Hmmm, it was kinda by accident. On my quest to transform my own body I wanted to learn more and more. There was so much misinformation in the magazines and books I didnt know what the believe. I thought I had known alot about diet and training but wanted to know more so I became certified through ISSA. I found out I knew next to nothing! Once I had all this new knowledge it gave me a better understanding of why my body was chaning and enabled me to be more analytical.

THis lead to me taking my physique to a level I never imagined! Others noticed this change and I quickly became the goto guy in the gym for tips. I started "training" a few people and they also made amazing progress.

I was the National Purchasing Manager of a large public company. I made OK money but hated the job and was thinking about making a leap into a more physical job to help keep me in shape. It was too hard to leave the pay cheque though, you know how it is when you have bills and a lifestyle to maintain.

THen we got bought out and one by one upper and middle management started getting "walked" eventually it was my turn and now I was forced to make the best move of my life. I started training people fulltime in 99 and from day one have been in high demand. This is the most rewarding career I can imagine, you get paid to change peoples (and often their entire family's) lives. Both from a health standpoint as well as a self confidence standpoint.

As for staying motivated and high energy... Well thats where a little acting skill comes in from time to time. I have good days and terrible days like everyone else but as soon as that client walks up to me any negativity is gone. I am on their time not mine. Some clients that are close to me since we have trained so long can sometimes see through it. Like if Im trying to work through an injury or just not feeling well. You have to keep your client up and by complaining about your problems is not the way to do it.

I always tell new trainers that you have to be like a chamelion with each client. Act one way with one, and another way with the next client. It all depends on the type of person they are, you want to adapt a different approach while still leaving your personality and who you are in tact. I make sure that the hell they go through while lifting is countered by amusing stories and joking around. This makes the hour fly and something to look forward too for many reasons.

Great question, thanks for asking.

Darrin

Edited by: LA  at: 8/5/06 20:44