How To Become a Personal Trainer

A career as a personal trainer can be a great fit for those who are enthusiastic about exercise, health and fitness. Though you don't have to look like a body builder, you should lead a healthy lifestyle and be a good role model for your clients. The process to become a personal trainer is fairly straightforward, though it can take a lot of work to build a successful business in this industry. Here's how to become a personal trainer:

1. Learn about the career. Personal trainers should be relatively healthy and in-shape themselves. A personal trainer can design a personalized fitness program, work with clients to improve their fitness levels, and in some cases, advise about nutrition and lifestyle choices as they relate to fitness. Personal trainers must be persistent and motivating, and should enjoy working with different kinds of people, from those just starting a fitness regime to bodybuilders who can lift hundreds of pounds.
2. Get certified. Certification from a professional organization for personal training shows that you are a legitimate trainer who has been through the training required by the organization. There are many professional organizations that certify personal trainers. Look for one that has been accredited by a third party, such as the NCCA. If you have a specific gym in mind, inquire about their preferred certifications. The American College of Sports Medicine certification process is one of the most well-respected in the industry. You may also need to take an exam. Before you can take the personal trainer's exam, you must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma and achieve CPR certification. Some personal trainers do have college education, such as a bachelor's degree in exercise science.
3. Consider a specialty. Though a specialty is not required, as the market for personal trainers becomes more competitive, specializations will help you find clients. Specialty certification, like the ACE's Clinical Exercise Specialist certification, certify you to work with special populations and require additional education beyond that required for the basic personal trainer certification. Many personal trainers specialize in weight loss or work exclusively with seniors or with athletes in specific sports.
4. Keep up on continuing education. In many cases, renewing your certification with professional organization includes a certain number of continuing education hours each year.
5. Look for a job. There are many options for working as a personal trainer. You can work for yourself, or find a position at a gym, a fitness studio, on a cruise shop, at a spa, or in many other locations. If you want to start your own business, post fliers in sporting goods, get friends and family members as your first clients, and offer free consultations. Whether opening your own business or working in an established practice, be sure to adhere closely to safety guidelines and other regulations set forth by your place of employment and your certifying agency.
6. Consider insurance requirements. If you do decide to go into business as an independent personal trainer, liability insurance will protect you if one of your clients should become injured as a result of their fitness activities.

The need for personal trainers is only growing as our nation becomes more active. Enthusiastic trainers can share their passion for help and help clients meet their fitness goals.