Personal trainers are professionals that create workout regimens based on clients' health, fitness level and goals. To do that, they need an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, body mechanics and safe exercise recommendations. Gyms and fitness centers set the requirements for personal trainers, typically certification from a reputable fitness organization. Organizations such as the National Board of Fitness Examiners work to create standardized training. In 2008, several states, including New Jersey, Maryland and Georgia, proposed legislation setting minimum standards and licensing requirements for personal trainers.
Train With a Personal Trainer
Training programs provide information about exercise and creating programs for clients', but the best way to understand what personal trainers do and to learn if a personal training career if for you, is to train with a personal trainer. Through personal training you'll become familiar with the equipment, terminology, teaching techniques, how trainers modify training and the relationship between a trainer and client.
Degree Related to Exercise
Although not required, earning a 4-year degree in exercise science, physical education or other health or fitness related major increases your marketability and ensures you have the knowledge needed to provide quality service to your clients. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends to clients looking for a personal trainer to ask about college education related to exercise. Exercise has risks, so the more you understand about exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and other health related topics, the better and safer your programs will be for your clients.
Training and Certification
Personal training certification is available through professional fitness organizations. Training is conducted from home using books, DVDs and online resources to learn about exercise science, health and risk factor screening, nutrition, teaching methods and lifestyle training. Once the training is complete, you take an exam at one of the fitness organization's testing centers. Most programs also require CPR and AED training to earn the personal trainer certification. Consider getting certified through one of the National Board of Fitness Examiners approved affiliates. Once certified, you can take the National Board exams. This is not currently required; however, it can improve your marketability.
Continuing Education and Recertification
Research into exercise continues to yield new information that alters how personal trainer help their clients. Further new trends in exercise emerge regularly. To stay abreast of these changes, personal trainers are required to complete continuing education units to retain their certification. Each professional fitness organization sets its requirements for continuing education as well as provides on-site and in-home courses to meet the requirements. They also require maintaining CPR and AED certifications.
References
- American College of Sports Medicine: Selecting and Effectively Using a Personal Trainer
- National Board of Fitness Examiners: State Licensing of Personal Trainers Update
- National Board of Fitness Examiners: Fitness Standards and Safety
- Aerobic and Fitness Association of America: Personal Trainer Certification
- National Board of Fitness Examiners: Affiliate
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