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Do you want to help educate people about fitness? Are you able to motivate others to work hard? If so, you might be a great personal trainer. Read on to learn how to become a personal trainer.
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How to Become a Personal Trainer - Part 1 - IFPA Presents
This video, from the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), discusses some background to personal training and answers some frequently asked questions about the field. According to the video, personal trainers are dedicated to improving lives and helping people. Certified personal trainers can earn from $35 to $175 dollars per hour.
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Decide If Being a Personal Trainer is Right For You
Personal trainers need to be upbeat and motivating, and will need to be creative to keep things interesting for their clients. They need to have flexible schedules, as many clients need appointments in the early morning or evenings. A personal trainer also needs to commit to keeping themselves in excellent shape. -
Step 2: Personal Trainer Education
While an advanced degree is not required to become a personal trainer, you should have a high school diploma and be certified in first aid and CPR. Courses in nutrition, anatomy, and health will be helpful. There are also programs offerred online an at community colleges to prepare you to be a personal trainer. -
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Step 3: Personal Trainer Certification
While most states do not require personal trainers to be licensed, it is easier to get a job if you are certified. There are a number of certifying agencies and each certifying body has their own requirements. Most require a high school diploma, CPR certification, and successfully passing an exam that covers fundamentals of nutrition and exercise. Some of the certifying authorities are:- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
There are specialist certifications available such as Pilates, kickboxing, or clinical exercise.
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