Personal Fitness Trainer as a Profession. Interview with Anton Feoktistov

Contents:

• "Why overpay": about the concept of a studio without a membership
• "Find a goal": what and who influences a client's results
• With a view of nature: about camps and personal branding

Co-founder and ideologist of Pro Trainer, with more than 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Regularly speaks at Russian and international fitness conventions, such as World Class and MIOFF. He teaches the "Personal Fitness Trainer" course, sharing his knowledge and experience with future fitness professionals.

In the interview, Anton shared his thoughts and experiences. He discussed key moments in his career and highlighted important aspects that contributed to his professional growth. Anton emphasized the importance of determination and perseverance in achieving success. He also discussed how his network and the support of his loved ones played a significant role in his development. Importantly, Anton emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation to changes in the industry. His advice can be useful for those who strive for success in their field.

• Is it true that fitness clubs used to hire people only on recommendations;
• how he and his partner opened the first studio in Russia without club membership;
• what is their proprietary method;
• why should a trainer work for the minimum wage for the first two or three years;
• how and why he develops his personal brand;
• where you can go with a sports camp (spoiler: even to the North Pole!).

I have been working in the fitness industry for over 25 years. My path began with a passion for sports and a healthy lifestyle. From the very first steps, I realized that the desire for physical development and maintaining good physical shape requires not only effort, but also knowledge. I began my career by studying the basics of fitness, attending various trainings and seminars. This allowed me to acquire the necessary skills and understand the importance of an individual approach to each client. Over time, I became a trainer and opened my own fitness center, where I continue to share my experience and help people achieve their health and fitness goals. My experience allows me not only to teach others but also to develop myself, keeping up with new trends in the fitness industry.

From childhood, my father instilled in me a love of sport: I was involved in cross-country skiing and had the honor of competing for Dynamo Moscow. In 1996, during a difficult time, I completed my studies at the Institute of Physical Education and faced the issue of finding a source of income. I had the opportunity to pursue a career at large universities such as MGIMO or Moscow State University, which needed trainers with experience in ski training. However, I chose a different path and joined a small fitness club, where I was able to develop my skills and share my experience with clients.

Until that point, I had not been involved in fitness in the traditional sense. My friends and I would go to the gym, lift barbells and dumbbells, but our focus was solely on health and athletic development. Nobody thought about appearance at that time.

What direction did you work in? Have you ever done functional training?

When I was just starting out in my career, I was just a trainer in a gym, and back then, many things that seem commonplace today didn't even exist. To fulfill my role, I worked hard to gain muscle mass, and at the time, I weighed only 70 kilograms. It wasn't an easy path, but it became the foundation for my professional growth in the fitness industry.

Functional training began to develop in the late 1990s, specifically in 1998-1999. I first encountered this field at the IDEA International Convention in the USA. At that moment, I thought, "This is the same as general physical training, which has long been used in professional sports." Functional training focuses on developing strength, endurance, and coordination, making it relevant for athletes across a variety of disciplines. This method effectively develops physical fitness and improves the body's functional capabilities, as confirmed by coaches and athletes around the world. The functional approach has had a significant impact on the development of fitness, changing the approach to training and the general understanding of physical activity. The primary focus of functional fitness is on developing the muscles involved in everyday life, which contributes to improving overall physical fitness and functionality. Instead of traditional isolated exercises, functional fitness offers high-intensity workouts that include multi-joint movements that activate multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This not only increases strength and endurance but also improves coordination, balance, and flexibility. Functional training also emphasizes proper exercise technique, which reduces the risk of injury and promotes more effective results. The popularity of functional fitness has led to the creation of specialized groups and classes, such as CrossFit and functional training, making classes more accessible to a wider audience. Thus, the functional approach not only transformed training but also brought a new understanding of health and physical activity, focusing on the functionality and effectiveness of movements in everyday life. Clubs began to move away from a narrow specialization in strength training and implemented a new philosophy based on the development of five key physical qualities: strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and balance. These elements are now developed simultaneously, promoting a more comprehensive approach to training. Functional training is becoming increasingly popular, leading to the emergence of new exercises and specialized equipment. This approach not only improves physical fitness but also increases the overall effectiveness of training, attracting more people to exercise. Fitness in the late 1990s and today has changed significantly. In the 1990s, the emphasis was on core training and group classes like aerobics and bodybuilding. At that time, modern technology, which now plays a major role in fitness, was absent. Today, the fitness industry offers a variety of programs, including functional training, Pilates, and yoga, as well as personalized training using technology such as apps and wearables.

Modern fitness centers are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and offer a wide range of services, including virtual training and online coaching. A key aspect of today's fitness is a focus on health and well-being, which includes not only physical activity but also proper nutrition and mental health. As a result, fitness has become more accessible and diverse, allowing people to find the right form of activity for themselves and achieve their goals.

Previously, the fitness industry had a clear division between gyms and group programs, with trainers specializing in one or the other. Nowadays, combining these roles has become commonplace. The limitations associated with outdoor programs and remote classes have also disappeared. With the growing number of people interested in fitness, the industry has undergone significant changes. These transformations open up new opportunities for trainers and clients, allowing them to tailor workouts to individual needs and preferences.

Fitness centers were once inaccessible and perceived as exclusive institutions. Those days are over, and today, gyms are accessible to a wider audience, offering a variety of programs and services. As fitness has grown in popularity, so has the approach to training. Now, everyone can choose the right activity for them, whether it's strength training, group classes, or cardio. Modern fitness centers offer comfortable facilities, qualified trainers, and a variety of equipment, making exercise more appealing and accessible to everyone. Fitness has become an integral part of a lifestyle, contributing to improved physical fitness and overall well-being.

Entering the first clubs was extremely difficult. First, a recommendation from other gym members was required. Second, approval from managers was required: you had to show up, meet the staff, and then be evaluated. Even after passing all these steps, your name was often added to a waiting list. It was a real closed party.

It probably cost a pretty penny.

In the past, clients paid two to three thousand dollars for a fitness club membership, which was a significant sum. Even today, this is considered a hefty price. However, fitness has become more accessible these days. For 15,000 rubles, you can purchase an annual membership, which includes access to all the club's services, including a swimming pool, modern equipment, and participation in group classes. This makes fitness accessible to a wider audience and allows everyone to take care of their health and fitness.

"Why overpay": about the concept of a studio without a membership

In 2011, you and your partner became the first in Russia to open a studio without a club membership, called Pro Trener. I wonder why no one before you realized this idea and saw its potential? Many may have considered traditional fitness models more reliable, unaware of the flexibility and affordability offered by a membership-free format. Your approach has changed the landscape of the fitness industry, giving clients the opportunity to train as needed, without long-term commitments.

I believe Russian clients were ripe for this format. We were in the right place at the right time: people were beginning to recognize the benefits of fitness and realized that many aspects of large clubs were unsatisfactory. For example, why buy an annual membership if they spend most of their time abroad? Why pay more for a membership if they end up spending extra on personal training? We offer more flexible solutions that meet the needs of modern clients and allow them to effectively manage their fitness budget.

With our "no fees, just pay for the training" offer, we successfully attracted clients at the right time. These terms apply to all types of classes: group, personal, and outdoor training. We guarantee accessibility and convenience for everyone who wants to play sports, which makes it easy to start training without additional financial obligations.

We studied international experience to adapt best practices to our realities. An analysis of international standards and successful examples allowed us to identify effective methods and approaches that can be incorporated into our strategy. Relying on international research and case studies helps us improve the quality of our services and enhance our competitiveness in the market.

We studied the experience of fitness studios in London, New York, Berlin, and Munich, visiting many of them. However, it's worth noting that the Russian fitness market lags behind the European and American ones by ten years. Therefore, when creating our studios, we adapted international experience to suit our mentality and current realities.

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Give examples.

In many countries, studios are often located in basements, and this is considered the norm, as the main goal of visitors is to exercise, not enjoy comfort. However, for our audience, we took care to create a comfortable atmosphere and selected suitable premises that meet high standards.

Russian clients have high expectations of service, making them more demanding than international consumers. Therefore, we have developed a convenient and efficient booking process and trained our staff in friendly communication and high-quality service.

At Pro Trener, we place great importance on the testing phase, as it is a key element in the development process. Testing allows us to identify potential errors and flaws early on, ensuring a higher quality final product. For the client, this means they receive a reliable and functional solution that meets their expectations and requirements. Furthermore, thorough testing helps improve the user experience, which in turn contributes to increased customer satisfaction and strengthens trust in our company. We strive to ensure that every project that passes through the testing phase is as optimized as possible and ready for use.

Testing is a key stage in the physical training process. It helps determine initial parameters and set goals for further progress. During the first training session, we carefully weigh and measure the client and use specialized software to assess their physical capabilities. We test flexibility, strength, endurance, and joint mobility, allowing us to create a personalized training program tailored to each client's needs and goals. This approach ensures effective and safe fitness development. Gas analysis testing determines maximal oxygen consumption, a key indicator for assessing physical fitness. Since all bodily processes depend on oxygen, this testing helps us understand the client's cardiovascular fitness and the heart rate at which fat burning occurs. These parameters play an important role in the formation of an individual training program, allowing you to optimize exercises for achieving the best results.

Qualitative tests confirm the effectiveness of the work performed. The client will be able to compare their performance at the beginning of the training and after six months, which will allow them to see an improvement in physical performance and a strengthening of the body. Such results are clear evidence of progress and motivate further training.

"Find Your Goal": What and Who Influences Client Results

You and your partner not only opened your studio, but also created a unique Pro Trener System method. The essence of this method lies in the integration of modern approaches to training and an individual approach to each client. This allows you to achieve high results in the shortest possible time. The method includes physical fitness analysis, the development of personalized programs, and the use of innovative technologies. The Pro Trener System is aimed at optimizing the training process and maximizing the effectiveness of training, making it the ideal choice for those striving for a healthy lifestyle and improving physical fitness.

We believe that achieving high athletic results requires combining five key areas. These areas form the basis for effective training and athlete development, providing a comprehensive approach to the training process. It is important to consider physical fitness, technical skills, tactical thinking, psychological resilience, and recovery. Each of these aspects plays a vital role in improving athletic performance and achieving goals. Combining these areas will allow athletes to reach their potential and achieve success in competition.

Motivation plays a key role in achieving goals and increasing productivity. It determines why a person strives to complete certain tasks and how they overcome challenges on the path to success. Motivation can be intrinsic, when a person is driven by personal interests and aspirations, or extrinsic, when it comes from external factors such as rewards or recognition.

To increase motivation, it is important to set clear and achievable goals that will create a sense of progress. It is also helpful to track your achievements and celebrate successes, even small ones. Creating a supportive environment where a person feels comfortable contributes to the development of intrinsic motivation. It is important to remember that motivation can vary and depend on circumstances, so regularly updating methods for maintaining it is key to successful progress.

To ensure regular training attendance, a trainer should identify the client's personal motivation and clearly articulate a goal. This could be anything from participating in a half marathon, losing weight, or striving for a healthy lifestyle. A defined goal will become a driving force, contributing to achieving results and overcoming difficulties on the path to success.

A trainer must constantly maintain the client's motivation. Even during vacation, it is important to stay in touch, develop training programs, and provide assignments. Regular reminders of goals will help avoid client dissatisfaction and reduce the risk of them leaving. Effective communication and support are key elements of successful coaching.

A trainer plays a key role in motivating and inspiring a client. Their physical fitness and lifestyle should serve as an example for their clients. This aspect, along with professional competence, significantly increases the likelihood that you will be recommended to friends as a qualified specialist. A trainer's effective work and their ability to inspire clients create a solid foundation for successful interactions and the achievement of their goals.

Your example truly confirms this.

I pay attention to my physical fitness daily. After interviews, I do a strength training session at the gym, and in the evening I go for a run. The next day, I do multiple rollerski workouts. In the winter, I plan to participate in cross-country skiing marathons, which will not only improve my athletic performance but also maintain excellent physical fitness. Regular training helps improve endurance and overall fitness, which is essential for achieving high results in sports. Setting priorities correctly is key in life. It's important not to let your athletic hobbies negatively impact your main job. I had an experience before the pandemic when I became so obsessed with triathlon that I began to ditch clients to focus on training. As a result, I decided to temporarily give up triathlon. This experience has become an important lesson for me, reminding me of the need to balance between my hobby and professional activities.

A fitness instructor must have a number of key skills, in addition to technical knowledge of physical exercises and training methods. Firstly, communication skills play a crucial role in interacting with clients. Listening and understanding their needs helps create personalized training programs. Secondly, it's crucial to develop motivational skills to inspire clients to achieve their goals.

Fitness instructors also need to have a basic understanding of psychology to better understand clients' emotional states and support them during training. Knowledge of nutrition and health principles will help instructors provide dietary and lifestyle recommendations that complement physical training.

Equally important is the ability to work in a team and collaborate with other specialists, such as nutritionists and physical therapists. This will allow for a comprehensive approach to training and improve client results.

Therefore, a successful fitness instructor must combine technical skills with a high level of communication, motivation, and knowledge of health and nutrition.

Communication skills play a key role in a trainer's work. Each new client requires an individual approach, especially during communication. If a client notices a trainer's inexperience, they may begin to dictate their terms, which can create a difficult situation. It's important for young professionals to overcome this stage and learn how to interact effectively with clients. Establishing trust and effectively communicating effectively will help trainers earn the respect and trust of clients, which will ultimately lead to successful work and career development.

An instructor must quickly build their client base and, through active interaction with them, develop their skills to an advanced level. It's important to demonstrate the effectiveness of their methods so that clients understand the need to follow your recommendations. Building on experience and testimonials, an instructor can strengthen their reputation and attract new clients, which in turn facilitates professional growth and business expansion.

It's recommended not to focus on financial aspects in the first two to three years, but to concentrate on achieving results. This will help lay a solid foundation for future success and ensure business growth.

Not thinking about money is difficult, but possible. Many strive for financial independence, but constantly thinking about money can cause stress and anxiety. To overcome this obsession, it's important to change your attitude toward money and learn to manage it more effectively. Focusing on personal development, hobbies, and relationships with loved ones can help take your mind off financial worries. Creating a budget and planning expenses also promote a more relaxed attitude toward money, allowing you to focus on the important aspects of life rather than the constant pursuit of material goods.

A young coach should understand that high prices for services require justification. Initially, it is recommended to attract clients at an affordable price. This will help build a client base and generate positive recommendations. After accumulating client experience and building your reputation, you can increase the price of your services.

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Over time, you will learn to independently organize interactions with clients and set days that are convenient for your work. This will allow you to manage your time more effectively and improve the quality of customer service.

With a view of nature: about camps and personal branding

Maintaining an Instagram account and YouTube channel contributes to the development of a personal brand and career. Active participation in social media not only allows you to increase visibility but also establish trust with your audience. A personal brand becomes an important tool for professional growth, opening up new opportunities and attracting the attention of potential employers or clients. Creating high-quality content and interacting with subscribers help create a positive image and strengthen your reputation in your chosen field.

I do this not for a career or money, but for my own development. I constantly set myself new goals and challenges to move forward and not stagnate. That's why I decided to launch a YouTube channel where I share interviews, host marathons, and offer fitness recipes. This allows me not only to develop but also to inspire others to make active changes in their lives.

Developing ideas for videos and posts has a positive impact on cognitive activity. This process helps me step out of my comfort zone and focus on new exercises, while simultaneously organizing existing information. This approach not only promotes creative thinking, but also improves analytical and synthesis skills, which is an important aspect in creating high-quality content.

Creating a course in Skillbox is an exciting challenge. This process requires not only a deep understanding of the topic but also skills in organizing educational material. Developing a course allows you to share your knowledge and experience and attract a new audience. It's important to consider the needs and interests of your target audience to ensure your course is as useful and in-demand as possible. Approach course creation with creativity and attention to detail, and you'll be satisfied and successful.

While preparing the lectures, I studied numerous sources and recalled long-forgotten knowledge. I recommend all trainers create their own project, be it a blog or a video channel, and enjoy it. When you are truly passionate about your business, financial success will not be long in coming.

The main value of our course lies in the practical approach to learning and a deep understanding of the material. We offer unique methods that help students not only master the theory but also apply their acquired knowledge in practice. The course is designed with current trends and market demands in mind, allowing students to be competitive in their field. We provide individual support and feedback, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the topic. Course participants will have access to relevant resources and tools that will help them develop their skills and confidently apply them in real-world situations.

An important aspect of our course is not only technical training but also a philosophical approach to development. Each trainer, completing the program, understands how to move forward and develop in their profession. They will learn to combine existing knowledge and skills, which will help them reach a new professional level, while maintaining motivation for further learning and self-improvement.

The coaching profession is cyclical, manifesting itself in waves. First, there is growth and the achievement of a certain level of mastery, followed by a period of decline, during which new horizons for learning and development open up. This process of constantly updating knowledge and skills is an integral part of a coach's professional growth, allowing them to adapt to changing requirements and trends in the coaching field.

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Teaching clients the same methodology year after year will not lead to consistent success and can negatively impact your business. It is important to adapt your approaches and offer new methods and strategies to meet the changing needs of clients and remain competitive in the market. Continuously updating our knowledge and implementing innovative solutions will not only retain client interest but also significantly increase revenue.

Pro Trener Fitness Studio offers unique fitness camps, which are becoming increasingly popular among active lifestyle enthusiasts. In our course, we'll cover the specifics of off-site fitness in detail, including physical activity, training programs, and the psychological aspects associated with a change of scenery. You'll learn how nature and fresh air influence training effectiveness and motivation. We'll also discuss how to adapt your usual workouts to new conditions and use the opportunities of a camp to achieve your fitness goals. Join us to learn more about how off-site fitness can transform your approach to training and help you achieve significant results.

Our course includes a special module dedicated to off-site events. Here, I teach trainers how to effectively organize and run fitness tours, festivals, hikes, and camps. This module will help you master all aspects of planning and implementing successful outdoor events, significantly expanding your professional capabilities in the fitness industry.

Since 2011, the Pro Trener team has been organizing a variety of camps. During this time, we have significantly expanded our geographic reach, even including training at the North Pole. We offer a variety of formats, such as bike tours, slim tours, and ski camps. We also offer unique trekking tours where you can spend a week exploring the picturesque Dolomites, staying overnight in comfortable hotels.

The concept of camps is to organize temporary communities where participants can exchange experiences, knowledge, and skills in specific areas. Such camps create a unique atmosphere conducive to learning and self-expression. Camps include master classes, trainings, and various activities aimed at developing personal and professional competencies. The main goal of camps is not only learning, but also creating connections between participants, which facilitates further collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Camps can be organized in a variety of formats, including off-site events, online sessions, and hybrid formats, making them accessible to a wide audience.

Intensive training in the fresh air with picturesque natural landscapes. We typically start the morning with a warm-up at 8:00 a.m., and begin our main workout at 10:00 a.m. Throughout the retreat, we focus on developing our clients' strength, endurance, and flexibility. During their free time, participants can enjoy walks in the scenic surroundings, which promotes not only physical but also emotional recovery.

One trainer is assigned for every eight participants. As the number of participants increases, so does the number of trainers. In some cases, we also provide a personal chef who prepares only healthy and approved meals. This is especially important during slimming tours, where proper nutrition plays a key role in achieving goals.

The most picturesque and engaging camp I visited was located in a picturesque area surrounded by mountains and forests. This place not only boasted beautiful scenery but also offered a variety of activities for participants. Nature inspired creativity, and interaction with like-minded people created a unique atmosphere conducive to the exchange of experiences and ideas. Every day was filled with new discoveries and impressions, making this camp unforgettable.

St. Moritz, Switzerland, has always fascinated me. In winter, it's the perfect place for ski camps, with new slopes opening up every day. Summer also offers numerous opportunities for active recreation, with daily climbs to various peaks. At any time of year, you can enjoy fine cuisine, making a stay in St. Moritz especially enjoyable. While prices can be high, what makes Switzerland unique is the harmonious combination of sporting and cultural opportunities available in this amazing region.