Workshop in a Box Discount (Limited Time only!)

Every year, I host and conduct workshops in central Connecticut on various topics that I know will be pertinent to the ongoing development of personal trainers. I just wrapped up a great 3 hour workshop entirely on the lunge exercise this past weekend. I selected the lunge because many trainers find it difficult to coach to their clients and I wanted to break it down piece by piece complete with a comprehensive "how" and "why" of the exercise.

Some of the attendees expressed to me how hard it is to attend larger workshops in metropolitan areas because of family and financial constrictions. Others mentioned how some of these seminars and workshops were 2 or 3 days in length and they didn't want to be away from their families and business for that many days.

I believe in continuing education. And I also believe that you have to find a way to expose yourself to new information so that you can take it back with you; to your clients or to the gym. Whether you physically go to the source of information, or you expose yourself to it in the comfort of your own home in the form of books or videos doesn't make a difference to me. As long as you are developing as a professional and as an avid exerciser.

For a limited time only, I am selling Free the Hips, Stronger Shoulders, Moving More Muscles, and Shatterproof Spine DVDs in one boxed collection: Workshop in a Box. Check out the unbelievably low price here: http://www.izzostrengthtraining.com/Discount.html

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Things to Bring to a Personal Trainer Job Interview

Question: I have a job interview at a commercial fitness center. It is my first interview for a personal training position and I really want the opportunity to work there. I left the corporate world in exchange for a career fulfilling my passion of fitness. The only thing is I don't really know what to bring with me to a job interview at a gym? What should I wear? Thanks!

-Mindy

Greensboro, NC

Answer: I love this question. I love it because I have served as a manager conducting the interviews AND I have served as the trainer receiving the interviews. So this question will be fun..but at the same time, it will be specific to what I have encountered and experienced in my years serving both roles.

You should always present yourself as a professional. That means being punctual, listening carefully, and maintaining contact. Sounds familiar right?  Nothing tangible will ever replace your presentation. With that being said, here are a few things you should bring to an interview:

1.) Resume. Always have a copy on hand.

2.) Portfolio or folder of some sort. Looking professional goes further than clothes. If you store your resume and other documents in a nice portfolio, not only are you organized, but you "show" that you are all business and professional. Remember, its about presentation.

3.) Testimonials. If you are a veteran trainer looking for a change in atmosphere and you have a decorated background in training, bring those items. A manager most likely will not ask to see them, but towards the end of an interview, they will ask if you have anything "You want to add". This is your chance to open up and show them what results you have helped past clients achieve and how you can help their present members.

4.) References. Always have references on hand from (preferably) 3 professional sources. These are usually past employers. Again, if you have already trained clients you can also supply 3 references from "customer sources". However,  these should not replace professional references--they should only be in addition to. Professional references describe your work ethic, communication skills, punctuality, and professional repertoire. Customer references describe your genuineness, integrity, and social-ability.  

5.) Before and afters. If you have past clients and you have taken their before and after pictures for testimonials, this is a good time to share them. Only do this if the interview sways off the normal Q & A path, and you begin to talk about fat loss and client goals. Try not to extend the interview longer than the interviewer wants. That means if you are going to display your before and after client photos, do it briefly. Make sure you skip over your own physique photos.

6.) Journal or sales log. If you are aveteran trainer, its always a good idea to keep track of the client packages you've sold. Through the years, I have always logged my dollar sales for each new client, renewing client, or group sessions I have sold. Sharing this with a potential employer shows that you care about the business aspect of personal training; that you are a planner, and are attentive to your contribution to a facility's bottom line. Using a simple program like Excel should get you started with that if you haven't done so already.

A couple of don'ts...

Don't bring your gym bag

Don't wear your workout attire

Don't bring any type of equipment (believe it or not, I have had trainers bring an ab wheel to an interview to show me their "secret weapon")

Don't bring your cell phone or pager (or shut them off)

Don't bring or wear your iPod

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Winner of the NASM Business Development Course

A couple of weeks back, I pitched the NASM Business Development online course that is available for all NASM certified personal trainers as a continuing education credit. The National Academy of Sports Medicine does a tremendous job molding trainers into potent professionals and  they created a course focused solely on business development was an outstanding idea.

I got a call from one of the project managers at NASM late last year and was asked to author 3 chapters for the Business Development course. I was excited and grateful to be selected. I had a mountain of experience working with tons of young trainers and other fitness professionals--both as a manager and department head and also as a fellow trainer. I squeezed as much situational and applicable information into these 3 chapters. Along with other contributors,  the Business Development course was finally complete early  this year. I got a chance to check it out and complete it. It is AWESOME!

I was also given 2 password keys to pass along to someone else. I awarded one to a staff trainer and I wanted to award one to a reader that could convey to me the best reasons why they want to continue on as a professional in the personal training field and how passionate they are. The winner is Andy Chasse. Here is Andy's submission paragraph:

I’m a 21-year old college student only a year away from graduating with a BS in Kinesiology. So far, I’ve maintained above a 3.5 GPA in my major. I’ll be sitting for the CSCS in the fall. That being said, I’m thankful for all of the great opportunities I’ve been given and I’m proud of myself for catching them, rather than letting them slip out of my hands as so many others have done and continue to do.

I attained my NASM-CPT certification just one week after being handed my high school diploma. I managed to land a job at a gym nearby several days later. That first personal training job was nerve wracking, to say the least - but it made me realize that fitness IS where my passion lies. Fitness is right up there with breathing for me, as corny as that sounds. I live to further my own athletic pursuits, as well as improve the lifestyle of so many others that are in need of and willing to take help. To do this, I need to continue to learn.

I’ve trained in various gyms over the last 3 years and it has been a series of ups and downs. During my second year of college, I set up a website and managed to attain a few independent clients. It was great while it lasted, but I was obviously lacking the skills necessary to maintain my own personal training business. That’s okay, I thought - I’m young and I’ve got time.

After my article was featured in your e-mag, I dove into freelance writing. I managed to land several contracts with private clients and was able to build not only my network, but my knowledge and skills. It’s actually funny that you posted this opportunity when you did…as I’m about to start a new job where I’ll be responsible for the entire personal training program. I’m nervous, but excited - who knows where it might lead?

This new position is just another step that will help to build my career in this industry. I’m big on goals, I’ve got a lot I want to accomplish. Since I began training, one of those goals involved being able to support myself by running my own personal training business. I think it’s almost time to make that happen. But first, I need more experience in the gym, making sales and developing a business model. I’m being given the opportunity to build this club’s personal training program from the ground up and I would gladly welcome anything that will help to ensure that I am successful in this endeavor. I read as much material as I can get my hands on regarding exercise and the fitness industry and I’d be oh so very grateful if I was given the chance to delve into the business side of personal training, an aspect that I’m greatly lacking in.[END]

Thanks Andy. best of luck with the course and your career!

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Eric Beard Interview

I had the chance to interview NASM educator Eric Beard for my main website this month. Eric is a one-of-a-kind educator and I mean that with all sincerity. His passion and his willingness to take you (the listener or receptor) to another level is amazing. If you ever have the opportunity to attend  a NASM workshop or certification program and Eric is teaching....do not hesitate and GO! In the meantime, check out our interview here.

Also, here are three articles I have written in the last 6 months that have been published on other sites.  They are all definitely worth check out!

A 7-Phase Approach to Protecting Your Shoulders (Muscle & Fitness)

How Gluteal Atrophy Effects Posture & Performance - (WannaBeBig.com)

How to "Fire" a Client During Tough Economic Times - (EliteFTS.com)

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Free the Hips Feedback

It's hard to believe that I have produced 6 instructional workshop videos. Among them, Free the Hips has become a favorite among my readers simply because it covers a topic that many exercisers find intriguing. Targeting the hip complex for overall performance enhancement and better low back functionality has become a mainstay in many advanced and experienced exerciser's programs. One of those exercisers sent me a nice note regarding Free the Hips:

"John, Just wanted to drop you a line about Free the Hips. I loved it and I found it helpful for my own training, as well as my clientèle. I really liked the quick anatomy lesson, describing the location and function of the hip flexors and extensors. I found the demonstrations of posterior and anterior pelvic tilts, causes of the tilt, and who’s likely to have some type of pelvic tilt very intriguing.

The part of the video that gets to the meat and potatoes… specific exercises to help ‘free the hips’. There are various glute med and glute max exercises, psoas activation exercises, dynamic warmup drills, hip mobility drills, DL stretch, etc. I like the fact that you 'cite" where you get some of your exercises (most notably Mike Boyle and others), but I like the ones you made up too.I think the best thing about your video and your others is the fact that you demonstrate them first, then have your students do them (in the video). Your workshops  seem to get you alot of  "hands on" time to make sure the drills are done properly by your attendees. I followed along, and while some were new and a touch awkward at first (like the cross over lunge), I could tell each move would do what it was intended to do – increase muscle activation and hip mobility.

You are a very well spoken person, and you have surprisingly very quick feet! Thank you for this awesome product!

Steve Olgearry
Baltimore, MD

Check out Free the Hips DVD and tune into the preview video here.

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FREE NASM Business Development Course Giveaway!

As a contributor to the new NASM Business Development for the Club Fitness Professional,  I had a chance to check out the completed product and I am blown away! This course covers everything! From understanding your role as a club fitness professional; understanding your client's mentality; and  setting up a business model--there is no stone left unturned! No other organization has a tried and true success recipe for the personal trainer than the National Academy of Sports Medicine. It is THE certifying body for our profession. Period.

With that in mind, I am a BELIEVER in continuing your education--both in applicable and professional growth. This course is entirely online and will give you the direction to shoot for with your career.

For a limited only, I have giving away one FREE course! I know times may be tough with purchasing continuing eduction credits, and therefore,  I am giving the course completely free to the reader that gives me the best synopsis of their career, passion, and experience.

In order to receive this course entirely free of charge, you must supply your name, email address, and a paragraph or two describing your career direction and how you want to improve upon the experience you have already gained. The winner will selected and will be emailed a code with a user-name and password to gain access to the online course. Upon completion of the course, NASM will award you 1.0 CEC towards your certification. This course is regularly $249. Check out what's included in this course.

Remember, you must meet 3 criteria to be eligible for this contest:
1.) You must be a NASM certified trainer in good standing.
2.) You must be in the field of personal training for a minimum of 2 years.
3.) You must submit 1-2 paragraphs describing your passion for your business and growth as a professional.

Go to my Facebook page and provide your commentary on my wall: www.facebook.com/john.izzo
If you have any questions or want to submit your entry via email, contact me: john@izzostrengthtraining.com

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Do Yoga Blocks Support Compensations?

I have worked with a number of yoga instructors over the years, and have come to find many of them rely heavily on the use of "yoga blocks". The blocks are made of high density foam and shaped into a rectangular box ranging in 3 and 4 inch thickness. The blocks are used for additional support during transitions and yoga poses.

What many instructors don't realize is these blocks actually support muscular imbalances and advocate compensatory patterns. Basically, if someone participating in yoga poses has tightness in any of the following areas: hamstrings, trunk, calves, upper-back, or shoulders--than a block is used to minimize the distance needed to touch the floor or pull from a extremity. Although this allows one to actively participate in a yoga and be comfortable--it doesn't necessarily help the problem on inflexibility. The optimal range of motion is restricted and the use of the block allows for the discretion to remain--in an activity that is designed to maximize range of motion and flexibility.

For folks trying their hand at yoga, limited flexibility may be a factor in the beginning and the use of the blocks may simply be a introductory requirement. Most restricted range of motion is typically experienced by one or more factors including:

1.) Poor posture

2.) Tight muscles/shortness

3.) Excessive weight gain

4.) Past injury (scar tissue or lack of elasticity)

5.) Weakness

Most females that begin an exercise program will experience inflexibility from factors #1, #3, and  #5. The practice of yoga and other types of modalities will help correct posture (including sitting and lifting correctly, as well as strength-training); weight gain will be reversed with proper eating and exercise consistency; and lastly, weakness will be addressed with a proper exercise program. All in all,  the use of yoga blocks should remain a TEMPORARY band-aid for those experiencing inflexibility and should not be advocated as a long-term tool by yoga instructors.

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