Personal Trainer
Passion to Legacy
Interested in becoming a personal trainer, but you aren’t sure if it’s the right path for you?
Hilary earned a B.S. in Kinesiology from CSULB. Her training style varies from one-on-one sessions, to virtual small group classes. She is currently in the process of creating a larger online presence with an on-demand library of live classes. Her goal is to provide a fully inclusive, judgement-free space where all bodies, and all levels of strength are celebrated. Play is encouraged, because fitness should be FUN, and feel good!
Certified Personal Trainer
in this episode,
I chat with Hilary Arentz-Huffman about what it looks like to be a Certified Personal Trainer. Hillary shares how she got started as a trainer, as well as the opportunities that are now available for those eager to work in the health and fitness industry
The key to a good trainer
Hilary’s style of training focuses on the individual, as well as on modifications and creating a program that not only motivates the individual but also works for their body specifically.
She shares that the key to a good trainer and client relationship is to ask questions and learn what makes them happy and motivated. If a client shows resistance to something then she immediately knows to take it down a notch.
Health & Fitness Industry
Functional training
doing your version
For instance, instead of pushing someone to do a deep lunge, she would encourage a stepping movement.
“Just because it's modified doesn't mean it's not beneficial. It doesn't mean you're not working harder than someone that's doing lunge jumps. It just means you're doing your version of what's hard.”
Functional training is Hilary’s favorite way to exercise because it requires basic everyday movements, such as picking up groceries. Her tip for finding motivation to get started with exercising is to just start somewhere. Start small and simple, like going for a walk. Something as simple as that can boost your mood and creativity levels. She also recommends making movement a priority.
“Put yourself in your schedule just like you would a meeting or a deadline. Put yourself as a deadline and prioritize it.”
Shadow Shift
When it comes to education, Hilary always knew she wanted to help people. She originally went to school to be a dietitian but then made the switch to Kinesiology.
During her last semester of college, she was able to make a connection and shadow a personal trainer.
She realized that was the career pathway she wanted to take and to her surprise was able to begin working alongside the woman that she shadowed. After eight years of working together, they had to separate their clients and do things independently, due to new California laws. Hilary now has her own clientele and is working to grow her business to not only in-person training but virtually as well.
Make Connections & Network
Like most industries, 2020 brought on massive change for the fitness industry. She shares that the sudden change of no longer being face-to-face with her clients was difficult.
“I was going to a specific community where adults with special needs lived. They're very hands-on and of course, FaceTime sessions were not.”
She also says that going virtual has brought on many new opportunities for those wanting to work in the fitness industry. Making connections and networking is key for getting your foot in the door.
As far as where Hilary sees her business going…
”I'm in a transition mode right now. I definitely see myself being online more and offering those online aides, like on-demand classes. But honestly, we're post 2020. Everything's different. What I thought I was going to be doing totally changed.”
In this episode, we cover:
The day to day role as a Certified Personal Trainer
The difference between working with clients one-on-one, in groups, or virtually
How Hilary’s role and environment have changed over the past year due to the pandemic
Be sure to listen to part 2 of my interview with Hilary (episode 13) where we discuss her charitable involvements!
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Connect with Hilary on Instagram @socalworkoutgal
CONNECT WITH ME ON:
LinkedIn - Emma Vertolli
Twitter - emm_vert
Instagram - @itsemmavert
MORE ABOUT THE PASSION TO LEGACY PODCAST:
Passion To Legacy allows listeners to get a true behind-the-scenes look at the various careers inside the sports industry; even as detailed as the day-to-day duties and operations. Learn what it takes to land your dream role. Gain clarity on what your future career could be. Take action and kick start your humanitarian spirit.
Emma Vertolli is a marketing strategist whose career has centered around growing and nurturing communities. Early on in her professional career she felt stagnant, unfulfilled, and in search for more. She dove into sports business courses, books, & networking. To her surprise, she learned that if you want to break into the sports industry AND accelerate your career, it all comes down to who you know. There was a trend that kept coming up: people need to learn how to network & people need a space to be able to do so.
In Passion To Legacy, Emma shares impactful conversations with professionals working behind the scenes in the sports industry. The bases are loaded in this podcast, we’re chatting all about career goals, hurdles & charity. So grab a pen and pull up a seat - you’re going to want to take notes!
As a listener, you can expect to:
- Gain motivation and inspiration for pursuing your dreams
- Get an insider's perspective into what it’s like working in the sports industry
- Gain insight for getting involved in charitable work
- Learn networking tips for landing a role in the sports industry
- Plus much more!
Pro tip: new episodes drop every Tuesday & Thursday. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a session!