How to become a Certified Personal Trainer

It is no secret that the majority of the population is out of shape. The percentage of individuals that are overweight or even obese is greater in this generation than in the past. For many of those that really want to make a lifestyle change and stay healthy, they simply don’t know where to begin; they need someone to show them the way, and keep them on the right path.  They need someone willing to learn how to become a certified personal trainer and keep them motivated.

What is the Job of a Personal Trainer?

A personal trainer helps keep his/her clients healthier.  It is the responsibility of this professional to develop a specific diet and exercise plan for each individual client.  Then, as per appointment, the trainer monitors exercises, to make sure the person is doing them correctly.  In addition, they are paid to provide motivation and a little extra moral support, if needed.
Some personal trainers opt to go into specialties. By doing so, they can demand more for their expertise.  They can choose areas of particular interest, such as sports training.  Others want to help patients that are trying to increase their health and stamina after a serious illness like cancer, so they go into clinical sports training.

Becoming a Personal Trainer

As with any job, it’s important to understand just what it takes to be a professional trainer.  Some people will decide to earn a living doing something else.  Others will excitedly get to work, in order to achieve their desired goals as soon as possible.  For anyone who wants to become a personal trainer, it begins by:

• Self Assessment:  Do you have what it takes to be a personal trainer?  Are you in good shape?  Do you regularly eat a healthy and well-balanced diet?  In short, do you faithful practice what you are about to be preaching to others?

• Decide on a Specialty:  Before beginning any education, you need to decide what form of personal training you would like to practice.  Some people don’t choose a specific area of health and wellness; but, they also limit their future income.  In all likelihood, they will end up working for someone else and accepting a salary.

Personal trainers that practice a specialized training program are more likely to have their own businesses, a more elite clientele, and the ability to ask better pay for their education and experience.

• Certification: In order to become a professional in any line of work, education and experience is a necessary evil.  Personal trainers need to locate a preferred organization or other educational program that will provide the classes and exams needed to pass certification requirements. 

It will also be important to put one hundred percent into gaining that knowledge.  People are more likely to hire the person that was at the top of his/her class, rather than the individual that did just enough to get by.

• Get a Job:  Even for those that plan to open their own personal training club, it is important to start somewhere and gain some experience first.  Get a job with a reputable club or organization.  Learn all you can about training, clients, and management of a club.

• Business Savvy:  When you are ready to start your own personal training business, you will need to find a place to work with your clients.  However, you will also need to get insurance.  Even if you are excellent at your profession, there will likely be that one disgruntled customer that sues you, for one reason or another.  In fact, it might be a good idea to consult an attorney that deals in business law, to make sure you are ready to set up your enterprise.

• Build Clientele:  As with any business, you will have to build up your clientele.  It can take some time.  But, you can do a lot to help the process along.  By being the best personal trainer you can be, and satisfying your clients, word of mouth will do a lot to promote your club.  Also, you will want to look into a website and other types of advertising, in order to bring clients looking for what you have to offer.

Some people will read about how to become a certified personal trainer, and they will decide it is not the profession for them.  But, if you are dedicated to your own physical well being, and want to share your knowledge and expertise with others, it will be worth the effort to become certified and gather satisfied and loyal clients.  Whether you want to work at a reputable and established club, or want to start your own organization, you will be helping your community get healthier, one client at a time.