A Personal Trainer

Salvatore Gerace is the guy you go to when you need some alterations to your birthday suit (geddit?) or some motivation to get moving. We’re all going to need him once we leave our comfy couch caves… He tells us more about his work as a personal trainer at ATHLETE8.

SALVATORE GERACE: PERSONAL TRAINER

Can you describe a typical day on the job?

I start my day before 5am have a quick breakfast then it’s time to get started. I take my clients through different workouts which are all specifically written for them. Seven back-to-back sessions before lunch then it’s time for me to train. This is followed by a quick break for lunch then I write programs and work on the behind-the-scenes bits. Back at it again for the ‘after work’ rush then I head home around 7pm to eat sleep and repeat the next day!

Why did you choose to become a personal trainer?

I wanted to make a difference and give back and make the world a better place. It is a very rewarding career as you are helping people to make a lifestyle change for the better.

I’ve always been inspired to change people’s lives.

What are three key personality aspects or skills that make for a good personal trainer?

• Be genuine 
• Be passionate
• Be different 

What’s been your best moment while doing your work?

When my clients achieve a goal that they thought was beyond their ability and seeing how that drives them to do even more.

And a difficult moment?

Having a client come to me for advice on their marriage as they were thinking about leaving their partner. Also training young adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression. 

How do you keep going when things get really tough?

One word. Coffee! (LOL) And of course meditation and yoga.

Can you share a funny or weird story about something you experienced while working on a project?

I was caught on CCTV bumping into the cable machine and everybody saw it.

What advice would you give to young people thinking of pursuing a career in this industry?

Remember that life is hard and nobody is going to give you a handout. It might seem easy to be a personal trainer  but through experience I’ve seen many friends fail because they were afraid of hard work.

But as long as you come into this industry with an open mind a willingness to learn unmatchable work ethic and passion to do good you will change the world.

It's not as easy as everybody thinks you must be very self-driven in order to be successful as you are running your own business. You have to find your own clients or you don’t make money.