How I Went from Fitness Novice to $100/Hour Master Trainer at 24: Sasha's Story

When you think of personal trainers, the first thing that probably comes to mind is someone who’s spent years sculpting their body, mastering fitness inside and out. But for Sasha Bussard, that wasn’t the case—at least not at first. At 24, a mother of three, Sasha didn’t just break into the fitness industry; she crushed it. Charging $100 an hour, Sasha’s story is a testament to grit, transformation, and how far the right education can take you.

A Rocky Start: From Fad Diets to Full-On Fitness Expert

Like so many of us, Sasha’s fitness journey didn’t start in a gym with a solid plan. It started at home, with frustration and confusion. After having her first baby and then twins just a year later, she struggled to get her body back in shape. “I kept getting hurt from bad advice, and I even fainted after trying a low-carb diet,” she remembers. That moment was a wake-up call.

She knew she needed something different. She needed real knowledge, not just whatever trendy fitness fad was making the rounds.

Turning the Corner with ISSA

Sasha realized she couldn’t keep going like this. She needed guidance, not just for herself but for others like her. That’s when she discovered ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association). “I wanted to be a Master Trainer,” Sasha explains, “not just to be taken seriously but to know what I was talking about.”

That decision changed everything. In 2022, Sasha kicked off her journey with ISSA’s Bodybuilding Specialist course. “That course gave me the foundation I needed. It wasn’t just about building muscle—it taught me how to create a plan that actually works,” she says. It wasn’t long before she was applying what she’d learned, not just to herself but to others.

Building a Diverse Skill Set

But Sasha didn’t stop at one certification. Her hunger for knowledge (and helping people) drove her to complete more courses, including:

• Personal Training

• Corrective Exercise

• Glute Specialist

• Nutritionist

• Online Coach

• Exercise Recovery Specialist

Each certification added another tool to her belt, letting her work with a wide variety of clients—from kids to older adults. She even took her coaching online, expanding her reach well beyond her local community.

Breaking the Mold (and the Salary Ceiling)

While most personal trainers make around $40,700 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sasha wasn’t about to settle for average. At just 24, she’s already earning $100 an hour, putting her in the top 10% of trainers. That’s no small feat for someone who started out feeling lost in the world of postpartum fitness.

And it’s not just luck or being in the right place at the right time. Sasha’s success ties into a larger trend in the fitness industry: specialization. Trainers who focus on niche skills and can offer online coaching are in high demand. With multiple ISSA certifications and a booming online presence, Sasha is riding this wave like a pro.

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The Power of Going Digital

One of the keys to Sasha’s success? Going digital. The boom in online personal training means more trainers are working with clients from all over the world—without the overhead of a traditional gym. Sasha has leaned into this trend, offering her specialized services online and reaching people who might never set foot in a gym.

“I love the flexibility of training online. I can work with clients on their schedule, and it gives me more freedom to be there for my kids,” she says.

Advice for Aspiring Trainers

If you’re wondering how Sasha managed all of this while raising three young kids, her advice is simple: "Take advantage of the resources ISSA offers. If you want to help people, you’ve got to know what you’re doing." She didn’t just cruise through the material; she made sure she understood it. “I asked the ISSA support team so many questions, probably to the point of being annoying, but it paid off,” she laughs.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Sasha

At 24, Sasha’s just getting started. She’s got big plans—like creating an online fitness guide and expanding her presence on social media. “I’ve already landed a few brand deals on the nutrition side, but I want to do more. I want to post workouts more regularly and help even more people,” she says.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Sasha’s journey from fitness newbie to $100/hour trainer proves that with the right mindset, determination, and education, anything is possible. She’s living proof that you don’t need years of experience to succeed in the fitness world—you just need the right support system.

Feeling inspired by Sasha’s story? You can start your own path to becoming a top-tier trainer with ISSA’s Personal Trainer Certification course. Whether you want to work in-person or online, now’s the time to make your mark in the fitness industry.

Ready to take the leap? Explore ISSA's certification options today and start building your dream career!