What To Do To Become A Personal Trainer

If you have a passion for fitness and want to help others get in shape, consider becoming a personal trainer. Helping clients take control of their wellness can be a rewarding experience. Invest time in developing your health and fitness knowledge to properly teach others about nutrition and physical fitness.

Research Professional Organizations

Perform an online search to find available personal training certification programs. Find reputable certificate programs by looking for organizations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Most health clubs look for trainers with a nationally accredited certification like NASM, NSCA, ACE, NFPT or NCSF. Look for organizations that provide a variety of continuing education courses and workshops to constantly develop your fitness knowledge. Consider organizations that offer an array of specialization programs, such as group fitness training as well as yoga or Pilates certification.

Choose a Certification

Once you've selected an organization, choose the certification program that fits your goals as a fitness professional. If you want to work with athletes, consider a sports conditioning certification. If working with mothers-to-be is your goal, choose a pre-natal/post-natal program. When choosing a certification, evaluate factors like specialization, cost, job placement assistance, duration of the program and support tools like online study guides or video demonstrations.

Complete Certification Class

After choosing a certification program, order the course materials necessary to complete the class. Reserve time to study daily until you are comfortable with the subject matter. Take a friend through a fitness assessment and workout to practice what you learn from the course materials. Some organizations offer workshops that provide hands-on demonstrations with a written certification exam at the end of the day. Others offer a proctored online exam at a test center of their choice. Take the exam to receive your certification documents.

Search for Job Opportunities

Go to the health clubs in your area to inquire about open positions. Create a packet, including your resume and certification, to submit to gym managers. Offer to take the manager through a workout to showcase your training style. Volunteer your services to a local church to teach boot camp or offer complimentary sessions to a few family members or friends to help you gain experience as a new trainer.