The fitness industry continues to grow, which is why more people are interested in finding work in sports fitness. Research from Statista found that the global fitness and health club industry generates more than $80 billion in revenue per year.
In the U.S., a March 2017 report from the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) found the number of health club memberships rose in 2014 to 54.1 million. Additionally, over the past five years, more people have been getting memberships to both niche establishments and chain gyms.
This is great news if you’re interested in helping others become healthier and reach their personal fitness goals. You have a lot of opportunities, ranging from fitness trainers and instructors to club owners and management.
As the industry becomes crowded with new trends, Daniel Nyiri, the founder and CEO of 4U Fitness, is leading a fitness revolution. His program introduced the U.S. to the e-fit training world.
We spoke with Nyiri to learn more about his journey, from a late-bloomer struggling to learn hockey in Budapest to one of the leading voices in the fitness world.
Let’s learn more about what it takes to work in sports fitness and live like an entrepreneur:
Humble Beginnings
Before emigrating from Budapest in 2011, with just $150 to his name, Nyiri spent his childhood mastering aikido. Then he discovered hockey at age 14, which is relatively late to join a sport. He pursued it for a simple reason — he loves facing obstacles.
When I first started playing, I couldn’t even skate. That’s why I was hooked. I love challenges, but I love proving people wrong even more.
I felt motivated. For the first few years, people made fun of me. My coaches even joked, telling me to burn my equipment. Most people would quit right then and there.
Instead, I analyzed and copied the habits of some of the best hockey players. Chris Chelios was the best role model for me. I adopted similar habits and read about how I could improve on certain skills.
I practiced alone. Instead of drinking and partying with friends, I stayed in to wake up early and bike 10 miles to Gellert Mountain in Budapest. I biked uphill, and when it got too steep, I would carry my bike on my back and run uphill more.
Every day, I would do this, then go work out in the gym afterward. My friends continued to make fun of me for doing all this work and still struggling. Then, at 18 years old, I played pro.
That’s when I learned a valuable lesson — the only person you’re destined to become is the person you decide to be.
The Ultimate Sport in Life – Business
Nyiri decided he wanted to be an entrepreneur. Driven by a passion for improving the health of others, one person at a time, he pushed himself and learned a lot about what it takes to work in the sports business.
Business is the ultimate sport of life. Not only do you compete every day against those in your industry, but you also learn the value of working with others.
Business and sports are all about teamwork. Even boxing, tennis, and other sports that are geared toward an individual athlete require teams of people to motivate and train the contender.
Why would you start a business or a sports team alone?
I approach business challenges like I do with anything in life. There is always a solution. I just look at them as opportunities, not problems. Then, I focus on tackling one at a time.
A Deliberate Day-to-Day
To stay sharp, Nyiri follows a simple regimen. He fills his day with self-improvement techniques, positivity, and focused efforts in business.
I wake up at 4:45 AM every morning and read for two hours. This allows me to read nearly eight books every month. Then, I set my goals, reviewed my schedule, and addressed my emails from 10:00 a.m. until about noon.
Throughout the day, I have an average of three or four meetings, and sometimes I’ll do interviews, photo shoots, filming, podcasts, and other media-related projects. However, I always make time for my employees — motivating them, reviewing reports, and planning ahead.
Then, I write three positive things that happened throughout the day to keep my brain focused on positive thinking. I also write down my biggest goals. I read them every day and rewrite them in the morning and at night.
As an ex-athlete, I learned the value of focusing on what matters the most and constantly improving. This keeps you competitive. For me, that includes my personal growth and well-being, as well as my team and my company.
Leading a Movement
Many people who work in sports fitness know how ineffective crash diets and fancy cardio workouts are. Nyiri wants to start a movement against these bad methods.
I created 4U Fitness to combat gyms that focus on keeping contracts instead of helping clients get real results. We pay our employees nearly three times the national average so they can focus on their clients and not worry about being able to pay their bills.
We teach clients they don’t need to spend countless hours in the gym. With our program, people use E-Fit technology to get a 3-hour workout in just 20 minutes. The more people we help, the closer we are to achieving one of our biggest goals — stopping obesity.
Work From Your Heart
Nyiri shared some simple advice he follows, which continues to help him grow his business and clear misinformation spread in the fitness industry.
Lots of people only see superstars living lavish lifestyles and enjoying fame. However, most people you see on T.V. have put in decades of hard work.
If you want to work in sports fitness and build a successful career, learn how to love what you do. With love comes patience, which is a vital quality.
No matter what career you decide on, you’re going to slip on the ice. You’re going to face critics, and you will be tempted to give up. Instead, learn from the best — keep running uphill.
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