Jess Clark – Asked and Answered
On what it takes to stay in the game as a fitness coach
Like many people in the tech industry in Austin, Jess Clark knew in her soul that something was missing from her life. She had finished graduate school with her MBA and pursued a career in marketing, which led her to a lucrative leadership position at a software company. Outwardly, everything looked great, while inwardly, she lacked purpose and missed creative challenges, so she turned to the gym as an outlet, becoming obsessed with CrossFit training. Eventually, Clark began to coach boot camps part-time, never thinking it would transition into a full-time job. In 2012, after being asked to market cross-fit training, Clark realized that she could combine her business savvy and her passion for fitness, so she walked away from her corporate job and never looked back.
“I made the decision against the advice of almost everyone I knew. I was not challenged at my job, and I wanted a way out. I wanted something where I could control my schedule and workflow. I wanted to do something I loved and excelled at, and I could help other people. Fitness coaching is my passion. Walking away was a risk, but it was a win-win decision.”
Asked and Answered
AF: In the 12 years since you left your corporate job and took on the fitness business full-time, what have been your biggest challenges?
JC: First, I had to simplify my life because I was giving up a salaried position. It took me a year to recoup my savings and get on track. The fitness industry is always changing and evolving, and as a coach, you must stay on top of things. You must be nimble enough to grow while you continue with your work. I had to find mentors and try new things. I looked at the pandemic as an opportunity instead of a challenge, so I worked on my skill set. I wanted to grow my demographic and resonate with a variety of people, so I expanded my brand with internet outreach through a training app, nutrition coaching, and a fat loss guide. As far as in-person coaching and training go, the city has grown, so too has the competition from corporations with deep pockets and national reach. So a lot of the locals have closed their doors. Staying relevant and knowledgeable, client retention, and attracting new clients in a city as fast-moving as Austin is always a challenge.
AF: Let’s talk getting fit. Give me a road map for someone who wants to begin a fitness journey that they will stick with.
JC: It’s never too late to start. Because they aren’t certain that they can or will stick to a fitness routine, most clients will start in a group class setting. It’s not as much of a financial commitment, and it’s less intimidating than being on your own in a gym. It allows people to get used to the routine and become part of the fitness community. It builds a foundation where they can find support.
Once they are ready to move on, I like to look at each individual and meet them where they are. In addition to training, I want them to eat like athletes – to build muscle while they lose fat. I was one of the first coaches in Austin to offer nutritional coaching in addition to strength and athletic training. The end goal is optimal health, and I like to offer options so their body can be as healthy as it can be. The narrative has changed, and successful programs help with stress relief, diet, and fitness. Basically, allowing them to live longer, feel better, and develop a healthy relationship with food.
AF: What is your best advice for someone who thinks they might want to become a fitness trainer?
JC: Understand that becoming a trainer is not a hobby. Yes, you can do it part-time, but it is work. It is a multi-faceted job. There is an allure of doing something that you enjoy and are passionate about, just as I did, but before you quit your job, know that you will be on the other side of the floor. How much do you like dealing with people — all people — not just the ones who are friendly and love your coaching or classes? You will be expending a lot of energy, so ask how much you can give without needing to recharge before you burn out. Do you have the support, or can you reach out to those who have been in the business and can mentor you? Beyond the coaching, you have to understand that YOU are the brand, and you should be social media and marketing savvy as well as loving what you do in the gym. The short answer is just because you love food, it doesn’t mean you want to open a restaurant, and the same goes for a passion for fitness.
AF: Speaking of marketing and social media, any tips?
JC: As I said, YOU are the brand. It is non-stop. In person as well as online, you are the brand. So it’s really about connecting with people. You must become a content creator and know what appeals to people. Be confident and authentic. People can spot a phony. Learn how to act like a businessperson. Don’t be afraid to ask those that walked the path before you for help and for mentoring. The best tip I can give is to be who you say you are. Deliver what you say you will. Focus on how to move your clients and best serve them in a way to align the time they are dedicating to their fitness journey with what is important to them – to what they value.
AF: Last Word?
JC: At the end of each class, I always say, “Look at yourself in the mirror. Be grateful for your body and proud of the work you have done today. Be grateful for what your body does for you and proud that you are taking care of it.”
More information:
Jess Clark offers:
In person training and consultation
