Training to be a personal trainer helps you live out your dream of getting people into shape and improving their overall health. However, your qualifications also provide you with several other benefits. You can be self-employed and take advantage of tax breaks, work from home or enjoy a flexible work schedule. Plus, training and certification can increase your employment opportunities and earnings potential.
AFPA Personal Trainer Certification Course
This program provides comprehensive training for newcomers as well as those who already have their own businesses. You will about human anatomy, biomechanics and exercise science. The program also teaches you essentials such as exercise testing procedures, and how to design fitness programs that include cardiovascular and resistance training and flexibility techniques. Your AFPA certification will allow you to work with people of different ages and with special populations, such as people with arthritis. The program also offers business courses such as administration and marketing. You can complete the program in six months.
NASM Certified Personal Trainer Certification
This program from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, or NASM, is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. It provides you with a background in functional anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and human movement science. The NASM personal trainer certification also trains you to accurately assess people at different fitness levels, including high-performance athletes, and how to create goal-specific programs for the best results. You will also learn proper exercise techniques and how to safely modify exercises to adapt them to your clients' fitness levels. The NASM also provides continuing education and recertification for current fitness professionals.
Background Education
If you want to have an edge over competitors in your field, consider also studying for a degree in exercise science or a related field such as kinesiology or biomechanics. According to the American Council on Exercise, these types of qualifications demonstrate that a personal trainer has a solid educational foundation in designing exercise programs. You should also have CPR training, as it may be required by an employer or to take a certification exam and is necessary to get liability insurance.
Making Your Decision
To determine which certified personal trainer program is most suitable for you, consult potential employers such as fitness clubs to find out which programs they respect and recommend. Keep in mind that not all programs are provided on a home-study basis, if that's your preference. Consider the length of time to complete each certification program to make sure it fits with your schedule. Also, costs vary and can climb if you have to pay for extra course materials such as DVDs, videos or exam preparation resources.
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