Greer Hardy is a 24-year-old personal trainer from Stamford, Connecticut, who strives to help men and women feel their best inside and outside the gym. After just being certified for less than a year, she is earning clients left and right and educating her followers about resistance training.
How long have you been certified with NFPT?
I have been certified for almost a full year! I began studying in late 2019, and spent the beginning of 2020 studying for my certification. I was officially certified on June 15th, 2020.
Why did you choose NFPT?
I chose NFPT because it aligned with my goals as an aspiring personal trainer. I had a lot of knowledge of fitness and resistance training prior to signing up for the certification, and NFPT elevated what I already knew.
Why did you decide to become a fitness professional?
I realized that I loved learning about resistance training and what proper nutrition and exercise can do for my body. I started resistance training in 2018 and fell in love with the community that it provided. I wanted to be able to help educate first-time weightlifters on everything I had to research and learn when I first started.
What is the biggest challenge for you as a personal trainer?
I would say my biggest challenge is finding new clients. I’m starting to get the hang of it, but that would be my biggest challenge so far.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the fitness industry?
My biggest accomplishment would be putting myself out there on Instagram, to serve as a thought leader and educator to those who may not know where to start when it comes to resistance training. I was in their shoes once too and would have loved someone to educate me from what shoes to wear to proper form.
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What has been your most rewarding experience as a personal trainer?
The connections I’ve made throughout my fitness journey and through other trainers via Instagram!
How has social media played a role in your fitness business?
A big role–I’ve earned all my clients this way! I’ve also become part of a community that is so supportive and creative. I’m constantly scrolling through my Instagram feed thinking, “Wow, this is a great workout, I’d actually love to try that” or “This meal looks great!” It’s more than just brand deals and workout wear; it’s about the relationships and the support.
I was so scared to be vulnerable and start my fitness Instagram (@greerhardyfitness), but with the encouragement of my friends and family, I started in November 2020 and I’ll never look back. It’s kept me accountable for workouts, it has me researching and learning new things, and it’s kept me thinking outside the box. I am so inspired every day.
How has COVID-19 affected your business and career path?
I would say the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business very positively. Of course, I would love more face time with my clients, but I’m happy to have the business either way. Being virtual or working out at home also offers a different level of creativity that I would have never experienced if the pandemic hadn’t impacted gym openings. The pandemic also allowed me to have the time to study and focus on becoming certified. My main goal for 2020 was to become certified, and I exceeded my expectations. I would have never thought I would be where I am today.
Any advice for people thinking about a career in fitness?
Do it! Even just being certified offers so much value, whether it’s educating yourself, improving your training, or offering you a new career path. This field is exciting and dynamic, I have never felt so much support from a community quite like this.
What does the future hold for you and for the fitness industry?
I can’t wait for the future. I want to build my online community to help educate both men and women, and help them feel their best inside and outside the gym. For the fitness industry, that means we just keep going and going: working harder and smarter to achieve your goals. There’s never a bad time to jump in.
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Is there anything else exciting you would like to share?
I can’t wait to keep learning and growing with this community!
NFPT Publisher Michele G Rogers, MA, NFPT-CPT and EBFA Barefoot Training Specialist manages and coordinates educational blogs and social media content for NFPT, as well as NFPT exam development. She’s been a personal trainer and health coach for over 20 years fueled by a lifetime passion for all things health and fitness. Her mission is to raise kinesthetic awareness and nurture a mind-body connection, helping people achieve a higher state of health and wellness. After battling and conquering chronic back pain and becoming a parent, Michele aims her training approach to emphasize fluidity of movement, corrective exercise, and pain resolution. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Health Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Follow Michele on Instagram.
