Exercise entrepreneurs; TeamPro provides new directions for fitness instructors

Exercise Entrepreneurs

Reach it up, reach it out, reach it over," "Come on, last four," "Higher, higher," "Feel the reach!" Fitness instructors use their tonsils and exercise expertise on a regular basis. Now, these tone-up tutors have a unique opportunity to integrate their leadership skills with their business sense.

American Fitness TeamPRO [TM] allows AFAA certified instructors to provide books, health and fitness videos, music tapes, clothing, exercise equipment and nutritional supplements to their clients as independent suppliers. "The consumers can purchase what they need, on-the-spot, without the inconvenience of driving all over town," says Lauri J. Reimer, TeamPRO [TM] coordinator. "By offering this opportunity to AFAA certified instructors, who are recognized and respected in the industry, the consumer is buying a product from an individual who has the proper knowledge and training.

"The TeamPROs are not just sales people," she adds. "They are certified instructors who advise, teach and train."

TeamPRO [TM], which has acquired more than 100 national and international representatives since its inception last February, seems to represent a new professionalism of the '90s. Representatives keep their clientele informed of the latest updates in the industry while providing without-the-wait products. In fact, some representatives are receiving leads from corporations. "Being a TeamPRO [TM] has broadened my career," says Lisa Daw, owner of BODYWorks Unlimited, Inc. and an AFAA consultant. "It has presented another avenue of income for me in the fitness field."

Videos are one of the most highly requested items among the exercising elite, according to TeamPRO [TM] representatives. Many fitnessphiles like to take videos on vacation just in case they are unable to find a fitness facility with knowledgeable instructors. "The AFAA workout video tapes are the best, and I know my members will be getting a safe and effective workout," says Denise Tucker, owner of Images, Inc., an aerobic studio in Chester, Connecticut, and AFAA consultant and certification specialist. "When I train a new instructor, I have them view the tapes and describe all the movements in the warm-up of one of the videos. This makes me confident the instructor can teach a safe and effective warm-up."

TeamPRO [TM] representatives also have the opportunity to market product at AFAA educational workshops. Books and "Pure Energy," a BMI-licensed music tape, are popular products. One representative is regularly filling orders for the 90-minute workout tape. "Everyone needs new music," says Marcia Ditmyer, a wellness program director for General Motors and owner of the Heart Start Fitness Center in Michigan. "When the AFAA consultant plays the tape during the workshop, the tape sells itself."

Based in Sherman Oaks, California, TeamPRO [TM] is scheduled to have its second annual sales and training meeting at "Apex 1990" in Atlanta, Georgia this February. The meeting will also feature an open forum to address questions and suggestions from representatives. "With the industry turning toward a more personal approach as opposed to the traditional classroom, classes are smaller and people are hiring personal trainers," says Reimer, who provides her representatives with personalized business cards, stationery and aerobic wear. "TeamPROs who have the knowledge base can now establish themselves in their communities."

Representatives are also privy to a first-hand fitness forecast, according to Reimer. "By staying in touch with our headquarters on a regular basis, they can plan ahead and keep on top of what is happening in the industry," she says.

For more information on the American Fitness TeamPRO [TM] program, certified instructors may contact Lauri J. Reimer, TeamPRO [TM] coordinator, at AFAA headquarters, 15250 Ventura Blvd., Suite 310, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 or phone (818) 905-0040, (800) 445-5950 or (800) 343-2584 (in California only).

Karen M. Perry is a freelance writer living in West Hills, California.

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