By Wong Kim Hoh

Mr Mohamed Fazlon's sense of conviction is as impressive as his massive biceps.

'Personal training is recession-proof,' the 33-year-old personal trainer pronounces. 'I know because I did not lose a single client after 9/11 or Sars.'

That is why he left the gym where he has worked for nine years to strike out on his own.

He set up Fitness One On One this week, offering personal training at the Gallery Hotel gym or at the homes of clients.

The idea of being his own boss had been percolating for some time.

A recent management change at the gym chain he worked for helped him make up his mind.

Not only was his commission from each personal training session reduced, but he was also expected to help sell training packages.

'When your motivation is in closing a deal, training takes a backseat and becomes a chore and that is not right,' says the trainer, who is certified by the Federation of International Sports, Aerobic and Fitness.

Other than paying about $1,000 monthly to the Gallery Hotel gym for the use of its facilities to train his clients, he did not have to put in any capital to set up Fitness One On One.

It helps that more than 30 people have already signed up with him.

'In a way, doing my own thing makes perfect sense in a recession. It benefits my clients as my rates are at least 20 to 30 per cent lower than what gyms charge,' says the bachelor, who charges $70 a session.

He also does house calls for between $130 and $150 a session. 'And if things get really, really bad, I am prepared to be flexible about my charges.'

A prudent saver, he says he has enough savings to tide him over for a few years even if things hit rock bottom.

His only expense is the rent on his apartment.

'I don't party, I don't smoke, I don't drink. What do I have to fear?' he asks.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Oct 18, 2008.