Personal Training Careers
Personal trainers are fitness professionals who assist clients in developing and implementing exercise and lifestyle programs to reach fitness goals. They are trained in anatomy, exercise physiology, fitness, nutrition and motivational techniques.
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Definition
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A personal trainer is a fitness professional who has extensive training in exercise science and works to help clients develop a safe, effective workout routine that will help them to reach their fitness goals. Clients may choose to see a personal trainer one time to help them set up an exercise program, or they may see a trainer on a regular basis to monitor progress and adjust their workout as needed.
Function
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Personal trainers perform many different functions. When first meeting with a client, a personal trainer will interview him or her to determine needs and goals. They may ask the client to keep a food and/or exercise diary, and will have him undergo tests such as measuring BMI (body mass index), and strength and endurance assessments. The trainer and client work together to help formulate fitness goals such as losing weight, increasing strength, conditioning for a certain sport, improving cardiovascular performance or other personal goals. A trainer will work with you to develop an individualized workout plan, demonstrate safety and proper form and provide motivation and feedback.
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Types
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Personal trainers may choose to specialize in a specific area of training, such as sports conditioning, rehabilitation from sports-related injuries or weight loss. They may work one-on-one with clients or give group classes or sessions. Personal trainers are employed by health clubs, sports teams and clubs, or they may work independently, traveling to clients' homes or gyms to provide services. There are no licensure regulations or legislature regarding the use of the title "personal trainer" in any state. However, reputable health clubs and other organizations that employ trainers will look for a professional with certification from an accredited certifying agency such as the American Council on Exercise.
Considerations
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Because there are so many different certifications available for personal trainers it is important to fully investigate an accrediting organization before signing up for a course. Many online courses do not provide the necessary hands-on skills that personal trainers need to master. Two of the leading, and most widely accepted, accreditation programs are operated by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Both of these training programs consist of coursework in exercise physiology, anatomy, injury prevention and rehabilitation, among other topics. Certification requirements include successful completion of coursework and a practical and written exam, as well as the completion of internship hours. For personal trainers who are interested in gaining more in-depth knowledge and training, many universities offer Bachelor's degrees in exercise science or fitness. This type of degree is often required for individuals working with professional sports teams or in managerial capacities within the fitness industry.
Benefits
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Working as a personal trainer offers many benefits, including flexible scheduling, the potential for earning a good salary and the ability to work in nearly any geographic region. Most trainers make their own schedules, booking as few or as many clients as they like, or instructing classes or lessons on a regular basis. There are some larger health clubs that hire full-time personal trainers as members of the staff. Job security in the field of personal training is excellent, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job openings for personal trainers will increase by 27 percent during the decade of 2006-2016.
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