How to Become a Corporate Fitness Trainer

Companies have learned that employees are both happier and more productive when they are physically fit. Companies that hire corporate fitness trainers find that the investment in their employees' well-being increases productivity and reduces health care costs, absenteeism and employee turnover. Being a corporate trainer is an excellent career if you enjoy helping others.

Things You'll Need

• High School diploma
• CPR certification and AED card (Automatic External Defibrillator)
• Proof of having passed an exam for certification
• Resume

Instructions

What it Takes

1. Working as a corporate fitness trainer is ideal if you don't like sitting at a desk, are patient yet enthusiastic and encouraging. The work combines the teaching of skills with coaching and guidance. You can specialize your certification by becoming a Master Personal Trainer, Yoga or Pilates Trainer, Aquatic Trainer or other specialist, increasing your chances of a well-paid corporate position.

2. While you don't need a certificate to become a fitness trainer, corporations are unlikely to hire you unless you have some type of degree in exercise science or certification from an organization such as the American Council of Exercise. A degree in exercise science is generally a four-year college-level program.

3. The NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredits programs that meet standards set by NCCA. To be a corporate fitness trainer, if you have not been trained as part of a college degree, you would be wise to select a program that has the NCCA certification.

4. Programs that have wide positive industry recognition include ACE (American Council on Exercise), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), among others. Most offer classes in major metropolitan cities. Generally, it takes anywhere from three months to a year to complete the certification process. The cost varies but ranges upward from a few hundred dollars. To maintain your certification, you will need to take continuing education credits anywhere from every year to every few years.

5. Once you have your certification, you need to approach the job as you would seeking any position in a corporation. You should have an up-to-date resume and be prepared to answer questions and demonstrate your skills to the interviewer.

References

• NCCA Accreditation