no notice and leave clients stranded. In a few months you will see these trainers bouncing at a nightclub or working security at the local mall.

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