How to Train to Be a Fitness Trainer

The demand for qualified fitness trainers is high--prove your expertise by earning certification from an accredited program.

The demand for qualified fitness trainers continues to rise, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While educational requirements for a career as a fitness trainer are not set in stone, an increasing number of employers look for candidates who have earned certification from an accredited fitness instructor training program. Fitness trainer certification programs will help you to learn how to perform fitness assessments, design customized programs and lead clients in exercise routines. To earn certification, you'll need to pass an exam after you've finished your studies.

Things You'll Need

• Fitness trainer certification
• CPR certification

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of setting in which you would like to work and what type of clients with whom you would like to work. Today, fitness trainers have a variety of options for employment settings: local community centers, corporate gyms or even clients' homes. Clients may range from teenagers to seniors and may have any number of goals when they seek to hire a personal trainer. Weight loss or sports-specific exercises are just a few examples. Choosing an area in which to specialize and focusing your education on that specialization will increase your job opportunities and salary potential.

2. Get your CPR certification. Fitness trainer certificate programs will require you to show proof of CPR certification prior to enrolling.

3. Research fitness trainer certification programs. Because of the vast number of programs available, choosing the one that's right for you can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, not all programs are legitimate. Your best bet is to choose a program offered by an organization that has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).These seven organizations are each NCAA-approved:

   American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
   acsm.org

   American Council on Exercise (ACE)
   acefitness.org

   National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
   nasm.org

   National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
   nsca-lift.org

   National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
   ncsf.org

   National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
   nfpt.com

   National Exercise and Sports Trainer Association (NESTA)
   nestacertified.com

   Contact local employers and inquire about which certifications, if any, to which they give preference when reviewing job applications.

4. Choose your program and enroll in the required courses or workshops. At the end of your study, take the program exam to earn your certification as a fitness trainer.

5. Stay at the forefront of fitness and exercise science by taking continuing education classes throughout your career. Remember that certification is not granted on a permanent basis; you will need to seek recertification, usually ever two to four years.

References

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011
• National Commission for Certifying Agencies
• Starting A Personal Training Business