How2Day: Methods for Becoming a Personal Training Instructor

Educate yourself and become certified as a personal trainer to help your clients correctly. Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Personal trainers aim to help people improve the quality of their lives through a personalized approach to exercise. To become a personal trainer, you must obtain an accredited health and fitness certification as well as educate yourself on topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and exercise concepts. The more knowledge you possess, the more job opportunities you're likely to get in a competitive industry.

Most personal training jobs require you to have certifications. You must pass a written test and sometimes a practical portion to acquire a certification. U.S.-based organizations that certify personal trainers include the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American Council on Exercise, and National Academy of Sports Medicine. You can schedule certification exams by using an organization's website or phone contact. These organizations offer study materials and workshops for their exams.

You can also acquire specialized certifications that cater to a smaller population or improve your knowledge in a fitness technique. Examples of specialized certifications are prenatal, kettlebell and Olympic lift. When you discover the areas of personal training in which you wish to work, you can find specialized certs that improve your knowledge and methods of instructing.

Some certifications require only a high school degree, but more advanced certifications that open more doors in the personal training world require pertinent college education.

To be eligible for many certifications you need to have a relevant college degree. Relevant degrees are in exercise science, exercise physiology, physical education, kinesiology, athletic training, and other health-related fields.

Use coursework to expose yourself to information and skill sets on being an effective and safe personal trainer. Education makes you a valuable personal trainer and will allow opportunity for hands-on experience in which to prepare yourself for your career. Look at various schools or programs to find a certain curriculum that best suits your career plans.

Once you have your education and certification, you can start using your knowledge and expertise. The most immediate job opportunity is to seek out your own clients. If you do not like the uncertainty of finding a sufficient number of clients but want the freedom of self-employment, you can find businesses that offer personal training and allow you to be an independent contractor. For a percentage of your rate or a flat rate, these facilities will help you find clients and advertise for you. Many private companies and sports and health facilities have positions for personal trainers. You can join accredited organizations, too. This will allow you to use their job-posting databases.

You can decide on your niche once you find the styles of training you wish to administer and the types of people you want to help. Try to start with a large target population if you're self-employed. You'll have a better chance to make enough money, and you'll learn to work with people of diverse abilities, interests and goals.

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