If you enjoy working out, sharing your love of physical fitness can be a highly satisfying career. However, you won't be able to get by on love alone. As exercise research becomes more sophisticated, exercise trainer qualifications have become more stringent.
Step 1
Diversify your fitness interests. Even if you want to specify in weight training, cardiovascular exercise, Pilates or yoga, the certification test will require extensive knowledge of all aspects of fitness.
Step 2
Get educated about fitness. Attending the gym and reading fitness magazines may inform you of the latest fitness trends. However, qualified exercise trainers must also have an in-depth understanding of the latest fitness research. Consider investing in a membership in professional fitness education organizations such as IDEA or Personal Training on the Net.
Step 3
Get CPR certified. You will not be able to take your fitness certification exam without showing your CPR card. CPR classes are usually held at local hospitals and community centers.
Step 4
Choose a certification program. While there are literally hundreds of programs, only some of them are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (see "References").
Step 5
Purchase the study materials and try to apply their principles to your workout. If your friends have fitness questions, answer them according to what you have learned in the home-study materials. This is an effective way to memorize and retain the information.
Tips and Warnings
- Find out which certification program is preferred at the fitness facility where you want to work. Attend fitness conventions. IDEA and other organizations present fitness conferences and conventions in all parts of the country and at all times of the year. You'll learn new fitness programming ideas, and get excellent discounts on fitness equipment. Once you're certified, the conference material can be used for continuing education credits required for maintaining certification.
- Avoid weekend or online certification programs. They are not respected in the fitness industry.
Things You'll Need
- Fitness certification
- CPR certification
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