Another profession that I had a request for! Thank you to Rebecca for getting me in contact with Erica! Are you interested in fitness and helping others meet their fitness goals? Personal Training may be the profession for you! I will be sending a note to my friend Dawn to pass this information on to her son!
Q: What is the title of your profession?
A: I am a Personal Trainer.
Q: What do you do?
A: I work with clients one on one to help them reach their fitness goals and improve their quality of life.
Q: Have you always worked in this field?
A: No. I used to work in accounting for a local firm.
Q: Why did you choose this profession?
A: Because I enjoy helping people and I’m passionate about the wellness industry.
Q: How would you define your profession?
A: It is an application of Health Science to provide appropriate exercise prescription based on the individuals needs.
Q: Did you go to college or a trade school for this profession?
A: Yes, I went 4 years at USM (University of Southern Maine) with a Bachelors of Science in Sports Medicine.
Q: Do you use your degree in your job? In what way?
A: Yes. I use the application of knowledge of anatomy/physiology/kensiology & exercise prescription among other sciences.
Q: Can your degree be used as a basis for any other professions? What types?
A: Yes. I finished with my degree in Sports Medicine and a minor in business, so management of a fitness facility would be another option or corporate fitness & wellness.
Q: Does your job require continued education? What type? How much?
A: Yes. I attend seminars or conferences that are offered by accredited organizations that provide accurate information regarding various health topics. I’m required 2.5 CEUs (Continued Education Units) every two years.
Q: Does your job require a certification or board testing?
A: It is not required, but a certification by a reputable organization (ACSM or NSCA among others) does enhance your credentials.
Q: What is a day in the life of your job? Does it change day to day? Do you work with the public?
A: I work by appointment, so each day is different. Often times I will start my day with a client @ 5:30 or 6:00am and not finish with my last client until 6:30 or 7:30pm. I own my training business so there is time during the day that I dedicate to marketing, bookkeeping, etc.
Q: What do you think makes a person successful in this profession?
A: Consistency & confidence.
Q: Does your profession require travel? How much?
A: A little. On occasion I will train a client in their home or teach a class at another facility. It’s minimal.
Q: What is the typical schedule/hours?
A: It varies widely. It could be anywhere from 5:30am to 7:30pm and some Saturday mornings. I do have some flexibility with scheduling, however I really have to follow the clients availability.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Helping people achieve their goals and decrease their risk for disease.
Q: What do you dislike about your job?
A: The long hours some days.
Q: What advice would you give to a child/student that is considering this profession?
A: Definitely get a degree in a sports med/exercise science relate field and learn as much as you can through observing practical application.
Q: If you had to do it all over again, would you choose the same profession?
A: Yes. However this experience has actually compelled me to go forward with my education in Healthcare.
Q: Are you having fun?
A: It is a lot of fun. I get to remain active and I have been blessed with some wonderful clients that I truly enjoy spending my time with.
Q: Do you receive a pension?
A: No, I am self employed
My Child's Path 