Personal trainers help people reach physical fitness goals. Trainers work one-on-one with their clients or with larger groups of two or three clients. If you want to become a personal trainer, you should receive a training certification, meet with a personal trainer to learn more about the profession, purchase Personal Trainer Insurance or Personal Injury Liability Insurance and market yourself to local gyms or potential clients.
Spend Time With a Personal Trainer
Before you commit yourself to rigorous training and education and some expense, it is wise to meet with a personal trainer. By shadowing someone while he works with clients you will see exactly what a trainer does. Following a trainer will give you the opportunity to ask any questions and get input from somebody with experience. Sampling the profession will also give you insight as to exactly what aspect of training you want to focus on. You may determine that you would prefer to work one-on-one with clients or that you would prefer to work in a fitness club rather than in clients' homes. When you are certified and ready to apply for a job, the personal trainer you met may be able to connect you with people who wish to hire a personal trainer.
Earn a Training Certification
Earning a training certification shows clients that you have the credentials and education necessary to help them safely and efficiently reach their goals. Several agencies help potential personal trainers earn accreditation. The National Strength and Conditioning Agency, the National Council on Strength and Fitness and the American College of Sports Medicine are a few agencies that offer Personal Trainer certifications. It is best to research many agencies to determine which one offers the certification that will best benefit you. Each program is unique. The National Federation of Personal Trainers recommends checking with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies before selecting a certification program to make sure the organization you choose is competent.
Purchase Insurance
The National Federation of Personal Trainers advises its members to purchase insurance. Personal trainer insurance and personal injury liability insurance are two types of coverage that many personal trainers purchase. These plans will help protect you in situations including slander, libel or certain bodily injury claims. An insurance agency can help you figure out which plan would best suit your needs.
Market Yourself
Once you have figured out your niche, received your certification and purchased your insurance it's time to find clients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that about 61 percent of group exercise instructors or personal trainers work in health clubs. Meet with owners of local fitness centers or gyms. They may have a need for staff trainers or they may know of clients searching for personal trainers. Another way to find clients is to talk to friends or family. Spread the word of your credentials. Print business cards and hand them out or ask to display them at gyms, sporting goods shops or health food stores. Before you know it, your business could be booming.
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