A special thank you to Ashley Edelman for joining Focus Fitness UK on set at the vault gym in Shoreditch to shoot our promo video. Byron Bubb our London based team member had the pleasure of interviewing him on life as a personal trainer and his top tips for individuals joining the industry.
Ashley is a highly experienced personal trainer who has transformed the body and mind set of himself and others all around the world. As a previous member of focus fitness UK team he has now launched himself into the British muscle modelling scene and is a three times championship winner.
Hailing from Queensland Australia after recently leaving the army in 2011 he took a leap of faith and moved to London where a real transformation and upward spiral in his career began.
What do you love about being a Personal Trainer?
The thing that really sticks out for me is the ability to not only transform peoples body but also their mind set and be able to step back and see the progress I’ve helped them achieve. I was recently training a lady named Ursha who was stuck on an ‘I can’t’ mind set so watching her creating new milestones in her fitness every day is awesome to me.
Mind set seems to be a big thing for you, how did you create such a strong mind state?
I believe that if you change your mind set, what your body can do is insane. I have a daily routine which I stick to too keep my spirits high, whereby I always wake up before 8am and say affirmations out loud to get my day started and also before I sleep at night. Personal training can be a tough game to break into, at the start you really have to put your time and energy in to talk with new people and ensure your training clients properly. Its more rewarding seeing clients results than anything else.
What would you say to people considering our PT course?
I wish I had this opportunity to be a part of something that allowed me to learn and pay back while I’m earning. It can be really hard to find thousands of pounds to start a course to help you find a career. The fact that these are fully government funded opens the door of opportunity to people from all walks of life.
From working with you guys previously I loved being a part of something that didn’t only change lives of students through the courses but offered an amazing after care and support network, it’s nice to feel a part of a community especially when your launching yourself into a new career.
What are your 10 top tips for PT’s starting out?
- Choose your location wisely and make sure your demographic suits your style of training.
- Choose your niche and stick to it.
- Practice what you preach
- Always put your client first
- Be organised and never late
- Go above and beyond, don’t just give the bare basics to boost referrals and client retention
- Good social media presence, show case your efforts whether it be client transformations or eating a healthy meal. Share your story
- Learn the basics of face to face selling
- Be approachable, no one wants to train with a guy who looks like a serial killer
- DON’T QUIT!!EVER!
