Im considering applying for this position and was wondering if anyone had any experience or knew someone, who had experience, in this setting? If anyone is a member of a country club and has something to add, then that would be great as well. Mainly i'm just wondering about the differences between working here and the typical gym setting. There's some obvious ones, but i'd like some more point of views as well. Thanks in advance for any replies.
Tip #1: When spotting a client at a country club, always hold your pinkies away from the bar, as if having a fancy afternoon tea. Um, good luck. Why would it be different than a regular gym? Probably a tighter dress/language code, but more opportunity to have affairs with bored trophy wives. So, all in all, net positive.
Possibly: -Fixed competitive salary -full schedule, no need to get your own clients and sell training sessions/supplements -tips from clients -better benefits/perks (free meals) Just looking for any specifics at the local country clubs.
My work takes me to several Country Clubs in Houston. I find that each one of them has it's own 'culture' and surprisingly it not directly related to how rich the members are. At some CC's, employees are treated like dirt, at others they are considered family. My best guess at which are which is the turnover of members. The low-mid level clubs with lower initiations (or none these days) where people may pay $3000 to join, the people seem more 'entitled' than the higher end clubs; I guess because they work for their money. The higher end clubs with stable memberships seem to have more gracious members. However, at the highest cost club in town though (R er O), you are just invisible background. The stress level of the management is also a factor. The clubs that are run by management companies seem to always be pressing for more chargeable fees and cutting every cost. They go through a lot of employees. The few equity clubs have people that have worked for them 20 years very happily.
Pretty much spot on. I know a lot of PTs who worked at some higher end clubs, and they said they liked the atmosphere/raised standards and the behavior/attitude of the clients... but often times they said that you had to put in years of service to get in "good" with the management, and that new/good clients were rarely passed to the new guys. There isn't a lot of member turnover at CCs, so getting a new client is actually pretty tough sledding, your best bet is to join a club that is understaffed or is looking to replace someone that is leaving. Because if you join a club that isn't wanting for PTs, you will end up with an empty schedule for quite a long time as new members barely trickle into the club due to the cost threshold. But when you do settle in and develop a client base, it can be very rewarding, as many of the perks you get are just amazing. I know a few PTs who get 4 and 5 figure bonuses each christmas (from each client) and also get to take 2+ months vacation every year (since most clients aren't available from thanksgiving past new years), often times paid for BY their clients.
Dubious and DonnyMost, thanks for the replies. The club I was looking at does seem to have a better relationship with their employees. I know someone who works there and they have nothing but positive things to say. From what i've heard/researched their PT staff sticks around for quite a while. They actually are looking to replace someone and also seem to have an additional rush due to the New Year. It sounds like getting clients won't be an issue and usually isn't at this club, since they keep a limited staff.
