Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristian Mariuta. Below you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with Cristian.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started training at 15, and soon, bodybuilding training became a very important of my life. After my arrival to the U.S., while working out, I began noticing how some people used improper form; something that can be potentially dangerous. That made me start thinking about becoming a personal trainer, which I pursued when I was 23 years old. I studied for a few months, and then took an exam and passed the requirements necessary to become a certified fitness trainer. I received my certification from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). Since then, I have had the privilege to train people from all different walks of life. As far as education is concerned, I have earned an AA degree in Liberal Arts from Los Angeles City College and a BA degree in Political Science from UCLA.
Has it been a smooth road?
I love training people, but it can be a volatile profession, because of economic fluctuations. When the economy does not do well, people are wary of spending money on personal training, as it would be expected. The Great Recession was a particularly difficult time, and I almost lost all my clients, but I managed to stay in business and move passed that economic downturn.
What are your plans for the future?
I am finishing my undergraduate degree in Political Science at UCLA, and I am planning on going, either to Law School or teaching, in a couple of years. I enjoy training people and helping them with their goals, but there are other challenges and career avenues that I want to pursue. Nevertheless, in the meantime I will continue to focus on my training profession.
Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
The Great Recession period was difficult, but probably the first year of my training career was harder, because it was not easy finding clients. But, over time, I had some referrals from some of the clients I trained (still train some of them) at the time, and that made a big difference. I am very happy with my profession, but I do not feel that I have made it, because of the nature of the business. Clients come and go, and with it come an uneasy feeling, as if I always have to market my services, in order to find new clients. But, the most important thing I focus on is that of doing my job as effectively as possible with each client, and the rest usually takes care of itself. Also, personal training has given me plenty of flexibility, which allowed me to go to school and pursue educational goals, and I am very grateful for that.
Pricing:
- I charge $65 per session for the first five sessions. I call this a trial or promotional package, because it gives people the opportunity to learn about my training methods and expertise. After five sessions(assuming that people are satisfied with my services), I offer the following packages:
- $85 for individual sessions,
- $80 per session for a package of five sessions,
- $75 per session for a package of ten sessions.
- My fees are competitive, particularly since I have gained a lot of experience from working with people that have had various needs and health issues, over the past thirteen years.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 213-598-9414
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: crmfitness.com
- Facebook: CRM Fitness-Cristian Mariuta.
Check out his work below: 
