The fitness industry is a booming business. People are getting more and more interested in their health and fitness, not to mention the consequences of aging. With that in mind, many people are turning to personal trainers as part of their daily routine to help them achieve the best results possible.
What does a Personal Trainer do?
A personal trainer’s job is very valuable, for the athlete as well as the coach. He or she works with a client in a friendly but structured environment, guiding them through exercises and training to improve performance. The personal trainer then checks on progress and shares information on diet and nutrition to help his clients reach their goals.
The personal trainer may also organize training sessions, assist with logistic details and help with any questions the client has.
Why Become a Personal Trainer?
Personal trainers can make good money, work in a variety of environments, have flexible hours, and the perks will depend on what the company offers. It is an extremely rewarding career that might take some time to become successful, but with those benefits, it’s worth it.
How to Become a Personal Trainer?
1. Get Certified
Personal trainers need to be certified, which requires a minimum of a high school diploma, CPR and a strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology. You can also choose to become certified by one of the many organizations that offer personal training certification. Here are some of the top certifications:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine
- NASM CPT (Certified Personal Trainer)
- American Council on Exercise
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
2. Get Experience
A high school diploma will provide the skills needed to work in almost any fitness setting. In addition, experience is a must. A lot of personal trainers can get their start by volunteering at the gym, going through an internship or even doing things on their own, like starting out at home with friends and family.
3. Find a company – build your resume, portfolio
Before you start looking for a job, make sure to build your resume and portfolio. Place your resume online and on job boards. It’s important to come across as professional and well-grounded when applying. If you have a personal trainer business card, make sure to add it to your portfolio when creating websites and other stylish tools.
4. Choose a specialty
There are many different specialties. Some focused on helping athletes achieve their goals, while others work with older adults who still want to look good in their old age. Either way, it’s important to take a look at the personal training specialties available before deciding on a career path.
5. Attend a Personal Training Camp
Many personal trainers attend large personal training camps where they’re able to learn from other professionals and even meet up with clients. This can be a good place to ask questions and get feedback on how to improve your skills.
6. Get your own space
Finding a space, whether it be an office or home, is extremely important when starting out in the fitness industry. It will help you keep track of client hours and record any necessary information about their workout sessions or nutrition plan.
7. Continue with your education
You need to continue learning in order to stay up to date with your knowledge. Training camps will give you an opportunity to meet other personal trainers and get feedback on your work, as well as learning from their experiences.
8. Be patient
Although it’s important to do everything in your power to become successful quickly, it will likely take a while. You need to be patient and treat your career very seriously, working hard at improving your skills and networking with others in the fitness industry.
Conclusion
Becoming a personal trainer is exciting and fun. It’s a great way to help people achieve their goals while earning some extra money, which is always great. However, with all of the benefits, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to become a personal trainer or not. It’s important to consider how much time, dedication and work goes into your career so make sure it’s worth it.