(A little School House Rock flashback.)

Functional training has been a buzz phrase for over a decade now. For many, it has meant using stability balls, medicine balls, balance devices, tubing, etc. And, while using them can aid us in our efforts to increase functional abilities, they are not functional in and of themselves.

What is function? Function is your ability to do a particular task or activity. If you haven’t thought out precisely what activity you want to improve, than all of the bells and whistles exercises are meaningless. What is functional for one person may not be for someone else.

First, define what activities need to be improved. Determine what is limiting it. Is it a lack in stability, mobility, strength, balance, or something else?

In example, say someone has difficulty climbing stairs without pulling themselves by the railing using the upper body. The issue may be strength. The most functional exercise might be, well… climbing stairs. As is often the case, people tend to do less of those things that are difficult. That only makes it more difficult. Depending on how difficult climbing stairs is, you may want to start stepping up on something that only half the height of the normal stair, or a quarter. Step up and try to maintain balance on that one leg for a moment. As you get stronger, raise the height of the step until it is full, normal step height. Then practice doing your staircase.

Another example is if you want to get better at carrying your suitcase through the airport, you may want to hold a weight in one hand and walk for a set distance (1 handed farmers walk).

So, as you think about doing functional training, remember that it’s not just about the tool you’re using, in order for it to be functional, it has to relate directly a particular activity that you want to get better at.

Be Your Own CEO While Working for Others is a session I will be presenting at Club Industry East in Boston this year. The idea came from club employed Personal Trainer complaints that I’ve heard through the years. “The club is getting half of the money, so why should I work hard at selling Personal Training for them?” That kind of mindset limits their ability to build their business. Which isn’t good for them or the club.

I get it. You don’t want to work for “the man.” You want the money to be all yours. I can’t blame you. BUT, if that’s the case, then you had better be ready, willing, and able to go and start your own business. And, by the way, the money is never “all yours”. What about your facility overhead, taxes, insurance, etc. that is currently taken care of by the club you work for? Now, I still believe that most people should be working toward owning their own business, but know what it really takes to do that. Don’t just think it’s as simple as hanging a shingle. Read The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber.

So, in the meantime what do you do…resign yourself to doing a half-a** job because you’re working for some else? Get over it! Your brand, your reputation, how smart you work, your business within the club, is in your control. Yes, the club takes it’s cut, but you get yours as well. Are you doing what it takes to make the most you can in the club. Ask yourself these questions(and there are more):

If there are Personal Trainer tiers, are you taking the steps necessary to move up to the top tier?

Are you always friendly, smiling, and approachable?

Do you always look and act as a professional?

Are you exceeding your existing clients’ expectations, constantly showing the value?

Are you asking them for referrals?

Are you spending time in the club and on the workout floor (on your own dime if necessary) connecting with members and seeking opportunities to sit down with them to problem solve and make a recommendation (if appropriate) to train?

Are you connecting with your club sales people and letting them know what you specialize in and what kind of members you work best with? You could even treat them to a session so they will know what they’re promoting in you.

Are you opening your schedule up to connect/integrate new members into the club.

Are you teaching group exercise classes for greater exposure as a fitness expert and to build rapport with a large group of people?

Are you doing small group trainings to maximize your $/hr earnings?

Are you creating an contact/email list to: re-connect with people, see how their program is going and if you can be of help to them, send e-newsletters, blog postings, links to articles of interest which helps to make you the go-to person for information?

Are you using/creating the tools to monitor your productivity? (i.e. a closing ratio spreadsheet)

This is not a complete list, by any means, but is a great start on taking control of your business within the club you work for. Good luck, make it happen, and if I can be of help to you, please email me at m a r k @ m a r k n u t t i n g . c o m.

Best wishes, Mark