The Personal Trainer Business Handbook

Rating:
Summary: Great book, but needs to be updated
Review: I am a "club personal trainer" for six years and bought this book to help me make the transition to "independent trainer". I found 90% of the information very helpful. My one criticism is that the book needs to be updated with current information regarding service fees (like accounting and postage), and more in-depth explanations for better use of technology, i.e. cell phones, computers and the internet. Still, the book is very good and the forms, letters, and flyers offer starting-point reference. Plus, how could you not like a guy like Ed Gaut? He's a passionate man that genuinely wants you to succeed. I would reccommend this book, especially if it is to be updated.

Rating:
Summary: very little information in this book
Review: I am a PT manager.I do not have too much to say about this book. I bought it reading the other reviews, but I was disapointed. The information offered is very superficial. Any personal trainer using his/her basic common sense can think of even more solutions for "making money and own your personal training business" then what you could find reading this book.Maybe priced under 10 $ I could go over its scarcity of information. The good thing about the book is that some of the offered forms can be used; or you can search and download from the web for free.It can be red in just a few hours.
Definetely is not a 4 stars book.

Rating:
Summary: My OWN Business
Review: I started out doing some training while I was in college. It was sort of nice break from the old college classes and boring campus jobs. However, the more I trained, the more I liked it. It soon came to the point where I needed to either start a REAL business, or stop taking clients! I was getting too busy, and too overwhelmed with payments, and all those types of things.

I then came across the book that saved my life, and my business! Ed Gaut's, The Personal Trainer Business Handbook helped me to set up a business that can not fail! Each chapter helped me get one step closer to running a successful personal training business! Included in the chapters is how to get MORE clients, and how to get into gyms and health clubs. Important notes on advertising and publicity really helped me SAVE money rather than throw it away by advertising improperly.

I now own four studios, and manage over 45 personal trainers. Each of my trainers is required to read The Personal Trainer Business Handbook, and use the 30+ forms included in the book.

I really wish I could thank the author, Ed Gaut, for how successful he has helped me become. I owe it all to The Personal Trainer Business Handbook! THANKS

Rating:
Summary: The Best Business Book for Personal Trainers in the USA
Review: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. That is the best thing I can say to the author...This book made me focus on what was important in advanceing my business and allowing me to be a success. I now charge $70.00 per hour and avearage 5 sessions a day - 6 days a week ... and I just got started. This book is everything you need to know. Yes, it is simple to read and understand this book and unlike the lady from China (earlier review) I found it full of great advice for operating a PT business in the US. I've read the other 'newer books' and they do not compare...This guy obviously is a trainer talking to trainers. Thanks again Mr. Gaut!

Rating:
Summary: The Best Business Book for Personal Trainers in the USA
Review: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. That is the best thing I can say to the author...This book made me focus on what was important in advanceing my business and allowing me to be a success. I now charge $70.00 per hour and avearage 5 sessions a day - 6 days a week ... and I just got started. This book is everything you need to know. Yes, it is simple to read and understand this book and unlike the lady from China (earlier review) I found it full of great advice for operating a PT business in the US. I've read the other 'newer books' and they do not compare...This guy obviously is a trainer talking to trainers. Thanks again Mr. Gaut!

Rating:
Summary: My OWN Business
Review: The author, Ed Gaut, obviously knows what he is talking about. I have purchased all of the others and none cover it as well and from a true perspective of an in home personal trainer. The other books seem to be more of an ego thing for the authors yet Ed Gaut seems to really want the reader to succeed and I have - I am going into the year 2003 and have nearly 40 clients and am starting to have other trainers work for me. i have gone to all the Phil Kaplan seminars and those even at the Personal training conferences like Idea and nobody has really laid it all out - the business of being a successful trainer - no wonder why Mr Gaut is such a success and why I am now one as well - thank you very much Ed! Thank You!

Rating:
Summary: Content somewhat simplistic but redeemed by practical forms
Review: This book lacks any real depth and the author seems to be talking down to the reader. However, the forms are practical and can be put to good use by beginners and those already established.