Guide To Personal Fitness Training

Personal fitness training is one of the fastest growing occupations in the health and fitness industry, according to Scott Goudeseune, President and CEO, American Council on Exercise. He says in the last decade, personal fitness training has gone mainstream with about six million people using personal fitness training services. It's no longer considered a luxury only available to the rich and famous.

Cost

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association says the primary reason behind the popularity of personal fitness training is that "more people are taking their health seriously today -- no matter the cost." They realize they cannot afford to be sick, and since regular exercise has been proven to lower health care costs, it makes sense that people are turning to personal fitness training as an investment in preventive health care. In the long run, paying for personal fitness training costs less than heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Knowledge

Various agencies certify personal fitness trainers. They offer curriculums including exercise physiology, human anatomy, biomechanics and applied kinesiology, nutrition, principles and methods of training, program design, leadership, injury prevention and first aid. Personal fitness trainers are required to maintain their CPR certification and follow continuing education guidelines.

Types

Personal fitness training can be specialized to accommodate specific goals. Weight loss is a popular goal. Other goals are sports-specific, like golf, tennis and soccer. Personal fitness training can be done one-on-one or in small group settings. Boot camps in outdoor settings can provide unique personal fitness training opportunities.

Availability

Personal fitness training is available in most gyms and health clubs and can also be found in private training studios. Sometimes arrangements can be made to have personal fitness training taught in your own home. Newer options in the 21st century include online personal fitness training via the Internet. Reputable trainers will be certified and carry professional liability insurance.

Goals

The goal of personal fitness training is to guide people toward optimal health by providing fitness results in a safe and efficient manner. With the residents of the United States facing a serious health care crisis, personal fitness training provides a path to exercise. Personal fitness training is a vital link in the health care community and a force that may help reverse our trends toward obesity and disease.