Thinking of moving to DC...would my profession to well? (Alexandria: hotel, neighborhoods)

[rstjames]

Hello all. I am a personal trainer and massage therapist interested in starting my own business if I move to DC. Currently, I hold a great position here in NYC as a Fitness Concierge. I get to work with high-profile people of all levels doing massage, personal training, in addition to running the fitness positioning of my hotel...but my wife is thinking of taking a job in the DC area. We would probably move to Alexandria, but I was interested in opening up something like an Adventure Boot Camp similar to the one in McLean. If the boot camp idea doesn't fly, I would attempt to build a mobile massage therapy/personal training business. Anybody know how the market is around there? I know it's always a struggle building a new business, especialloy in a new, unfamiliar location, but I'd rather build my own business than work a 9-5 job doing something I'm not too thrilled with.

My wife would be making good money, so I would not be too strapped for cash, but we do have a three year old daughter, so I'm sure some of you can understand my concerns of making a living.

Thanks all for your great responses.

[goldenmom7500]

Hi,

I'm not in your field, but I would think you would do fine. I could see two approaches - one would be to cater to a wealthy clientele (McLean, Great Falls, Potomac, downtown areas, etc., etc.). A second would be to go to a suburb that doesn't have what a "McLean" already has - like Manassas or Gainesville, etc., etc. (lists here are not complete and all of these are nice, have upscale neighborhoods, etc.).

hth -

[normie]

I know quite a few people who are personal trainers out in Loudoun County, especially in Lowes Island, Ashburn, and Landsdowne. They seem to do well. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing for you as far as competition goes, but at least you'll be in good company. In general, the eastern stretch of Loudoun County along Route 7 attracts a lot of Californians, and so has a lot of California companies and stores. IMO this goes hand in hand with a population that wants to work out with a trainer.