How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Connecticut

Certified personal trainers assist people in meeting their fitness goals.

If you are into heath and fitness and have ever considered the possibility of becoming a certified personal trainer, now might be a good time to take advantage of the job market in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, new jobs for fitness workers should increase by 29 percent from 2008 to 2018, a rate faster than many other professions including many of those in the medical field. Becoming a certified personal trainer in the state of Connecticut takes some preparation and study, but can be done much quicker than professional training for many other careers.

Instructions

1. Obtain your basic CPR certification in the state of Connecticut. You can obtain this certification through any number of different channels. One of the easiest ways to obtain your certification is to take a class with the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross offers a variety of different CPR certifications. CPR certification to aid adult victims will likely suffice, but you can always take a combined class to obtain child and infant CPR certification also. Many gyms have child-care facilities so that parents can drop off their children to workout; having full certification in CPR can prove helpful.

2. Take college courses in anatomy and physiology. Although this is not required to obtain certification as a personal trainer in the state of Connecticut (or most other states for that matter), some individuals learn better in a classroom setting. Taking a few courses at a community college can provide you with some necessary foundational knowledge needed to pass some of the personal training certification exams. Most of these exams test heavily on your knowledge of the human body and how it responds to movement and exercise.

3. Determine which personal training certifications you will seek. The personal training industry is not regulated by the state of Connecticut, so no specific training certifications are required. According to the Connecticut Licensing Info Center, personal trainers do not have to obtain any type of occupational license to work in the state of Connecticut. Your training certifications will serve as one of the determining factors in where you get hired. According to Mike Behnken, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, the top-five personal training certifications are those offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, the International Sports Sciences Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.

4. Pass your certification exams. If possible take multiple exams to enhance your credentials. Personal trainers with multiple certifications may be more successful in gaining clients because of their increased level of expertise.

5. Apply for employment and work alongside another trainer. Some gyms will require you to work alongside one of their trainers if you are newly certified. This can provide you with some valuable on-the-job training.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fitness Workers
• Connecticut Licensing Info Center: Do health clubs, martial arts studios and personal trainers require licensing?
• Ask the Trainer: Top 5 Personal Training Certifications for Personal Trainers

Resources

• The American Red Cross Connecticut Region: Take a Class
• National Council on Strength and Fitness: Personal Trainer Certification Exam Locations