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Raed Jarrar

(Q) How long have you been an athlete and competitor in the Bodybuilding arena and how many shows/titles/trophies have you accomplished and won?

(A) I've been competing since 2005. Done 9 shows. Won the Lehigh Valley Overall Novice Heavyweight. Took top 3 in 7 out of the 9 shows I've participated in across NJ/MD/ PA.

(Q) What degrees do you hold and where from?

(A) BS Kinesiology from University of Maryland, College Park.

(Q)What certifications do you hold and what facilities have you worked at in your career thus far?

(A) NASM-CPT, TRX, KBC instructor, Biomechanics of Lower Back pain, ISCA Boxing Instructor, NASM – CES, Pre-Post Natal Specialist, Flexibility/ROM specialist. I started my career at a private studio in Washington DC, then WSC, then NYSC

(Q) Why did you get into the fitness business? What made you decide early on to become a personal trainer?

(A) It was always my passion, sports and exercise. Only after a few years of being pre-med did I realize my passion for anatomy and physiology. As a people person, I figured the best fit for me was to use my knowledge and passion to help others.

(Q)How many years did you work as a personal trainer before securing the position of PT Manager? And in these years of coming up, what was the single hardest part of your job? And why?

(A)I was a personal trainer for a private gym for one year, then I moved up to WSC for a better salary. Then I moved to Marlboro-NYSC because the opportunities at that gym were endless and it had a reputation for being a PT powerhouse. I was a PT for 6 years before becoming a Fitness Manager. Then a fitness manager for 4 years before becoming a Regional Fitness Director. For me, the hardest part of my job was learning how to motivate my employees, and understanding that everyone drinks a different flavor of kool aid, so to speak. Pushing people to do things is less effective then pulling them. Meaning leading by example, and having them follow.

(Q) What client 'success story' are you the most proud of in your tenure as a coach? Explain the details of this clients' transformation and your influence in the process.

(A) I had a client who was 80 lbs overweight, suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, as well as a host of other medical problems. After a year of training, the client had lost 50lbs and came off her blood pressure medication. The next year she lost the remaining 30lbs and was able to come off her cholesterol medication as well. The biggest transformation was not in her physique, but in her personality and level of self-confidence. Her self-esteem grew considerably and she was a changed person. More able to take on life’s challenges and more positive towards everything in general!

(Q)What is your definition of a great Personal Trainer? Not a good one. A great one.

(A) Four things make up a great personal trainer. First, a personality! You can teach sales and science, but you can’t teach someone to be an extrovert! A great personal trainer is that person you know that is always the life of the party. Second thing that makes up a great PT is knowledge. Knowledge is power, and a great PT will empower him/herself by seeking continuing education to ensure the best service to his/her clients. This is something that is coachable. Third: Sales Skills. If you can’t sell your ideas and yourself to a client, then you might as well find a different profession. People don’t just give you their money, you have to earn it by showing them value in your product and then closing them. Lastly: A good business sense. At the end of the day a PT is an entrepreneur who is in charge of her business. A good customer service sense and being business savvy goes a long way in ensuring a continuous revenue stream.

(Q) What is the biggest misconception of Personal Trainers and Fitness Professionals from the general public?

(A) Probably that we only train people how we train ourselves. For example, a bodybuilder will train his clients like bodybuilders.

(Q) What is your favorite modality of training (for yourself and for your clients)? And is there a new rising technique/mode that you would get behind?

(A) I train myself using a bodybuilding split, one body part per day usually. For my clients it differs, but I believe in targeting all energy systems in one workout. ATP-CP with strength training, Aerobic with cardio drills, and Anaerobic with high intensity plyometrics or circuits. Up and coming modes of training include functional training and cross-fit.

(Q)Tell me about the most arduous situation you've been in, regarding client relations, and how did you manage that situation?

(A) I had a client that cancelled because he was a fireman. I did not want to charge him, but I did. I believe that consistency is key when dealing with clients. As long as you are fair and consistent, then people will understand. The expectations need to be set early on.

(Q) What makes a good manager?

(A) A good manager and a good leader are two different things. When I think of a good manager I think of someone that is strong administratively and can track his/her business properly. I think a good leader is more effective. Someone that can motivate a team of people to see a vision and drive towards it at full speed. Communication is key in both situations, however.

(Q) How long have you been employed by NYSC? Give me your history with them up until this most recent promotion to Regional Fitness Director (club locations and titles).

(A) 8 years. WSC- Personal trainer 2003-2005, WSC pro trainer 2005, NYSC pro trainer 2005-2006. NYSC Master Trainer 2006-2007. NYSC Fitness Manager 2007-2011. TSI RFD 2011 to present.

(Q) As the training manager of a facility as large as NYSC, what does it take/how hard is it to consistently meet your quarterly numbers?

(A) Being proactive instead of reactive is key. It is important going into every month with a game plan, or strategy, instead of hoping for the best. Understanding your client drop-off, your expected renewals, your expected sales, and your projected new client sales is critical. Then setting SMART goals for each category. Also, selling PT @POS is key in driving new business. Small Group Training is another opportunity.

(Q) Tell me about the day you were promoted to Regional Fitness Director at NYSC...did you know it was coming? How long where you positioning for it? How did you celebrate?

(A) I had an idea it was coming. I had 4 interviews leading up to the offer. I was positing for it for 4 years! I celebrated by having dinner with my GF and drinks!

(Q) Tell me about your scope and responsibilities in this new position? How does your day differ now than when in your previous position?

(A) I am now responsible for driving the revenue in the NJ and Rockland county markets. I am also involved in setting company strategy and initiative with regards to fitness. In addition, I am responsible for hiring and developing a highly skilled team of fitness managers and supporting them by removing barriers and up-skilling them.

(Q) What goals have you set for yourself and the company in this new position in 2012?

(A) My goals are to be the number 1 RFD with regards to revenue and sale. Period.

(Q) What sets NYSC apart from the competition?

(A) Our network of clubs as well as our level of customer service and personal trainers of course…the best in the industry!

(Q) What is the single most important advice you can give to a young person coming up wanting to become a fitness professional?

(A) Work for TSI!

(Q) What's next for you? What can we expect from Raed Jarrar in the future?

(A) I plan on taking over the world lol! !