As many as 72 million Americans could be considered obese, according to statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When dealing with weight loss, many participants can become confused or discouraged if they are not seeing the results they want to see. This is where personal trainers come into play, allowing you to help those in need reach their weight loss goals; however, before starting your personal training career, there are several important steps you need to take.
Education
Although a degree is not necessarily required to become a personal trainer, an associate's degree in personal training from a local community college can go a long way toward preparing you to take a certification test, and can benefit your eventual clients by increasing your knowledge of the human body. A bachelor's in exercise science or similar topic also can be helpful in preparing you to be a personal trainer. Getting a degree exposes you to classes like nutrition, anatomy and physiology, first aid, weight training, aerobic training, and basic health classes, which increase your effectiveness as a trainer.
Certifying Organizations
There are three main organizations that certify potential personal trainers, with each having varying programs that help you reach your goal of becoming certified. These organizations are the American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM; the American Fitness Professionals and Association, or AFPA; and the American Council on Exercise, or ACE.
Testing
Before getting certified by an organization for personal training, you will need to take a certification test proving that you have the knowledge to work with clients professionally and safely. Subjects that might be covered on the test include nutrition, fitness assessment, first aid, exercise science, risk screening, instructional technique, fitness spotting and lifestyle change techniques. Training organizations also might require you to take a workshop before sitting for the test to learn additional skills and competencies. To sit for the test you will generally need to be at least 18 years and hold a valid CPR and automatic external defibrillator certification.
Continuing Education
Once you have become certified as a personal trainer, you might be required to complete continuing education classes to maintain your certification. Continuing education classes ensure that you stay on top of the current fitness trends, which allows you to provide the best options to your clients. On top of continuing education, some personal trainers choose to get certified in other fitness-related specialties, such as becoming an instructor for Pilates, yoga or indoor cycling classes. This increases your worth to employers and can Increase your income.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fitness Workers
- American Council on Exercise: Maintaining Your ACE Certification
- American College of Sports Medicine: ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- American Fitness Professionals and Associates: Personal Trainer Certification Course
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Halting the Epidemic by Making Health Easier: At A Glance 2010
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