1. What made you want to be a personal trainer?
I’ve always been into fitness ever since, shoot, I was 13. What sparked this was after going into the Marines, the second half of my career, I actually trained officer candidates at officer candidate school. I was a physical training instructor there.
2. How long were you in the Marine Corps?
I was in the Marine Corps for five years.
3. Did you work for anyone else before you started your own personal training business?
Well, I had a lot of help. Actually, the general manager of the Lima Locos has been a big asset as far as helping me network and stuff like that. He teamed me up with Brent Ridenour who is the owner of Apex [Sports Zone]. So, basically, I just started my business out of here [Apex Sports Zone]. He does the soccer part, and I do the training part.
4. What kind of training did you need to do this kind of work?
I’m actually a CrossFit Level 1 trainer. CrossFit is a cross-training, full-body, high repetition type of workout that a lot of athletes use. It’s not really specific to one sport, so that’s what’s so nice about it. We actually use cross-training here, as well, which is awesome. A lot of my older clients absolutely love it. That’s one of them. My other one, being a physical training instructor for officer training school, I got all my training from that from the British Royal Marine Corps. My boss was actually a color sergeant in the Marines. He came over and taught us everything that I know as far as the physical training goes.
5. What ages do you work with?
I go all the way down to 8 years old and then up to into the 40s, 50s. There’s really no age restriction. We have something here for everybody.
6. What does a personal trainer do exactly?
A lot of people can walk in to a gym and feel very overwhelmed by what they see — maybe they just don’t have the knowledge. So, basically, a personal trainer is just, basically, going to lead you through an exercise, ensure that you are doing everything correctly — proper form so you’re not going to hurt yourself and keep you motivated throughout the workout. I play a major role in that here being loud and motivating to my clients.
7. What’s your biggest challenge?
Just trying to manage everything, ultimately. I still work a full-time job — 40 hours a week, and you know, running a business at the same time. I work out at INEOS as a contractor. I’m actually a field technician for the Lima Chemical Plant.
8. How many hours do you work here?
My first class is at 4 p.m. and I’m here usually until 9:30 p.m.
9. How many clients do you have?
Anywhere from five people in a class, and I do one on one. Anywhere up to 10 a class. If I go up to 15, I have another instructor with me. Overall, I probably have 40 to 50 clients.
10. What do you wish people knew about getting fit?
I wish they’d take it more seriously. It’s a lifestyle. It’s not just showing up at the gym a couple days a week — it really is a lifestyle. Nutrition plays a big part in that, and I’ve really started pushing the diet and nutrition with my clients. I actually give them a packet and all that good stuff. If you can start young, and start those good habits now, once you get older it will be that much easier on your body — less disease, less hospitalization, cheaper on your insurance. Overall, just a huge benefit and saving money, as well.
11. What is the cost of training with you and how do people sign up?
I can do anything as low as $5 a session. They can contact me by phone at 419-303-7621 or email me at orndoffenterprises@gmail.com.
