When you go to a gym and look around, chances are you will spot some people wearing company shirts and workout pants to match. This people most likely are personal trainers. They have chosen fitness as a career choice.
History
Personal training became popular in the late 60s to early 70s. With people becoming more conscious of their bodies and health, there was a need for experts to step up and deliver information and education about fitness. People who were in great shape were appointed to take on this role. They knew a lot about reps and sets, but they had little technical knowledge in other areas that were important such as establishing goals, assessing clients, motivation and individual program design. The academic study of personal training took off, and it included anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, physiology and lifestyle.
Significance
When people are out of shape and overweight, they often become frustrated with their bodies and they turn to exercise to lower their weight. A lot of times they have no knowledge of how to work out, what exercises work best or what intensity they should be exercising at. This can put them at risk of injury or working out too hard and overexerting themselves. In the worst of cases, this can lead to permanent injury or death. Personal trainers can help people meet their weight and workout goals safely.
Function
A personal trainer serves many purposes. She helps set up workouts based on an individual's needs and wants. She helps create urgency with people and keeps them motivated to exercise, and she works with special populations that might have injuries, illnesses or range of motion issues.
Features
To start a personal training career, there are steps you need to go through. A college degree is not necessary, although it is beneficial. The certification process involves taking a home study course or in-person workshop from a national certifying body. You will receive textbooks, DVDs and practice manuals. You have a set amount of time to study the materials and you then take a written and practical exam. You also need to be CPR certified. Among the certifying bodies are: the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and the International Sports Sciences Association.
Considerations
If you choose to become a personal trainer, there are several things you should take into consideration. If you have little knowledge of exercise science and how the body works, it can take you up to six months to digest and understand the material needed to pass take the exam. Personal training is a rewarding career as long as you are willing to work hard. You must promote yourself and be punctual and flexible with your schedule. You need to decide if you want to work at a gym or in people's homes. If you choose onsite training, this can require a lot of travel, so you will need a reliable vehicle. You will also need your own fitness equipment.
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