More people are realizing the benefits of fitness, and they are investing time and money in achieving better health. Businesses are also recognizing the benefits of having workplace wellness programs in their offices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness jobs are expected to increase 29 percent from 2008 to 2018. This increase is due to several factors, including rising obesity rates, a decline in school physical education programs and an aging baby boomer population. Many national organizations provide fitness trainer certifications. These certification programs teach fitness and health information and help trainers acquire jobs.
Scope of Practice
Personal trainers work one-on-one with a client, or they may work with a few clients at one time. Trainers primarily work in a gym or in a client's home. As a fitness trainer, when you meet with a new client, you will do a fitness assessment to determine the client's level of physical fitness. You will then work with the client to develop goals. After creating goals, you will design a fitness program for the client and demonstrate the exercises in the program. Training sessions will consist of you instructing the client on exercises and encouraging the client to work toward goals. You may also teach about other lifestyle factors, such as diet.
Becoming a Trainer
Personal trainers are not always required to have a college degree or certification. However, most fitness centers will not hire you without at least a certificate. Having a certificate from a nationally accredited organization ensures you have received the training essential for creating a safe environment for your clients. A bachelor's or master's degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related subject will also be helpful for finding jobs and career advancement opportunities.
Certification Programs
Several national organizations offer certification programs for becoming personal trainers, including the American Council on Exercise, the National Federation of Professional Trainers and the American College of Sports Medicine. Programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies generally have a better reputation in the fitness field than those unaccredited. Most certification programs require a high school education and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate. You do not need a college degree in exercise science to obtain a certificate. The certificate programs usually require at-home study, which may take several months to a year. After the study period, you may register to take an exam at a proctored center. The exam focuses on human physiology, kinesiology, anatomy, exercise programing, physical fitness assessments, safety, legal issues, professionalism and motivation techniques.
Specialty Certifications
Many certifying organizations also offer certificates in group exercise training. They require an at-home study period and an exam. For more specialized group classes, such as yoga, Pilates and Zumba, you may become certified by attending workshops. The workshops may range from two days to a year.
Considerations
When choosing a certification program, consider whether you prefer hands-on training or a book-based study program. Some fitness centers may also choose to train you hands-on while you complete your certification.
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