With health clubs as their worksites and sneakers as their required business attire, fitness trainers have a job that offers a lot of freedom, creativity and personal satisfaction. As they lead, instruct and motivate groups and individuals in sports and exercise activities, fitness experts play an important role because they help people maintain health by promoting illness prevention and injury recovery. If you are an exercise buff who enjoys helping others reach their fitness goals, you can turn your passion into your profession by getting the proper academic training, becoming certified and taking continuing education courses to become an expert in the field.
Step 1
Get proper academic training. Fitness experts are recognized as health care professionals, therefore, training generally requires completion of a degreed academic program in a field related to health or fitness. Coursework specific to a personal trainer may also include learning how to evaluate, assess and consult on fitness topics, learning how to develop exercise programs and learning about nutrition and professional ethics. Specific disciplines, such as Pilates or yoga, may require specialized training in technique, teaching methodology, anatomy, physiology and philosophy.
Step 2
Become certified. In order to advance in the profession, take and pass a fitness trainer certification exam. The exam measures your knowledge of human physiology, understanding of proper exercise techniques, assessment of client fitness levels and development of appropriate exercise programs. While tests vary by organization, the exam generally includes multiple choice, written and practical sections designed to ensure that you have the knowledge, skill and professional ethics to successfully work with clients. Becoming a certified fitness trainer offers a competitive advantage as you seek employment in the field.
Step 3
Take continuing education courses. As you work in the field, it is important to take additional courses to update your knowledge, learn new skills and develop a specialty. Earning a bachelor's degree in exercise science, physical education or kinesiology can make you qualified for management positions. Advanced certifications, professional presentations, publication of research papers, serving on industry association committees, writing or being quoted in fitness articles and authoring books or journal articles can help you earn recognition as a fitness expert.
Tips and Warnings
- The most recognized certification programs in the industry are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which has developed a set of 21 standards an organization must comply with to receive its stamp of approval. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics fitness experts are likely to find many opportunities in the future because of continued job growth in health clubs and fitness facilities. Fitness experts also are likely to have more opportunities as individuals spend more time and money on fitness and as more businesses recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees. Fitness experts can earn between $35,000 and $65,000 depending on the state and industry in which they provide their services.
- In order to receive certification as a fitness trainer, most organizations first require that you have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is better known as CPR. Most fitness experts work as part-time employees and travel to different work sites through out the day to develop a full work schedule. Since most fitness centers are open past standard business hours, fitness experts often work nights and weekends.
Member Comments