If you're trying to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life or you're bored with your job and looking to switch careers, you may have considered becoming a personal fitness trainer. You see them on TV and in the gym pushing people to their physical limit, but there's a lot more that goes into become a personal trainer than just knowing what gym equipment to use.
Features
The most important aspect to becoming a personal trainer is certification, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employers are looking for personal trainers who know the basics of teaching other people how to get in shape, which comes through certification. The National Committee for Certifying Agencies recognizes 17 major personal training certification organizations. These organizations -- such as the American Council on Exercise and the National Fitness Professionals Association -- provide the exams needed to receive certification as well as, in most cases, the study materials you'll need to prepare for and pass the exam.
Time Frame
If you want a leg up on some of your competition, you might consider either starting or going back to college to get a degree in a related field for personal training. More and more fitness clubs, hospitals and medical centers are requiring their personal trainers to hold at least a bachelor's degree in a field such as exercise science or physical fitness, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A degree gives you the background and credibility necessary to gain the confidence of and properly train your client.
Potential
The same programs that offer initial certification also provide continuing education courses so you can keep your certification up to date and keep up with the latest research and trends in exercise and personal training. For example, the American Council on Fitness provides specific courses relating to different areas of personal training, such as functional training, working with clients 50 and older and sports performance. Personal trainers who work at gyms or health clubs can eventually advance to head trainer, with responsibilities for hiring other trainers, supervising instruction and signing up new clients.
Significance
Personal trainers who work in large gyms or fitness centers may be asked to not just train clients but bring in new ones, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes. Be able to sell potential customers on the benefits of joining a gym as well as your skills and qualifications as a personal trainer. Even if you work independently, being able to effectively market your skills and highlight your successes is essential to landing new clients and keeping the ones you already have.
Considerations
Not everything about being a personal trainer comes from a college degree or certification. Since personal trainers work largely one-on-one with clients, they must have an outgoing personality and the ability motivate and inspire people, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states. Effective communication skills are essential for helping clients know what they need to do to fulfill their fitness goals.
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