Do you have a passion for health and fitness? Personal trainers can find themselves employed in health or fitness clubs, in rehabilitation facilities and hospitals, for celebrities or individuals or working freelance in their own training film, book or article publishing business among other areas.
If you want to become a personal trainer, obtaining certification will provide you with legitimacy and show your clients you know what you are talking about. Getting certification may seem confusing , but is actually quite straightforward. Learn if you have the right prerequisites, how to find the right certification program and tips for completing your certification. Read on to learn about how to become a certified personal trainer.
Workout Tips & Techniques Tutorial - Personal Trainer School
Ron Jett is a certified personal trainer instructor at Heritage College. In this 7 minute video, he walks us through some key points to maximize the benefits of your workout. He suggests using a stability ball to exercise multiple areas simultaneously. He gives tips and demonstrates exercises while explaining them. Well done, clear and easy to listen to video.
Use That Exercise Ball!
Here is an example of the kind of equipment that a certified personal trainer might use. These are exercise balls and are made for professionals as well as amateurs of varying sizes and thicknesses. Photo credit courtesy Creative Commons by chrisdlugosz.
Step 1: Choose an Accredited Certification Program
- There are many different organizations that offer personal training certifications. Make sure the certification program you choose is accredited by a legitimate third party, such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accredited certification organizations include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
- International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA).
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
- American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Step 2: Meet Prerequisites
- Different certification programs may have different requirements so you will need to do some research. Prerequisites may include:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Having a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Some programs do require you to have a bachelor's degree.
- Providing proof of CPR certification.
- Providing proof of AED certification.
- Automated external defibrillators (AED) aid with resuscitating victims of cardiac arrest.
- Some programs require you to have previous personal training experience.
Step 3: Get Certified as a Personal Trainer
- Depending on the program in which you enroll, to complete the certification program you may be required to:
- Attend a workshop or seminar.
- Workshops and seminars provide comprehensive overviews of physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, aerobic training, sports training and strength training.
- Pass the exam.
- You will need to know fitness, anatomy and nutrition principles.
- Study beforehand.
- Consider taking personal training courses.
- Take exam review and prep classes.
- You can also try a home-study program.
- Take practice tests.
- The exam may include sections on:
- Nutrition.
- Exercise techniques.
- Program design.
- Client Relations.
- Once you have your certification, you may need to complete continuing education requirements to renew your certification.
Step 4: Get to Work
- When first entering the field of personal training, you have a few options:
- Contact the following to see if they are hiring new certified personal trainers:
- Gyms.
- Spas.
- Cruise lines.
- Resorts.
- Corporations that have fitness plans for employees.
- You can also work as a fitness consult.
- Consider start your own personal training business or gym.
- Before you start working, research and buy liability insurance to protect yourself from law suits.
References
Fast Facts
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Choose an accredited certification program
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Always remain alert and prepared for the safety of your clients
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Keep your first aid qualifications current
