I also wouldn’t use or agree to a non-compete, but Michael is referencing something different. A non-compete stops you from working for a competitor in a similar role (wide restriction), while a non solicitation-prevents you from poaching the former company's clients, vendors, or employees (narrower restriction). Non-solicits are generally seen as less restrictive and more enforceable in court than non-competes, which limit your ability to earn a living and are viewed more critically by courts. Some states even ban them.

In additional to your list, hip abduction and adduction.

Looking forward to catching up to watch this!

@Lawrence Neal thank you Lawrence. Interestingly, every response actually has some type of patient history at this clinic which surprised me and has made it easier. Also, this group is very specific for this neighborhood, not the greater city, so there was a lot less noise and 0 competitors promoting services in here.

This has been an exceptionally good month so far. I have booked 9 introductions and closed the first 4 (5 to go). Following Lawrence’s advice, I messaged not just comments, but all interactions to my community FB post. Two responded, and I’ve already closed one. She is a hairstylist and has already offered to send me referrals. I’m cautiously optimistic that this could be something viable as a full-time business, so I will see how things go in the coming months. Some Lessons Learned in 2025: -There are going to be mismatched clients due to affordability or psychology. Price objections from the beginning and continuously represent a red flag. I will help them how I can, and won’t get bent out of shape if they churn. -There is a sharp generational difference in the way people look at personal training. I love my boomers… they always show and are always on time or early. However, they are more likely to complain about price, intensity, and scheduling times. Interestingly, they are more likely to ask what weights and settings we are using so they can DIY, which they could in this gym if they desired. I don’t fight them when that happens because this represents a mismatch for me. -Busy Gen X and Millenials between roughly 35 and 55 seem much more aligned/sold on what I do and my early AM and PM availability which is all I can offer right now. Because of their life commitments, they are more likely to be irregular on times though. -Partnering with the chiropractic office has been essential to get me this far. I have to focus on the positive of the built-in trust that comes with working in a medical center. The worn out Planet Fitness machines, the free open gym access, and the lack of promotional collaboration from the manager are elements I have to look past for now. I established a very strong referral partnership with one of the Nurse Practitioners who trains with me at no cost. -Equipment matters. I realized these life fitness machines are just a subpar in many cases. The seated leg curl is a great example, which Drew Baye recently posted a video about. I think that because these exact machines are available at Planet fitness, it diminishes the uniqueness and value of what I can provide compared to having IS/Medx machines. Multiple clients have commented that these are old PF machines.

@Murray Knox I was hesitant to have both people doing an exercise at the same time, in case they have unsafe form, but I’m going to give it a try.

@Tom Miller I started as a group trainer in 2008 and have always done it in addition to 1:1, just not with HIT. If they don’t demonstrate the ability to exercise safely even after my direction, I will probably tell them that they need to do 1:1 until they are clear.