From nightclub to health club

By Karen Tina Harrison | Special to amNewYork

June 11, 2007

Matthew Moody. (Photo by Michelle Kuzniewski / June 10, 2007)

The Big Career Switch: From nightclub doorman to gym manager

Who Pulled It Off: Matthew Moody, 34

What He Does: Moody is the manager of Powerhouse Gym in Bayside, Queens.

What He Used to Do: Moody worked the door, both admissions and security, at Manhattan clubs including the Palladium, the Roxy, and Webster Hall.

Why He Switched: "I loved the excitement and the buzz, but nightlife is a young person's game," says Moody. "The crazy hours, the noise and the risk got to me. Getting stabbed by someone I didn't let in and ending up in the ICU made me think very seriously about another career."

How He Did It: "I'd always been into fitness, and I jumped at the opportunity when two friends of mine bought Powerhouse Gym and offered me a job."

What Gym Managers Do: "The manager is the boss and sets the tone for the whole gym. It's up to you to make it a happy, friendly place," says Moody. "You do a lot of meeting, greeting and chatting. You sign up new members and resolve complaints and disputes. You hire, train and supervise staff, oversee phone sales, manage maintenance and order supplies. I also help organize fund drives and community projects."

Who Does This Job Best? "A gym manager must be upbeat, diplomatic, a good listener and always available," Moody says. "You have to be a committed, detail-oriented leader that your staff can look up to."

How's the Money? "Your base salary is pretty comfortable, and you get a commission on memberships you sell. You can also work longer hours for extra dough."

What About Perks? "This job is all about people," says Moody. "You can have a lot of fun, and it's very satisfying to help members stay healthy. You get a free gym membership and samples of fitness products. And, unlike nightclubs, no one cares what you're wearing."

What Else You Should Know: "The manager is the public face of their gym. Powerhouse Gym has over 10,000 members, and in Bayside I'm a local celebrity."

Where to Find Out More: www.powerhousegym.com, (718) 539-7118