There are many certifications available in the area of Professional Fitness Training and understanding the differences can be confusing to both the trainer and the client.
Clients need to understand what to look for in Personal Trainer Certification before they hire someone. If you are considering becoming a personal trainer, you need to understand the differences in the certification process and what makes the most sense for you monetarily.
Money Magazine recently stated that personal training is one of the top twenty jobs and in the next ten years this field has a predicted growth rate of over 27%. This industry was historically considered a benefit used only by the wealthy or for professional athletes. This isn’t true today. Today there is a definite increase in the amount of people willing to seek out and find a personal trainer. It is important to have Personal Trainer Certification and know the types of certification that are offered in this field
Taking The First Step – Education
Health club facilities and other organizations that employ Personal Trainers have differing educational requirements for their trainers. At one end of the spectrum are those companies that require a bachelors degree in health specialty related to the industry.
A Physical Education degree is often an advantage because of the schooling you get in nutrition, exercise and how these items relate to the body. Besides the degree, some facilities also require two to four years of previous experience.
On the other end of the scale, there are online certification classes that can be enrolled in and finished within six months. It is important to make sure the school you choose is accredited and to take it further by talking to several of the local health club managers and determine what their requirements are for their physical trainers. They may give precedent to certain certification programs. If you skip this part of the process, you may be wasting money on a program that no one will consider as acceptable.
One idea is to check the different health club websites and see if you can find what requirements they have for a Personal Trainer. One site lists the following minimum requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Current CPR certification
They go on to list that those applying must also possess a valid personal trainer certification AND/OR have a 4-year Bachelors or Masters Degree in a fitness related field. The certification programs that this nationwide health and fitness facility considered valid are:
- ACE (American Council on Exercise) Personal Trainer
- ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer
- NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) Certified Personal Trainer
The other requirements for applicants who wish to apply include the request that they have previous Personal Trainer experience, all though it was not required. They must be able to lift 50 pounds and are required to attend orientation and on-going training at the facility.
Responsibilities
Once you start working as a certified Personal Trainer, your may find you have other responsibilities besides training clients. These added responsibilities vary by health club or gym facility, but they could include working with clients on their nutrition and providing customized diet plans, ensuring gym equipment is safe, clean and in working condition, as well as teaching specific exercise classes.
In smaller facilities, the personal trainers might be responsible for coordinating all fitness programs, developing specialized exercise programs for groups as well as individual clients, teaching clients and other Personal Trainers how to use the different exercise equipment, and even recommending equipment purchases for facilities and individual clients.
You may be required to give clients a free introductory session and part of your compensation may be dependent on you “selling” a program or number of personal training sessions to a client. Compensation programs, pay scale, and benefits will vary greatly among the facilities.
Environment
After you’ve passed your Personal Trainer Certification, there are many options and working environments to consider. Besides health clubs and gyms, you will often find personal trainers on cruise ships, working in high schools and colleges, and at health spas. Some of the larger corporations higher a personal trainer for their employee gym and many personal trainers eventually open their own business.
Personal trainers will sometimes choose to work at several different types of jobs and locations. An independent trainer may visit clients’ homes to provide the service or have an arrangement with a local gym. One thing to consider is that many of the clients work normal business hours, so personal trainers are often required to work early mornings, late evenings and weekends.
Summary
There are many opportunities available for Personal Trainers and this is a growing industry for those who get the right certification. Check online or with local schools for the personal trainer certification program that fits your needs.