huff rationalistic: Guide On How To Become A Personal Trainer

Over the last several years, the personal training profession has greatly evolved due to the tremendous amount of ground breaking scientific evidence and technology. Gone are the days when anyone in ?good shape? could walk into a gym and become a trainer. Nowadays, personal trainers must be educated, have at least one legitimate certification, have current CPR and First Aid cards, possess key personality traits, and keep up to date on the latest news and information from an industry that?s constantly evolving. Personal training has become more than just teaching someone how to exercise, it?s become an essential tool for improving one?s lifestyle.

EDUCATION

Education is a vital component for becoming a successful personal trainer. Individuals must possess a solid foundation of knowledge in many key areas like:

Anatomy
Physiology
Kinesiology
Goal Setting
Weight Management
Nutrition
Supplements
Exercise Prescription
and much more!

There are a few ways that individuals can obtain this knowledge and they are:

College: There are several education areas that can be very beneficial to personal trainers like: kinesiology, anatomy, nutrition and exercise science. These areas of study can provide trainers with an impressive foundation of knowledge and make getting certified much easier.
Vocational School: These establishments are popping up all over the country as more and more people are looking at becoming personal trainers. Vocational Schools are similar to the college environment but provide specialized programs for a specific industry like personal training.
Personal Training Programs: Many colleges, both online and on campus, are starting to offer personal training programs that allow individuals to take specific courses that will prepare students to test for a national certification.

CERTIFICATIONS

Although having a college or specialized education is important, it?s still not enough in most situations to be hired as a personal trainer. Many health clubs, resorts, and other fitness centers require personal trainers to be certified from a credible certifying agency. The following is a list of the most credible and well-respected organizations in the world:
ACSM ? The American College of Sports Medicine is the ?gold standard? for personal training certifications. The organization is a leader in scientific research and is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. ACSM offers workshops and webinars to prepare individuals for their personal training certifications#. The exams cost up to $280 and are taken at a testing center. Once certified, trainers must maintain a current CPR/First Aid card and obtain 45 continuing education units every 3 years.
NASM ? The National Academy of Sports Medicine has become one the best personal trainer certifications in the world. They have ascended up the ladder since their inception in 1987. NASM?s training certification starts at $599 dollars and goes up to $999 dollars#. Depending on which package you buy, you can get workshops, online courses, employment guarantees and more. Once certified, a trainer will need to maintain their CPR/First Aid card, take a recertification test every two years and obtain 2.0 NASM continuing education units.
ACE ? The American Council on Exercise is one of the most respected and oldest fitness organizations in the world. Their certifications cost anywhere from $299 to $579 and include books, practice exams, and more#. ACE costs roughly $129 for the recertification exam and requires 20 continuation education units.
NSCA ? The National Strength and Conditioning Association has been around since 1978. They are highly regarded in the niche of weight lifting and strength training. They also require candidates to have at least a Bachelor?s degree#. Their tests cost anywhere from $200 to $445 and they can be taken on paper or a computer. They allow trainers to retake the certification exam or have a variety of CEUs and fees.
ISSA ? The International Sports Sciences Association has diligently worked to become one of the top certifying agencies. They offer a variety of ways to take the training certification exam including online from home. The Personal Training Certification costs up to $599 dollars and requires a fee and 20 CEUs every 2 years to maintain a current standing#.
All of these agencies require that candidates be at least 18 years old and have a valid CPR/First Aid and AED cards.

NECESSARY QUALITIES

In addition to an education and a reputable certification, individuals need to possess a wide range of qualities that are essential to becoming a successful personal trainer.

Communication ? Being able to communicate with clients is arguably the most important quality a trainer needs. Training and educating the clients relies on proper communications.
Dedication ? Trainers must be dedicated to their profession and to living the lifestyle that they teach. A lazy, out of shape trainer will deter clients from signing-up with them.
Punctual ? Time management is a must when training others. Trainers have to be on time and properly plan for each training session.
Planning ? Trainers must plan ahead with their clients. There?s not enough time in a training session to plan for that session or the next. Trainers have to spend time outside of the gym planning their clients exercise and diet programs.
Sensitive ? Trainers must be sensitive toward their clients? feelings, thoughts, comments, physical condition and more. Insensitivity can cost trainers their clients and damage their reputation.
Organized ? Organization is key to maintaining a progressive, fun, and educational training session. Trainers must remain organized at all times to ensure a professional and successful training experience for their clients.
Committed ? Trainers must be committed to bettering themselves every chance they get. This includes staying up to date on the latest news and obtaining the proper amount of continuing education units.

ONCE YOU?RE CERTIFIED

Once an individual becomes certified there are a few options for them to seek employment as a trainer.
Gym ? Working at a gym is the best option for new trainers. Gyms have set structures, clients, equipment and other tools that will give trainers the valuable experience needed to becoming a successful trainer.
Studio ? A fitness studio has structure like a gym but on a much smaller scale. Studios can be more intimate and slightly intimidating to new trainers since there?s less equipment and options for program design.
Self-Employed ? Many new trainers have dreams of setting out on their own and becoming a successful trainer. This is the hardest option especially for new trainers. This requires putting in the effort to marketing a personal business, drumming up clients, and having access to exercise equipment. It?s too much for new trainers and for most experienced trainers.
Online Trainer ? Online personal training is an option that new trainers can dive into. However, it requires a software program to track and train clients. This could be costly for new trainers.
Consultant ? Consulting businesses and other entities on fitness related topics is a lucrative niche for trainers. However, it typically requires several years of experience as a trainer and a lucky break.
Teacher ? Personal Trainers, with a solid foundation of education, have opportunities to teach health and fitness at institutions like vocational schools. However, like being a consultant, this opportunity requires experience and education.
Writer ? With experience and knowledge comes the opportunity to write. The Internet is booming with opportunities for trainers to share their knowledge by helping others through writing articles and other related content.