Hi all,

I have only been at crossfit for like 9 months or so but I am obviously all for it. Before CF I was never really an athlete but always interested in what the body can do, how it functions, and really into the physics and physiology behind body mechanics. I used this in golf, along with coaching some friends and family members in it, and was actually fairly good at working with people and seeing success. I never really got into fitness because the hamster wheel and meat head factory really turned me off. Now that I have found crossfit I think I have found my calling. When I think about my plans for the future there have always been a few main factors that were a necessity. Those being a strong community, making a valid difference in people lives, and the involvment of my family. These goals and my passion for crossfit, in my opinion fit perfectly in with owning or running a crossfit affiliate. I have limited exposure to crossfit outside of the globo gym or my garage. I have gone to a few classes at an awesome affiliate CFW, and have continued to learn from people on this site and from the main site. I think my knowledge has come a long way but I obviously still have an immense amount of knowledge requirements to run an affiliate. I am hoping to get some advice on what my short term goals should be and some things I should consider.

Some of the things I think I am lacking in are:
1. physical ability, how can I train someone when there are movements I cant perform efficiently (double unders, muscle ups, heavy OHS, running, many gymnastic movements, etc.)
2. L1 cert (there is one coming up in may but it is long filled up, I dont know of how soon one will come up again but money is also a problem)
3. personal trainer certification (is this necessary, would this be a good place to start if I cant get an L1 any time soon?)
4. experience (this goes along with 2 and 3. I want to offer top notch coaching at my affiliate, nothing less will be excepted but I need exposure, how do I get this)
5. money ( I am broke, I have a possible investor interested but 1-4 need to be dealt with first)

If there is any advice you all can give me I would really appreciate. This is nothing I am in a hurry to accomplish, I dont want to rush into something I am not ready for so I want to do this right, but any stories or information you all can give me is very appreciated.

mastroj

I will comment on some of this but not all:

1. This isn’t exactly necessary, but is absolutely helpful when training clients.  Leading by example is a big part of being a CrossFit trainer, but if being able to perform at the highest levels was required for a coach, I would think that most(all) pro sports teams wouldn’t have coaches.  I wouldn’t let it hold you back, but you will have to work around this when your athletes start out performing you (which would be an indication of good training, by the way).
2. You need this to train people as a CrossFit Trainer.
3. May not be necessary.  It depends on the insurance you are able to obtain and local regulations.  Here, I only need to be qualified as far as CrossFit Inc. is concerned to be covered by CrossFit Saskatoon’s insurance.
...
6. Business Stuff - I know that no one likes to think about this stuff, but it is pretty important to make an affiliate work.  My box is owned by 2 guys who fit together very well.  One is an accountant and term lecturer at the local Business College, the other is a Kineseology Grad and experienced personal trainer.  By working together they are able to sort out both sides of the business quite efficiently.  It may be worth looking for a ying to your proverbial yang in this venture.

BathMatt - 21 January 2010 03:12 PM

I will comment on some of this but not all:

1. This isn’t exactly necessary, but is absolutely helpful when training clients.  Leading by example is a big part of being a CrossFit trainer, but if being able to perform at the highest levels was required for a coach, I would think that most(all) pro sports teams wouldn’t have coaches.  I wouldn’t let it hold you back, but you will have to work around this when your athletes start out performing you (which would be an indication of good training, by the way).
2. You need this to train people as a CrossFit Trainer.
3. May not be necessary.  It depends on the insurance you are able to obtain and local regulations.  Here, I only need to be qualified as far as CrossFit Inc. is concerned to be covered by CrossFit Saskatoon’s insurance.
...
6. Business Stuff - I know that no one likes to think about this stuff, but it is pretty important to make an affiliate work.  My box is owned by 2 guys who fit together very well.  One is an accountant and term lecturer at the local Business College, the other is a Kineseology Grad and experienced personal trainer.  By working together they are able to sort out both sides of the business quite efficiently.  It may be worth looking for a ying to your proverbial yang in this venture.

Thanks for the reply bath matt.

I dont want anyone to think that I am expecting a play by play for a successful affiliate. So thank you for your pointers. As far as my level of fitness I agree completely with you, I dont expect to be the most fit person in the gym, especially as a trainer. I am more interested in my ability to perform the lifts and actions. I dont see how someone can expect me to train them to do something I cant do, I think mainly this would hold me back at attracting clients and then at training them due to leading by example.

My lvl 1 is at the top of my list, I just dont when the hell its going to happen because they get filled up so fast and I dont see any planned in CT or surrounding states for the future, I am sure one will come eventually. Its just in the mean time how should I advance myself as a trainer, I thought getting a non-CF cert in the meantime might allow me to get in practice with training people. I have considered and attempted inviting people to my garage to train with me, this alone would allow me to get some experience in but I am concerned about liability issues with how sue happy people can get.

As far as number 3 goes, I have thought that I need a partner, its just I dont know anyone personally that is CF minded. I think they need to atleast be motivated for the business not just for the money to be successful with it. I have some business experience and an associates degree in business, this obviously isnt much but its more then people I know have.

Again thanks for the thoughts, I will continue thinking more about this, your points helped alot.

Okay I am only 2 month into the crossfit universe but I have had a little business experience.

I think the main thing is to focus on one item at a time. The L1 cert seems like the first step so you may have to travel a distance to get it but, it will begin the snowball. The main thing to do is become as knowledgeable as possible through training, working at other affiliates, or going to events like the crossfit games. The first step in opening your own affiliate is becoming so knowledgeable that you know you have the most crossfit knowledge in your area, then you will be able to confidently and successfully open a business.

Never open a business if you are not confident that you are the smartest fish in your pond, and can kill the big fish.