Adelaide Personal Trainer of the Year - James Smith Interview

How did you come to work in the fitness industry?

It was a natural progression from coaching and playing squash semi professionally. I’m a 3^rd generation athlete and a bit of a sport nerd really. I’m fascinated with how the body functions and adapts. It is incredible what the body can do. Have you ever watched a 100m final at track side breaking under 10seconds? Or a bunch sprint in a professional cycling reaching speeds of over 70kph when crossing the line or swimming world class level. It is phenomenal the speed and power the body can generate. I find it exhilarating and have a real respect and appreciation of these athletes. I was lucky to be able to turn my interests into my job. I find it rewarding when working with clients, athletes and trainers to make a real change to their life!

What s been most significant achievement over the last 12 months?

It has been a huge year both personally and in business. This year I have just emigrated to Adelaide from London with my fiancé. We have just bought a house and are getting married next month.

I am the Personal Training coordinator for Genesis Glenelg . Just under a year ago, we set up and opened Genesis Glenelg a 2,000 sqm facility. My job included the recruitment and training of 8 Personal Trainers, the design and implementation of many procedures within the club, organising the distribution of follow up of almost 350 Personal Training packs sold throughout the pre-sale and inducting 1,700 members safely.This was all whilst building and developing my personal PT business, The Smiths Personal Training. My business now has multi revenue streams including PT sessions, seminars, PT mentoring, Boot Camps, Corporate clients.

How have you strived for the best practice within the industry?

To be a successful personal trainer you have to have the complete package. You have to work on both your technical and business skills constantly. “absorb what is useful, reject what’s useless” (Bruce Lee). I have been fortunate enough to be mentored by some great industry leaders. I work hard to implement what I learn to Genesis and to my business with the Smiths PT. Every week I spend a day developing or working on my business. Having extensive industry experience gained from around the world, I have managed to select best practices from different workplaces, coaching and sporting experiences and courses.

Describe some of the ways that have helped you to become the local fitness icon of Adelaide?

1) Setting up a complete professional network; I work with local physiotherapists, a podiatrist, sports massage therapist, nutritionist and psychologist.

2) I deliver seminars at the gym, to corporate client groups and AIF.

3) I am a member of a ‘round table meeting’ with other leading trainers in Adelaide.

4) I am currently mentoring over 20 trainers in Adelaide and internationally!

5) Marketing- website, monthly newsletters, leaflets.

To become a fitness icon, I believe that, first and foremost you must deliver a high quality complete service that achieves client’s results.

What advice would you give trainers to build great businesses?

It is a constant journey, as soon as you start in the industry you need to develop your business and technical skills continuously. Find an industry leader to mentor you, a great way to coach, teach and guide you on this journey. It will accelerate your learning process and business ventures.

How have you found the experience of working with a PT Plus coach?

It has been great achieving high levels of accountability and more accurate focus from someone who has done what you’re are trying to achieve. I have managed to increase my productivity, reduce work hours and increase my income and revenue streams.

What can we expect James from the Smiths PT in Adelaide in the future?

I am looking to establish myself as one of Adelaide leading personal trainers and mentors. I want to work with trainers who are incredibly driven and want to be the best in the industry; I will help accelerate their progress!