The Bureau of Labor Statistics, in its 2010 to 2011 "Occupational Outlook Handbook," predicts a 29 percent increase in fitness industry jobs by 2018. Aging baby boomers and childhood obesity are two driving factors that may influence this growth, reports the bureau. As fitness centers seek to personalize the exercise experience, gym managers may expand their personal training department and seek out trainers with the most relevant experience and education.
Job Description
Personal trainers design fitness programs for private clients or small groups. They work in corporations, fitness centers or out of their clients' homes. Unlike group exercise instructors, who work with large groups of people, the personal trainer tailors a program to a client's specific needs. This implies, at least in some cases, that the trainer has in-depth knowledge of special populations such as pregnant women, diabetics, people with heart conditions, seniors, or people with osteoporosis or arthritis. Some trainers have other specialties, such as Pilates equipment training, sport-specific exercise or overweight children.
Certification
While some low-paying jobs may hire you without certification, most clubs require a current certification certificate from a nationally recognized organization. Examples include the International Council on Exercise, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America. Trainers must take continuing education workshops in order to maintain their certification. Many trainers choose their certifications according to their areas of interest. The National Academy of Sports Medicine, for example, targets trainers interested in sport conditioning. The National Strength and Conditioning Association gears toward traditional, gym-based weight training programs.
Work Experience
Certification qualifies you for a personal training job, but most gym managers seek trainers with impressive experience. This trend puts trainers in a Catch-22 scenario similar to actors trying to join Equity. They can't join Equity if they have never appeared in an Equity production, but they usually can't appear in an Equity production without an Equity card. There are occasional exceptions to the rule. Some smaller clubs might hire a trainer without experience, provided that she is certified. Many trainers get their big break from clubs to which they belong. Get friendly with the staff, especially the management, and show your knowledge and engaging personality.
Other Experience
The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America suggests experience in all aspects of fitness before applying as a personal trainer. A knowledge of different types of exercise machines is also important. Equipment varies from gym to gym, but they usually have some common features. If time and funds permit, visit other gyms and note how the different brands operate. The shorter your equipment learning curve, the faster you can start working. Observing your gym's most popular trainers provides insight into the traits that make a successful trainer.
Becoming an Educator
A personal trainer is a coach and confidant, but most of all, an educator. If you lack actual personal training experience, explore other options for teaching. Sport coaching, giving volunteer lectures, and giving practice classes to friends and family members are viable options. While at the gym, you can experiment with giving form and training advice to other members, but be warned -- this may backfire in some cases. Read body language and respect people's privacy. Doing so is actually excellent for learning to be a trainer, since listening and people reading skills are crucial to success.
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