test456
Total Posts: 80
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01-27-09 09:15 AM - Post#522270
I was thinking on ways to try to make a little extra during these tough times. I was thinking about starting an personal training business in my basement gym. The benefits would be one-on-one training. The trainee would not have to worry about joining a gym or at least going to a gym until they get familiar with the exercises.
The drawbacks for me would be having strangers coming to the house (that is of course someone would be crazy enough to become a client).
If anyone has any thoughts about this or if anyone has tried this please let me know if this is a crazy idea.
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yadmit
Total Posts: 12221
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01-27-09 09:20 AM - Post#522272
I was chatting with someone about this not so long ago... one of the big things that came up was insurance. You want to make sure the appropriate things are covered in case of injury, etc.
You'd likely need first aid (if you don't already have it) and maybe some sort of certification.
t
Still Lots to Learn
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Wicked Willie
Total Posts: 16864
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01-27-09 09:22 AM - Post#522274
You touched on the major problem...liability.
You also have to be careful to opening your home up to strangers. I'd very carefully control the hours you are available and the access...I'd recommend working with a limited number of clients and working by appointment only.
Others more knowledgeable than I will chime in...but the liability question is the major issue. Do I have sufficient insurance to cover this type of activity? (Even asking clients to sign a waiver isn't sufficient - you really can't ask people to sign their rights away and have it legally stick. It just indicates that you've communicated the risks to them and not concealed anything.)
Wicked
"I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in."
"Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6 |
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yoyo
Total Posts: 4621
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01-27-09 09:26 AM - Post#522277
Neighbors may not like you running a business out of your house like that. You could probably get away with it, but someone could decide to make life difficult for you (not zoned for biz, not licensed, etc).
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Prov 4:23
"I'm not a doctor just someone that gets injured a lot." irondawg
"Confidence - the absence of doubt - is a distillation of hope, faith and knowing." Dave Draper, BISS, page 65
"Few things are more fulfilling than personal progress." Dave Draper, newsletter of 4/2/09
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Wicked Willie
Total Posts: 16864
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01-27-09 09:35 AM - Post#522284
Good point, Bill.
My city has strict regulations about home based businesses...including the number of vehicles that may be parked in front of your house, the number of UPS or common carrier deliveries that you may have monthly, physical signage requirements for land use action and other Draconian requirements.
Wicked
"I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in."
"Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6 |
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jej
Total Posts: 4679
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01-27-09 09:51 AM - Post#522286
Part of the zoning and business permit issue - does your jurisdiction have building standards for businesses for fire safety, exits, and so forth? Does that extend to Americans with Disabilities Act rules [like door width, ramps, toilet facilities]? If you were in California, I'd suggest you research this before you answer.
There is a reason it is so hard to succeed in running a commercial gym. All of these regulations and insurance burdens are not cheap and easy to deal with.
And they all have nothing to do with whether you can get paying clients and compete against the other options available in your area.
Again, in California, the legislature eased restrictions on child care facilities to make it easier to license a home-based child facility. There was a lot of political support to do this, and the existing rules for such things made it pretty much impossible to start a business like that.
jej
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Teresa
Total Posts: 4427
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01-27-09 10:21 AM - Post#522292
I went to a trainer's home once for a session. It wasn't totally creepy but I wasn't thrilled about it.
What about conducting training in your clients' homes?
Or work out an arrangement with a local gym to use their facilities at a reduced rate. The incentive to the gym is that your clients might sign up for a membership.
| "You will not be carrying around a scale to jump on and show people." - Vicki Masterson
"The following time you better do more or you are dirt!" - Vicki again |
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Manor
Total Posts: 6773
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Teresa has a good point. I've been asked to go around to people's homes and train them, something for the future perhaps. First I want to get certified, CPR, First Aid. I couldn't do it now anyway, maybe in pre-retirement.
aka SAVAGE/JDIDAN/Dan the Protein Man
You can't choose your parents however you can choose your lifestyle
Earn your supplements
The most important stack you can do are big plates.- Sweatn |
Edited by Manor on 01-27-09 11:19 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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IB138
Total Posts: 9321
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Zach Even-Esh started out training guys in his garage at edison nj. Mostly high school wrestlers and football players. I also know a few others, including one of Conor's training partners, that run personal training studios out of their homes.
Edited by Barney on 01-27-09 11:33 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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jkinnan
Total Posts: 944
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I think you'd almost have to have a client base that was willing BEFORE you started even entertaining the idea. Someone who thinks they'd benefit from your help and ideas already might be perfectly willing to start a home-based training relationship. But, to a new acquaintaince, it could possibly be off-putting to train at a stranger's home.
But other than that, liability would be the biggest issue. Plus, you would have to see what your local municipality requires for you to do it. Permits, classes, zoning, fees, etc.
But if this something you strongly want to do, and if you realistically weigh the options and think you can do it, then by all means, go for it.
| God's strength and blessings.
Jason |
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standAPART
Total Posts: 220
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Iknow a few people that do this. Here are some thingsto consider:
1.) insurance/liability
2.) town tax for small business - (keep it on the down low?)
3.) regulate times so tat neighbors donot become agitated
4.) use a seperate entry into basement so strnagers don't go into house
5.) photgraph all clients and record liscence plates
6.) consider where they should workout when they don't come over?
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