» Education & Training
Was I getting results with my clients? Absolutely – but any exercise is bet-
ter than lying on the couch. A begin- ner can gain strength by just looking at a weight! The truth is that most clients were do-
ing all right with the training programs I provided – progress was made, but it wasn’t outstanding. I knew it was time to upgrade my knowledge and skills.
Here is the four-stage plan of attack I undertook: 1. I read at least one book a week on
subjects including strength and con- ditioning, nutrition and business. If it would help further my career, I'd read it.
2. Every two weeks or so, I’d shadow
an expert in the field. Whether it was another trainer with more experience, a chiropractor, physiotherapist, osteopath, nutritionist or medical doctor, it didn't matter as long as I got to observe, ask questions and learn. In addition to the education, it made for great networking opportunities.
3. I accumulated references from all
my readings, and then once a month vis- ited the university library to get them. In those days, you had to physically pull the journal out and photocopy the pag- es. My girlfriend (now my wife) would help me. I'd give her a list, we'd both go off in different directions, and an hour later we'd meet at the photocopiers with a huge stack of journals. It was a timely and costly process but well worth it.
4. I attended at least one seminar,
lecture, workshop, conference or sym- posium, every month or so. I was game for anything related to personal train- ing. I went all across North America for these events. I can't tell you how many hours and how much money I spent do- ing so, but the information and the con- tacts I accumulated along the way were invaluable.
What was the outcome of this effort? Well, results were amazing and my
business grew like crazy! My name got around and within a few years, I was training several high-profile clients, I had articles published in various maga- zines, I was appearing on television, personal trainers and other health and
November/December 2013 Fitness Business Canada 29
fitness professionals were hiring me for training and consultations, and I was approached to present lectures and workshops. I guarantee you that I would not
be where I am today without this strategy. If you think about it, it’s no differ-
ent than training a client: you devise the most efficient plan to achieve his or her goals, and then you put it into action. And if the plan is carried out
with consistent and relentless execution, look out – you’ll get results! FBC
John Paul Catanzaro is a CSEP certified exercise physiolo- gist with a specialized honours Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and health science. He owns and operates a private facility in Richmond Hill, Ontario, providing training and nutritional consulting services. He is author of The Elite Trainer and Mass Explosion, and has released two DVDs, Stretching for Strengthening and Warm-Up to Strength Training. Visit
www.catanzarogroup.com/discounts, and check out his new webinars, Strength Training Parameters and Program Design and Body Composition Strategies. For a 25% discount, enter promo code FPD25.
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