Check Out Nicholas Zimmerman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Zimmerman.

Hi Nicholas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I knew I loved how training regularly made me feel. Every time I completed a workout, I felt like I was a little stronger. Each workout seemed to build upon the last and there was always room to grow and learn. I knew that getting stronger was making me feel a sense of accomplishment like nothing else really had before. I think it was one of the first things I’d done regularly that really stuck with me. From there, I knew I had to help other people do this thing that made me feel a sense of accomplishment, not only physically but mentally. It’s a great feeling that this thing I feel good doing over and over again is actually something that helps with my health and well-being in the long term. I’d been working an office job for years. It wasn’t a bad job by any means. I worked with some very talented people and had great benefits but it wasn’t my passion. It seems that if you’re going to be working hard at something, it seems like you love. I knew I loved fitness. It benefitted my mind and body.

I feel like there were some people that noticed my interest and would ask me for advice. It was a good feeling. I took a course for personal trainers at a local community college while I was working at my office job. I had put in the time and earned my certificate. Once I earned my certificate, I was able to take the test to become a certified personal trainer. I eventually took the exam and passed. It would be a while before I quit my job to work at a big box gym as part of the staff but eventually I made the jump. It was really intimidating. It was a lot of sales. I remember being terrible at it at first. I was down to one client but eventually transferred to the Hollywood location and did really well. I’m not sure what clicked but I think I was starting to get good at my job and became more confident. It was less about sales because I’d helped people to move and feel better. I was working a lot and was eventually offered a manager position that I declined because I wanted to go back to school to complete my bachelor’s degree.

Eventually, I was enrolled in school. Some semesters part-time and some full-time while working as a coach. I was able to transition to a neighborhood gym nearby. It’s Body Builders gym in Silverlake. I’m actually kind of still there but there’s no gyms open at all right now. But I’d finished my degree and went on to work full-time there at the gym. I loved it. I still love it. I’m working remotely with clients one on one. I love it and my clients love it. It’s nice to connect with them. We have a great time while focusing on their goals. I think that’s a lot of coaching right there. Listening while also having interests that aren’t just fitness to bring to the session. Staying on task while making it fun. It’s a balance I think I bring to my sessions, even remotely. Even after nearly a decade of being a certified personal trainer, it’s really something I still enjoy. I’m constantly learning and I’m not sure what else I would even do.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I love that question because if something came to you easily, it probably wouldn’t feel satisfying in the end. Parts of training came easily. I am an able-bodied individual who has always been fairly fit. I could easily maneuver my way around the gym. That’s the easy part, I think. The hard part has been the education and getting out of my comfort zone. I think I’m what has become commonly known as an introvert. Training has forced me to get uncomfortable and talk to people and connect in ways I wouldn’t have if I didn’t have this job. It’s not always been easy. It’s gotten easier over the years and it’s been totally worth it. Another challenge was going back to school as an adult. It was so much harder as an adult with responsibilities and bills and all that.

I think it’s a lot easier when you’re young, or it seemed that way. I was out of the habit of regular studying and it was really a struggle. I loved the curriculum but struggled with classes and studies. I remember crying because of a chemistry lab. Being a student is hard. I passed though. Working and commuting to school is a grind but it’s been worth it. Getting my college degree was always something I’d wanted to do. Do most trainers or coaches have one? Not really. But it’s been helpful for me. I think that grind of school helped me to prepare for a job as a coach in how I’ve been persistent with pursuing the career and stayed on top of my business and am trying to post regularly to social media because I know that’s important.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a coach. I work with people one on one to help them get stronger and feel better in their bodies. Everyone is unique in how they come to me. Everyone has a different background and story so where they start is always a bit different but there’s always a way to progress and build from there. I think what sets me apart is using my experience as a coach to prescribe exercises for people that work for their abilities and their bodies. I would never force a person to do an exercise that wouldn’t for them. There’s a ton of exercises to choose from and ways to adapt to each one, no matter where people are starting.

I find that selecting the appropriate exercise for each person and trying to progress them over time is the recipe for becoming stronger and more confident in the long term. I’m always proud of people when they are consistent and hang in there. I’m there to encourage and cheer on but my clients always provide the will and determination. I do think I’m known for that at the gym. People have commented on my clients and their transformations. Those transformations take time and effort. There’s no easy fix, so I’m proud of those people who show up regularly. If they do that, they’ll get strong and feel their best.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s not about me. At all. It’s about my clients. It’s about their goals and what they want at the end of the day. I’ve also learned to refer out. I can provide some guidance for nutrition and prescribe exercises in the gym, along with cueing but I’m not a doctor or licensed dietitian. People in the fitness industry really need to know when to refer out. It’s good to know when a registered dietitian, doctor or even a therapist needs to step in.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.coachnickzimmerman.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/coachnickzimmerman