How to Make a Career as a Certified Personal Trainer
"Certified" personal trainers are everywhere because there are a large number of organizations willing to "certify" you as a personal trainer. If you are serious about a career as a personal trainer, and making good money, you need to separate yourself from the pack by obtaining certification from one of the most prestigious certifying organizations. Then you need to advance by promoting yourself and honing your people skills, so you will be able to tap the most lucrative segment of the market for personal trainers.
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Obtaining certification from one of the most highly respected organizations will boost your credibility, helping you land the best jobs and the best clients. These are among the most prestigious personal trainer certifications: American Council on Exercise, National Academy of Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association and the International Sports Sciences Association.
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Promote yourself after obtaining certification and landing your first job. Most new personal trainers without an established network begin working in a fitness center. Choose a high-end fitness center that offers the opportunity to network for future individual clients. Your professional behavior there and word-of-mouth recommendations from members will be invaluable to you when you seek to gain private clients. Print business cards with your email address, website and certification on your business card.
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Create an online presence. Start a training blog or simple website about you and your services. This provides a way for potential clients to see you up-close and personal. If you have "before" photos of yourself, post them. This shows the customer that you had to work hard to get the body you currently have, and can to their challenges. If you've competed in bodybuilding or fitness competitions, list your awards and pictures of you competing.
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Gain skills in a variety of disciplines. Some clients might be training strictly for bodybuilding, while others may be looking for an advantage in a certain sport. Your client base will likely be diverse and so should your knowledge base. Learn how to train for Mixed Martial Arts, which is a popular hobby. Master CrossFit, Tabata and kettlebells.
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You might be the most fit and knowledgeable trainer in your area, but if you have no sense on how to run a business you will fail. Read books about promoting a small business or consultancy. Start with "Think And Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.
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Master your people skills. You're going be working in the customer service industry so you need great people skills. You will have clients from all walks of life and you'll need to know how to communicate with them and create rapport. Best thing you can do to improve your people skills is to talk to your friends and family. Have them help you with deficiencies you might have. And consult the literature about how to improve your personal skills. Read "How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships," by Leil Lowndes.
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