CHRISTIE BRIDGES >> "As a Personal Trainer at 24-Hour Fitness, the gym where I work, there's never a dull moment. I'm not a PT to the stars, and I don't do marathons or body-building competitions. What I do is help little old ladies reduce their blood pressure, teach young people why a low-fat whole-wheat turkey sandwich is a lot better for them than a cheeseburger, and show potential marathoners and body-builders the road to success. Personal trainer
Helping people get into better shape
at 24-Hour Fitness is a labor of loveThe hardest part of my job is convincing people that they do need help, and generally speaking, boy, do they! The fallout rate for gym memberships is tremendous -- people getting injured as a result of improper form; people not getting anticipated results; those dropping out due to lack of motivation. I didn't realize I'd also be a psychologist, entertainer and mother.
This job challenges my knowledge and skills, but also my ability to sell the product and myself; and my ability to communicate with people -- every one of whom understands and learns differently.
Money? Forget it! It's a labor of love -- and the feeling that comes when someone manages to lift a weight he has never been able to lift before, or when she is able to get into a dress that hasn't fit in years. That's the reward."
Burl Burlingame, bburlingame@starbulletin.com
At Work is a weekly feature that shows and tells what people do for a living in their own words. Send comments and submissions to: business@starbulletin.com.