To get qualified as a personal trainer means that you pursue certification.
There are two ways to go about the certification process.
If you already know which organization you want to work for you should call them and ask which certifications they require.
If you do not have a particular workplace in mind it is best to research different personal trainer certification organizations to figure out which one fits you best.
Making the decision to become a personal trainer might be one of the hardest parts of becoming a successful personal trainer, but after the decision is made is when the real work begins.
Read on for details about various certification options for this career path and, once you’re certified, request a demo of our business management software to see how it can help you manage your clients easily and efficiently.
How Do I Choose the Right Personal Trainer Certification Program?
The most important choice you will make when choosing a personal trainer certification organization is to make sure the organization is accredited and nationally recognized. There are a lot of programs out there that will claim to offer you the best training to become a personal trainer, but if they are not accredited they should not be trusted.
The next choice is choosing the personal trainer certification organization that best fits your budget and needs. Each organization varies in price, pre-requisites, the types of workshops they offer, and whether they have classes in your area or if it is a program that you learn independently at home.
What Are Some of the Nationally Recognized and Accredited Personal Trainer Certification Organizations?
There are many trustworthy and accredited personal trainer certification organizations. Some of these organizations are the:
- American College of Sports Medicine
- International Fitness Professionals Association
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
- National Federation of Professional Trainers
- International Sports and Sciences Association
- American Fitness Professionals and Associates
- American Council of Exercise
- National Council on Strength and Fitness
- National Academy of Sports Medicine
The cost of these personal trainer certification organizations ranges from $219 to $595. Most require you to be at least 18 years old, but not all of them require a high school diploma or GED. Most require you to be CPR certified.
These personal trainer certification organizations are accredited by either the NCCA, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, or the DETC, the Distance Education and Training Council. All of these certification organizations offer the option to learn at home, but most do require you to take your certification exam at a designated location.
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Does My Personal Trainer Education End After I Become Certified?
Your education as a personal trainer does not end after you receive your certification.
The scientific and medical communities are continuously discovering new things that affect the way we approach health and fitness.
To be a successful personal trainer you must continue to learn about new training techniques and nutrition.
Another thing successful personal trainers tend to do is choose a specific specialty to focus on. By becoming certified in a specialty you can market yourself specifically to people interested in one particular type of workout. Some examples of personal trainer specialties are Pilates, boot camp type workouts, circuit training, yoga, and weight training.
Another way successful personal trainers can set themselves apart is by choosing a specific type of people to focus their talents on. Some personal trainers choose to work with people with a specific health issue such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, and those recovering from severe injuries like injured soldiers.
Other personal trainers might choose to work with a specific group like pregnant women, teens, or those that live with physical disabilities.
After you build your reputation as a personal trainer there are numerous opportunities for you to grow your business. Some personal trainers advance their careers as fitness writers, consultants, or by providing fitness instruction to groups, or opening and running their own gyms or health clubs.
To begin your journey to become a successful personal trainer on the right foot, request a demo of our All-In-One Fitness Business Management Software today.