Personal training is one of the hottest jobs in the fitness industry. Unlike group exercise instructors, personal trainers make a reasonable salary, which can range from $15 to $100 an hour. However, in most cases, you need to be certified to become a personal trainer. The certifying organization you choose depends on how much time you have, your budget and the places you would like to work. Almost all certification programs will require CPR certification.
Accredited Personal Training Schools
There was a time when almost anyone could open a personal training school. In fact, if you subscribe to magazines such as "Shape" or "Fit" you may have noticed ads that say you can become a certified personal trainer by taking an inexpensive home study course. While such programs still exist, because of recent changes in the fitness industry they are no longer considered valid. Unless you only want to teach in the basement of your church you will find it hard to get a job with this type of certification. About 10 years ago, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies was founded. The NCCA is responsible for accrediting personal training certification organizations, who must meet certain standards. A list of these programs is in the Resources section below.
Choosing a Program
There are a variety of certification programs and they vary widely in how much they cost. In some cases, you will be charged for both the workshop and the certification test. In others, the test is included in the charge. Costs can range between $300 and $500, depending on the particular program, and the amount of home-study material you order.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is one of the more cutting-edge programs on the market. If you choose this path to certification, you will learn a lot about core activation and the dynamic balance and agility used in athletic performance. The NASM website is www.nasm.org.
American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise, also known as ACE, has one of the most popular certification programs. This certification attracts a lot of personal trainers who wind up at health clubs. The website is www.acefitness.org.
The American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine exam, otherwise known as ACSM, is one of the oldest and most respected certifications in the country. However, the exam requires a lot of medical knowledge, which probably isn't needed in a basic health club setting. This exam is best suited for someone who wants to work in a hospital environment. The website is www.ACSM.org.
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Body building and strength training are the two areas of focus of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This is a good place to get certification if you want to work in the weight room of a health club, or at a body-building gym. Look online at www.nsca-lift.org.
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