Today we’d like to introduce you to Alvin Presto.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alvin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
How I got to where I am today all started back in New Years of 2011. I had made it a New Year’s resolution to get myself into shape. This is a goal I’ve tried many times in the prior New Year’s and just as a goal in general but never committed fully. I don’t know what it was about this year though. Once I started and saw a little result, I kept pushing harder. I kept researching more online, kept applying things and trying different workout programs from online fitness sites and magazines. Six months later, 25+ lbs lighter with the lowest amount of body fat I’ve ever achieved. The fit bug got the best of me! It got to the point where friends and family started asking me for advice. I shared what I knew and it fired me up to learn even more! Next thing I knew, I was studying to become a Certified Personal Trainer.
Once I became certified, I applied as a personal trainer to different commercial gyms. I almost got hired by Crunch Fitness. Once I got to my final interview though, I had a gut feeling to not go through with it so I actually walked out of that interview. I went the independent route which was tough. Starting with all this fitness knowledge & ambition but zero business knowledge and zero clientele. I first tried the Bootcamp route which got my feet wet in the beginning then slowly transitioned into training people one on one. It was definitely a challenge learning and creating this business from nothing. Kind of like being thrown into the jungle and learning how to survive. The first year was the hardest as I learned, can be the hardest for anybody starting a business. The first year can make or break you. My second year got better and as I started delivering more results to clients as well as keeping myself motivated and continually progressing, within self, within career and within business, my business starting growing! 7 years later, I feel I’ve built a great business with a respectable name in the community. As a fully independent Personal Trainer, I’ve created a successful business, a life, a family and all from nothing which I take so much pride in on a daily because I know what it was like to start with absolutely nothing.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. Like I mentioned, the first year was hard, barely no clientele. I didn’t hardly know anything about marketing or getting myself out there. Most people who become trainers are people who are in shape and think once they’re certified, clients will just flock their way. I’ve learned about different marketing strategies, social media, how you carry yourself on a daily, getting set up as a legit business entity, etc.
A big struggle with this profession is actually making a living from Personal Training and I’m not talking about barely making it or having to roommate with other people just to get by. I’m talking a career where you can buy a home, buy your dream car, take care of yourself and a family. I’ve grown to make a 6 figure income. This year, I almost grossed 1/4 million!
Even as a trainer, in the beginning, I’ve been responsible for a handful of client injuries, things I’ve done before that I had to learn to correct later and even up to this day, still learning. I believe the key to making it in anything is to never stop learning or acting like you know it all. For example, I will never take a client through an exercise that I don’t know how to do or have been through. I have to be able to cue the exercise correctly and know what the client is feeling to explain better and relate.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a one-man operation. I provide:
-One on one Personal Training
-Small group Personal Training
-Bootcamps
-Corporate Wellness classes
-Online Training Programs
-Nutrition Programs
I think the only thing that sets me apart from others is my outlook on life and my work ethic. Most people can make it in this business but you have to approach it in a Superhero type mentality where you have to motivate, positive, see the good even in the bad and never complain or at least keen it minimal and be genuine. I work usually 5 am-8 pm at times and most days are nonstop. I may train anywhere from 8-14 clients on a daily basis. To the point where I turn people away or refer them to other trusted trainers. Most personal trainers do not have that problem of being completely booked on a daily basis. I always remind myself, it’s a great problem to have as a Personal Trainer. I also never stop pushing myself. Hard work is what got me here and I know hard work will keep me here.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I absolutely think Los Angeles is the land of opportunity!! If you told me you wanted to start a dog walking business, a thrift shop business, a balloon business, a cleaning business, etc. Los Angeles is one of the few places that you can take the chance at and become successful!
Even as a trainer, never think oh there’s already enough trainers. What I say to that is, well there’s McDonald’s, there’s Burger King, there’s Chick-Fil-A and guess what, they’re all busy! There’s enough for everybody no matter what business you have.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1812 W Burbank Blvd, Suite 369
Burbank, CA 91506 - Website: www.presto-fitness.com
- Phone: 3233266525
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @prestofitness
- Yelp: Presto Fitness
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