Want to know how to be a personal trainer? We give you the inside scoop on the key elements that can help you turn your dream into reality.
The health and fitness career path has seen a major boost in interest over the past five years as many begin to appreciate the importance of a healthy lifestyle. While this has propelled many to consider a career as a personal trainer, others are drawn by their already existing passion for health and fitness.
Whether you are drawn by the plethora of opportunities available in this industry, or you want to turn your passion for keeping fit and healthy into a career, you will be making an excellent choice. The life of a certified personal trainer can be rewarding, fulfilling, flexible, and has a lot of growth potential. Ready to get started and learn more about how to become a personal trainer?
#1. Identify and develop important personality traits
Although this will be an ongoing process, it is important that you first learn of important personality traits possessed by personal trainers. Amongst other things, personal trainers must be able to connect with people, understand and empathize with them, be patient and analytical, be great leaders and motivators, and be organized and creative. As a career, personal training will bring you into contact with different people from different backgrounds, who share different goals and different challenges. You must be able to motivate each one, create plans specific to their needs, and help them past their mental or physical barriers.
#2. Certification
There are a wide variety of organizations and programs from which you can seek certifications as a personal trainer. In selecting a certification program, you should have two major considerations in mind. Any organization being considered must be accredited by a third party, with the NCCA considered the most important accreditation in the fitness industry. NCCA accredited certifications include programs such as the ACSM or NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). Next you want to consider your personal goals and circumstances – such as your target level of education and target career opportunities.
#3. Specialize
The fitness industry is an ever-broadening one, and you simply cannot be all things to all people. This makes it vital that you define your craft and specialize. Who makes up your target market? What exercise type would you be focusing on (gym management, weight management, group exercise, remedial trainer, etc.)? Would you rather be a group instructor or a one-on-one fitness coach? Specialization is important for you as you seek to become a household fitness brand; it will benefit your clients, and it will open the way for further education and career advancements.
#4. Find a job
Your preferred area of specialization will go a long way in helping you define your target work environment. Amongst your job options will be commercial gyms and fitness clubs, specialty studios, wellness centers, spas or resorts, home training, or jobs as an independent contractor. Working for a large club or organization is a vital first step as you seek experience when starting out, but you would hardly be limited in your options.
#5. Stay active an be an example
Your clients must see that you practice what you preach if you are to get through to them. By staying active and keeping fit yourself, you will be able to lead your clients through their workout routines without any difficulties. You also want to stay true to your recommended fitness exercise regimen, especially when you are a specialist trainer.
Getting a certification is an important first step in your career as a personal trainer. But that alone isn’t enough. Be open to more knowledge and lifelong learning. Speak with experienced leaders in the industry and get a mentor. Work under more experienced coaches as you start off. And be more than willing to connect with your clients on a personal level. As you do all of this, never fail to maintain your certifications, and push to obtain more education and certifications. Ultimately, you will become the personal trainer your clients respect and look up to.
If you are not a student, but are thinking of a career in personal training and fitness, what are you waiting for? Contact us and set up a time to speak with one of our admissions representatives. Or, check out program options at Bryan University:
Terms of submitting this form: I agree that Bryan University may contact me regarding educational services via email, telephone, SMS text message, or automated technology at the email address and phone numbers provided. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to cancel anytime. This consent is not required to enroll. For questions, call 1-888-768-6861. Visit our Privacy Policy.
