I hope it is ok that I start this thread.

As you all know, I am hoping to start a side business by next year. The extra money will come in handy to start building up my savings plus student loans will be coming due soon as well. I have ALWAYS wanted to teach aerobics of some kind. I have a very few things in life that I feel I am really good at and that I really enjoy. Singing is one of them, and Aerobics (the kind I like to do), is another.

I am really trying to decide if Jazzercise will be right for me simply because there are pros and cons. The pros are that you have corporate support, they send you the routines so you don't have to create them, they certify you, they give you the music, they have a yearly convention, and a line of clothing and dvds. You are getting help just by having the name.
The cons are: start up costs, 1000.00 franchise fee, 20% of your gross goes to Jazzercise, royalties for the music, insurance. And, I don't like a lot of the routines.

I am thinking, with all of my years of experience, and my vast collection of workout dvds, I can probably come up with some good routines. I could make up my music on a cd or tape, and I am already certified in fitness and nutrition so I would just go for like AFAA certification or something. Then, minus out the cost to rent a room, all the money would be MINE.

I would like to use this thread to kind of blog my journey if that would be ok. You guys are so awesome and supportive and I thought it would be fun to share my journey with you. And maybe those of you who have any background in fitness, or accounting, or owning a business, etc, could give me some pointers and help as well. I am also in the process of completely changing me and the kids way of eating. I'd like to talk about that too.

Anyway, thank you and hope you don't mind if I do this. I think it is a great "survivor" story as well as I chronicle me reaching goals and do things to better me and my family after a marriage that did NOT make it. For those who don't, you can see that you can still make it and be a success story! I hope I can give someone hope at least.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE!

mlhb

mlhb

I left the corporate world a few years back to start a retail business. I'm just now going into my 5th year. How I've survived with this A thrown in the middle, I don't know, but I have survived.

If I can help, I will be happy to talk with you. Just let me know...

Thank you Chai.

I will keep you updated here on the info that I get.

At this point I am steering away from Jazzercise as I speak to more instructors. Most of them are making very little after they pay out their big bucks to rent for the room and the franchise fees monthly.

I am thinking more along the lines of getting my AFAA certification and maybe a personal trainer ore and group fitness one. With those credentials I should be able to have a nice side business.

I need an outlet. My job can be very stressful. I think doing this would be a good release for me AND keep me in shape!

mlhb

My sister and former BIL were both accredited personal trainers and were able to have it as a side business. They became affiliated with a gym, and did their training there. You still have to pay the gym, but the gym benefits from the memberships that you bring in thru your personal training. It's a symbiotic relationship.