The first ever Grow Your Fitness Business podcast has arrived, with special guest, Vision Personal Training’s Founder and Director, Andrew Simmons re-telling his own personal journey in the industry as an example for listeners.
From successes to failures, and everything in between, Simmons kindly lifted the lid on his experiences that began in the early 1990s.
For the now Fitness Australia Board Member, it’s never felt like work.
“I still work long hours – I don’t think a day goes by that I’m not working or thinking about work,” said Simmons.
“But that’s what it comes back too. I’ve never found it to be work – when you’re passionate, you don’t mind doing it.”
Simmons, who studied a Sports Science Degree while working in administration at a gym, cites those early experiences as the ones that taught him invaluable lessons in the industry and laid the platform for future success.
“The early part of my career enabled me to connect with a lot of people – providing such a great foundation,” said Simmons.
He was also an aerobics coordinator – another experience that has shaped his approach. Unsurprisingly, Simmons sympathises candidly with Group Fitness Managers and Group Exercise Instructors.
“The group exercise component was great for me,” admitted Simmons.It taught me how to speak in front of a large number of people and be confident enough to get up there.
“If you throw a new instructor into an aerobics room, it’s literally like throwing a lamb to the slaughter! Those women (particularly) own that room. Unless you’re really good or unless you know them, they will chew you up and spit you out in a heartbeat!”
“I’ve fallen off many aerobic stages in my career.”
And that’s just the first five minutes with Vision Personal Training Director, Andrew Simmons.
Take a listen to the full podcast here.