6 Things No One Tells You About Being a NYC Personal Trainer

After 20+ years as a personal trainer in New York City, I have every certification known to humanity—from pre/postnatal to menopause, from cancer exercise to corrective exercise, performance enhancement to behavior modification. I train celebrities and plebeians alike, and I refuse to be an influencer or anything that I am not. I'm just a personal trainer with stories that will make you laugh, cry, and question your life choices.

1. The MTA will become your nemesis

Every morning, I wake up at 5 AM—not because I'm a morning person, but because capitalism. My clients are {mostly} worth it. The subway? Different story.

Let's get real. Subway platforms are always approximately 847 degrees, regardless of season. I've developed supernatural powers to detect which car has working AC, which one has the mysterious smell that could be either someone's breakfast burrito or their life falling apart, and which one features the dude who believes rush hour is the perfect time to put on a show.

My greatest professional fear isn't missing a rep count. It's being trapped underground between stations with no phone service, losing my mind while my client loses faith in me. I've lost so much income at this point that I deserve a lifetime free pass.

The morning I navigated two train delays and a "police investigation" at 14th Street, then received a perfectly reasonable "let's reschedule" text, I had to laugh. Because honestly? Sometimes life happens, and that's what makes us all beautifully human.

2. Your Lululemon addiction is a tax write-off

"It's a business expense," I tell myself, purchasing my fourth pair of $128 leggings this month. "I need to look like a profesh," I justify, buying a sports bra that costs more than most people's dinner budget.

My accountant (yes, I have a CPA because I only count to ten for a living) thinks I'm very dedicated to my craft. My bank account thinks I have a problem. I think I look fantastic while getting personally victimized by the subway system daily, so we're all winning here. Right?

3. Everyone wants free fitness advice at dinner parties

The moment someone learns I'm a personal trainer at a dinner party, it's like I've announced I'm offering free medical consultations over the appetizers. I'll be trying to enjoy my wine, and suddenly a friend of a friend launches into their complete wellness journey with the enthusiasm of a TED talk.

"So how do I get rid of this jiggly arm fat?" they'll ask, shaking their perfectly normal arms while I'm mid-bite of bruschetta. "And what about the thigh gap? I've been trying everything. Do you think it's my diet? My workout routine? My genetics? My life choices?"

Listen, I love talking shop. It's my passion. But I also love attending social events without giving a full body composition analysis while holding a cocktail. There's a time and a place for everything, and that place is usually not next to the charcuterie board.

4. You're basically a paid friend who counts reps

Let's be honest about what I really am: a friend who happens to count reps. I'm the one who celebrates your victories, listens to your challenges, and occasionally gets recruited for special missions because I'm already in your life.

I've become the keeper of good news, the first to know about pregnancies, job promotions, and family celebrations. "I haven't told anyone yet, but..." is basically my professional greeting at this point.

I've been wedding prep coach, birthing doula, moving day helper, event coordinator, and emotional support human during life's big moments. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.

5. Celebrity training isn't what you think

Being a celeb-trainer isn't really a "thing." Training someone famous is exactly like training anyone else, except the logistics might be slightly more complicated. The goals are the same, the challenges are the same, the 5 AM wake-up calls are definitely the same.

Everyone wants to feel strong, everyone struggles with consistency, and everyone occasionally needs someone to remind them that they're capable of more than they think. Fame doesn't make pushups easier—trust me on this one.

6. Real trainers don't need to be influencers

Despite all the beautiful chaos, I dig what I do. I've been there for clients through all the things from pregnancies, to health challenges, career changes, and major life transitions. I've watched people discover strength they didn't know they had and confidence they thought was lost forever.

I'm not an influencer selling miracle potions or promising unrealistic transformations. You wont find me posting endless kettlebell swing videos with debunked fitness advice or unethically endorsing products I've never used. Real trainers—the ones with integrity—avoid that nonsense. We don't need to because we're too busy training clients IRL.

While influencers are filming their third "morning routine" video of the day, I'm helping someone deadlift their body weight for the first time. While they're shilling overpriced supplements, I'm teaching proper form and celebrating real progress. There's a difference between performance and practice, and I choose practice every time.

I'm just a trainer who shows up, does the work, and feels genuinely honored to be part of people's journeys toward feeling their best.

And to my dinner party friends? I promise I'm always happy to talk shop—just maybe not while I'm holding a cocktail and trying to enjoy my night off.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy another pair of leggings. For business purposes, obviously.