How to Become a Qualified Exercise Trainer

There are many ways to earn a certificate and become a qualified exercise trainer. A certificate can allow you to work at a gym as a personal trainer or group exercise instructor. It will come in handy if you are a coach or are starting an exercise program for your own personal fitness goals.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

How to Become a Qualified Exercise Trainer

1. Do some research about certificate programs. Different certificates allow you to do different types of training such as personal training, group training and aerobics. If you're looking to use your certification for employment, you should also research your prospective employer(s) to see if they are in need of employees with a particular certificate or can recommend a program.

2. Research programs that offer the certificate you desire. Many programs are available online, some are in video format, and community colleges and universities have also been known to offer a series of classes that result in earning a certificate. Consider the price, the details of the programs, and which program format will best fit your schedule and lifestyle.

3. Start studying. Most courses are fast-paced, so it's important to keep up. Programs cover anatomy, client relations and evaluation, safe exercise execution, warm-up and cool-down techniques, health hazards, and legal issues. Most provide sample worksheets and tracking sheets to get you started, but they also cover how to make your own materials.

4. Take the final test. Depending on the type of certificate program you signed up for, the testing process will differ. Online and video programs usually require you to designate a qualified proctor to supervise you. The testing format varies from course to course, but multiple choice, matching and short-answer questions are common.

5. If you pass the test, you will be a qualified exercise trainer. Once you have your certificate, you'll be able to apply for positions and start using what you have learned.

6. Certificates do expire. Be sure to make note of the expiration date and schedule a renewal test as appropriate. The cost of the renewal tests is much lower than the entrance into the program, and some employers will cover the cost.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider shadowing another exercise trainer to see what her occupation entails. This will prepare you for the program and also give you some real-life experience in the field.
• Be sure to do your research before giving any personal information to a potential certificate program. You need to make sure it is a legitimate operation. Always ask your clients about medical conditions and injuries before starting an exercise to make sure you can create a plan for them that won't aggravate a preexisting condition.

Resources

• American Council on Exercise

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[gymrat4life]

on 6/8/2009 American Council on Exercise is a great place for info. they have an online program that lots of gyms like.