Hello, new fitness professional. Congratulations on choosing a path in Health Science, Health & Wellness, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or even a playful nod to Shakespeare in literature. Welcome to the industry. You’re not the only one, and you’re not special—now it’s time to work.
Chances are you figured you’d wear sweatpants every day and make a ton of money. You’ll likely start at a local commercial gym, build a client roster, charge roughly $60–$150 per hour, and then aim to work online and maybe become a social media influencer. That sounds nice, but the reality can be different.
I don’t hate social media completely. It helped my career, and I owe much of it to my website, blog, and the work I’ve done with clients. That said, social media is fleeting. Platforms can crash, and your influence could vanish overnight. I’m not saying you should ignore social media, but be careful about putting all your eggs in that basket.
What will separate you as a fitness professional from the masses is not following the crowd.
People often ask what they should do to reach a similar level. Should they read business books, study marketing, learn to write, or optimize SEO? All valid questions. But after 17 years as a coach, I’ve learned that the most important step is simple: spend at least a year working in a commercial gym. I did five years, and I’d do it again. Many top trainers started there, too. It’s where you learn the fundamentals and endure the hardships that shape you.
Those early years are hard: waking up before dawn to open the gym, earning a modest salary, long hours, holidays, weekends, and dealing with a range of personalities. It’s tough, but it builds resilience and practical skills you’ll use every day—like breaking down a squat or assessing posture—and the crucial ability to talk with people and connect in real life.
And no, I’m not here to trash the idea of building a brand online. Go for it, but the odds of success rise when you focus on one core thing: coach people, a lot. That’s what will separate you from the crowd.
You might wonder if a degree alone is enough. I originally planned to title this Open Letter to Young Fitness Professionals, but that wouldn’t always fit. Still, the message stands.
