Every so often, we love to feature coaches from this great PTDC community that are striving for great things and changing lives within their world, and ask them to share cool training, business, and productivity tips and practices.

Today we have New York-based Lynn Ludwig, who loathes fad diets, cleanses, and quick fixes, but loves her video games. Lynn rose up from a dead-end job to become a personal trainer to help stomp out all of the lies and help clients reach their goals. With over 20 years of studying martial arts, she likes to let her clients choose between doing traditional exercises and mixing in some kickboxing--hey, all movements are practical!

In her own words:

“To this day, I love what I do, and I wouldn't change it for the world.”

Location (city, country): West Babylon, New York

Current position: Personal trainer, business owner

Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Number of years in the industry: 7

What’s the one word that describes how you approach your personal training/coaching?

Persistence.

What is your main training focus? For yourself and your clients?

I make sure that any person who comes to me for assistance with their fitness goals eventually knows how to perform movements safely and effectively. This way in the end I help them see all the hard work they did to get them to where they are. After all, I went into this business not expecting to make a lot of money. I did it because I wanted to help people and see how hard they would be willing to work to get what they want. It makes me feel great knowing that they could feel their goal is within reach.

What’s your morning routine like?

I wake up at 5 a.m. to prepare for the day because my sessions start at 7 a.m. After I finish the day’s sessions, I’m either at home or in my office working on client's programs, answering phone calls, updating my website, getting my workout, or getting anything else that needs to be done on my list. On my off or short days, I spend time with my family and enjoy the life I've created.

What’s your favorite aspect about being a personal trainer?

I love designing new programs and listening to my clients' life stories. Probably my favorite part is seeing my clients' expression on their face when they realize that all their hard work is paying off. The flexibility is really great, too!

What is your best time-saving shortcut to do better work?

Not sure if it's much of a shortcut, but when I need to complete a project, I make sure I complete that before I move on to something else. Just doing something as simple as making sure to focus has given me more personal time.

What are some of your favorite technological tools to help you stay on top of everything?

I love Google Calendar! Microsoft OneNote, my phone's calculator, Workout Palm, Fitbit, Microsoft Word, and I'm sure there are others I can't think of at the moment.

What’s your client screening process like? How do you decide how to start writing a program or working with a client?

I start my screening process either with a phone consultation or an in-person meeting. I would ask the important questions first, like their goals and medical history, for example; then I get to know them on a personal level--their hobbies, career, and family--which helps me decide what exercises they might like or dislike. I find out what type of personality they have--are they easy-going, shy, or very stubborn? Together this information helps me figure out how I should approach their program. For example, do they need more focus or are they more hands off?

How do you organize all of your clients and schedules?

I use Microsoft OneNote for client info and programs and Google Calendar for appointments. Depending on the client, I use the Internet if there is something I don't know the answer to.

What are you currently reading?

And is there a book you recommend that all coaches read (doesn’t have to be fitness related)?

I always reread Ignite the Fire, The Personal Trainer Pocket Book, and Viralnomics.

What other activities or hobbies do you engage in to step away from “just being a coach?”

Video games. I love my PlayStation. I also binge-watch Netflix.

Your favorite quote:

“If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.” - Jim Rohn

What was the best lesson you learned when you first started that now helps you out a lot?

Plan, plan, plan! Always take an hour or two to plan your day, your client's program, or your personal time...Because winging it is a BAD idea.

What have you learned recently that you wished you learned on Day One?

Being scared is normal. With every new client I had, I was so scared about whether they would like me. I mean, my career depends on that client-trainer relationship, so it was normal to be nervous about that. I realized later that I was being too hard on myself, and once I saw that, everything fell into place.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Your confidence is what will make you successful.” - My wife

What are your future aspirations?

In the short term, I’d love to train in my own gym. In the long term, I want to be a household name.

Turning a love of training into a successful vocation is a challenge for many coaches. Any advice?

Always promote yourself. Marketing is big, and there are many articles on The PTDC (Editor’s note: like this one!) that will guide you. Jon and this website have helped me tremendously with my success.

You can follow Lynn on Twitter and Facebook and check out her website at LTLFitness.net.