Grad Spotlight

Q&A with AFPA Graduate: Kevin Hughes, Personal Trainer

 

We are excited to share the stories of some of our past AFPA graduates, such as Kevin, in our “Find Your Inspiration” blog series.

 

What is your job/role/title and what does that mean?

I’m a self-employed personal trainer who caters to in-home training.

How did your journey bring you to where you are now?

I was at a crossroads with my career path, and a very good friend of mine, who I frequently worked out with, suggested I look into personal training. Now, I’ve been a personal trainer for 19 years.

I started out in gyms, like most. Then, one day, my client wanted me to train her at home. I set up a gym in her basement. The equipment wasn’t like it is now. Just dumbbells, a bench, an exercise ball. It gave me the idea: Everyone has something in their home, so I asked my clients if they would like to train at their houses. Most of them said yes. Now, that’s my business: in-home personal training. Today, the equipment is so much better. Most of the time, clients ask me what they need and they buy it.

When I started in this business, I thought my job was to train people and make sure they were sticking to the routine. I was surprised by how generous and kind people treated me. I’ve had clients for over 13 years. I’m like a part of their family, and I’m very grateful for what I do. I never thought I would be doing training for this long, but it’s become a way of life for me. I just want to make everyone feel good and be healthy and happy like me.

What does a typical day in the life look like for you?

My day starts at 4:00 a.m., with my first client as early as 5:30 a.m. I have clients set up throughout the day, as well as in the evening when my clients are done with their workdays. I drive, on a typical day, between 50 and 75 miles.  

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy training and teaching people how to live and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

What education or certifications do you have that help you in your role?

My AFPA certification, and I continue to attend lectures throughout the year to maintain my certification.

What advice would you give to others who are looking to get into the same field?

  • Obtain your certification.
  • Start working in a gym to learn how to work with people and how to create workout programs specifically for them.
  • It takes time to build a clientele and maintain a relationship.

Any final comments or closing thoughts?

The training profession has given me a lot more than just experience teaching people how to exercise. I have maintained relationships with clients for over 15 years, and I look at them as my family and friends. It surprised me, when I started, how generous people were to me.  

 

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