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Recently my email inbox received an invite to apply to be a BodyPump Trainer.

This sounds great to me at first, I've been an instructor for a little over 2 years, I love the program, and my classes are consistently the highest attended in both the clubs I work at.

Unfortunately, there is little to no information as far as what the initial costs will be and what a person's compensation will be etc.

All it tells me is the criteria required to apply, which is great, but is not enough for me to make an informed decision.

I can only assume that the travel expenses and training costs must be paid by me, and considering the BOOTCAMP as they call it in San Francisco, and I live over 1000 miles away in Spokane, WA, travel, accomodations, and time away from work will cost a couple thousand easy.

Also, what's to be expected if I were to become a certified trainer?  How often do you get called for a training?  How are you compensated? etc? 

Any trainers out there care to share your experiences with me? 

I don't know the details where you are, but your phrase "my email inbox received an invite" prompts me to ask whether this invitation came from a credible source. I would have thought if you were "trainer material", one of your superiors would have already chatted with you directly, and then perhaps followed up by email with all relevant info....or you would already have the right connections to just ask another trainer in person. You don't have to reveal names here, but was the signatory known to you?

Two years of experience would not be enough in this part of the world. Sounds like you might be on the right track though if that's what you want, but I can appreciate that it's an economic decision, and you might already be restricted by other employment.

Well, the email came from Les Mills West Coast in the US, so I'm sure it's genuine.

The minimum criteria was not all that substantial, just needed a current CPR card, AFAA cert, and 12 months experience.  

Clearly good trainers are harder to come by here than they are for you guys, and I imagine that's why the minimum requirements are a bit more lax.

I actually do have contact info for a few trainers, albeit not pump trainers, but I'm sure they can shed some light on the situation :) 

When you certified, did you get a pass w/ distinction? I think they reach out to the instructors who passed with distinction, as having the best potential to become a trainer.

I would just call LM and ask them for details. People from all different countries are going to start chiming in, and as the above poster already pointed out, it's different per country. 

katherine:

When you certified, did you get a pass w/ distinction? I think they reach out to the instructors who passed with distinction, as having the best potential to become a trainer.

I would just call LM and ask them for details. People from all different countries are going to start chiming in, and as the above poster already pointed out, it's different per country. 

No, didn't get the "distinction" from my initial training but Pump was my first program, I've since taken and passed training modules for Step, RPM, and Attack as well.  So I've grown a lot since then as an instructor and I'm pretty confident that I would receive different marks if I were to be assessed again.

I suppose no harm in sending in the application video.  I teach 8 to 10 classes a week anyways (only 4 are pump!), may as well tape one!  That would let me know if I'm truly ready or not, and I can always ask more questions if I were to be accepted and make a decision at that time. 

Pump Trainer here....

If you apply to be a trainer and you are chosen to attend the Boot Camp - all expenses incurred are yours. If you make it through Boot Camp and are cleared to move on - you are then classified as "Trainee". You have to team teach at least three modules (trainings) with a Senior Trainer. One to observe, the second to lead the even zones (there are twelve zones in our trainings) and the third to lead the odd zones. During this period of time you are responsible for all travel and expenses.

Each "zone" you present is videotaped and sent to our USA Body Pump Program Coach where it is then evaluated and feedback is given. You must action that feedback on your next training.

If you make it through the "Trainee" process and are welcomed on board as a Trainer; then expenses etc. will be paid. The agencies book and pay for your travel and you will then receive payment for services.

 It's a tough process, not a glamorous job but one that provides much fulfillment if you enjoy helping other succeed! Hope this helps a bit!

That's exactly the info I was looking for!  Thank you.

Sounds a bit rough, it would be easier I suppose if I didn't live 16 hours drive from San Francisco, darn it.

 Well, sounds like the initial financial obligation is really substantial, but this info will help a lot in my decision.

Thank you so much!